Ratneshwar Mahadev temple, Hindu temple at Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi, India
Ratneshwar Mahadev is a Hindu temple at Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi, India, dedicated to the god Shiva and standing right at the edge of the Ganges. The building consists of a dome-crowned main prayer hall with a columned entrance and displays reddish-brown sandstone elements on its walls.
The construction took place between 1825 and 1830 following a commission by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar or Queen Baija Bai of Gwalior. Later, continuous erosion of the riverbank damaged the foundation and led to the current tilt toward the northwest.
T h e shrine goes b y t h e nick name 'lea ning temple ' a mong pilgrims who v is it the riverside fo r ritual baths. Dev otees still worship inside even when flood wa ters r ise a bove the en tr a nce, showing the d eep conn ection b et ween f ait h a nd the ri ver's s easonal cycles .
You can reach the temple through the steps of Manikarnika Ghat in the old city of Varanasi near the cremation grounds. During monsoon season from July to September, the prayer room often stands underwater, while it becomes accessible again from April to June.
The tilt measures nine degrees toward the northwest and exceeds the four degrees of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Despite this strong incline, the structure remains stable and continues to be used for religious practices.
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