Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple: Leans More Than Italy’s ‘Leaning Tower Of Pisa’
The Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple in Varanasi, India, is an ancient and remarkable temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has become famous for its incredible tilt, which is even more pronounced than Italy’s famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a well-known world heritage monument in Italy, known for its distinct lean, which is about 4 degrees.
In contrast, the Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple leans at a staggering 9 degrees, making it one of the only two leaning temples in the world.
Surprisingly, the tilt of the Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple is greater than that of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, even though the Pisa tower is a globally recognized landmark.
Not only that, but the Indian temple is also taller, standing at an impressive height of 74 meters, while the Pisa tower is around 54 meters tall.
| Comparison | Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple | Leaning Tower of Pisa |
| Tilt Angle | 9.00° | 3.99° |
| Height | 74 Meters | 54-57 Meters |
| Built On | 1825-1830 | 1173 |
The Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple’s location is also unique and fascinating. It is situated at Manikarnika Ghat and features a phamsana mandapa and a nagara-style spire.
The most extraordinary part is that the inner sanctum, where the deity is housed, remains partially submerged in the Ganges River for most of the year.
For about 6 to 8 months annually, the temple stands partly in the water, and at times, the water level even rises up to its spire. Only during a few months in summer, the water recedes, allowing people to visit the temple and offer their prayers.
Despite its significant lean and interesting location, the Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple is relatively less known, even in India.
However, in recent times, this ancient temple has been gaining attention and popularity. It is now one of the most photographed temples in Varanasi, with many visitors and travelers capturing its beauty and unique tilt in pictures.
The history and reasons behind the temple’s tilt remain shrouded in mystery and local legends. One legend suggests that the temple leaned backward after its construction, possibly due to the weight of the structure, leading to its name “Kashi Karvat.”
Kashi Karvat: Kashi is the ancient name for Varanasi and karvat means leaning in Hindi.
The Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple is a mysterious temple with no confirmed information about its builder. According to legends, it was either built by a servant of Raja Man Singh or by a servant of Ahilya Bai.
The temple is also known as Matri-rin Mahadev because it is believed to be cursed for trying to repay a mother’s debt, which is said to be impossible. The temple is slanted because of this curse.
Some scholars suggest that Queen Baija Bai of Gwalior may have built the temple, but there is no concrete evidence. The temple was built in the 18th century and is associated with various mythological stories.
One story involves a maidservant named Ratnabai who wanted to name the temple after herself, angering Ahilyabai who cursed the temple to become crooked. Another story involves a saint who cursed the temple when the king of Banaras refused to take care of it.
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Despite the mysteries surrounding its origins, the Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple continues to intrigue and captivate people from around the world.
Its remarkable architectural feature, combined with its spiritual significance as a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, makes it a must-visit destination for those exploring the spiritual heart of India in Varanasi.
