Scindia Ghat is different from other famous ghats in Varanasi because it has a partially submerged Lord Shiva temple. The story behind this is very interesting. To the north of the ghat is Manikarnika Ghat, and Dashashwamedh Ghat is about 1.2 km away. People call the temple that is partly underwater the Ratneshwar Shiva Temple, or the Leaning Shiva Temple.
People believe the temple has been submerged for nearly 150 years because it couldn’t support the weight of the ghat. It is said that the temple will keep sinking until it is completely underwater one day. There is also a mythological story about why the temple became submerged.
The ghat is a peaceful place for visitors. In the mornings, you can see people of all ages practicing meditation and enjoying the calm beauty of the area.
Ratneshwar Shiva Temple
The story is about a boy whose name is Man Singh. His mother loved a man and wanted to marry him, but the boy didn’t approve of the relationship. He decided to do something that would clear any debt he felt he owed his mother. Once he thought he had done this, he planned to cut ties with her. His mother, however, didn’t want the relationship to end and asked him to do it instead. So, he came to Kashi (Varanasi) and built a temple for Lord Shiva.
After doing this, he thought he had paid off his debt to her. But when his mother visited the temple, she became angry and said that no action could repay a mother’s love for her child. Since then, the temple has been cursed and has stayed submerged in water. However, during the summer, when the water level of the Ganges drops a little, the inner part of the temple becomes visible, and it attracts many devotees.
Scindia Ghat also offers fantastic views of the Ganges and its surroundings. The soft morning light, the sound of temple bells, and the sight of people going about their rituals create a serene scene that is perfect for photography. Whether you’re a professional photographer or simply a traveler looking to capture the essence of Varanasi, Scindia Ghat offers plenty of opportunities for stunning pictures.
Popular Tourist Attractions
There are other famous tourist spots in Varanasi that you can visit besides Scindia Ghat, and they are also very important for religious reasons. Here are a few of them.
- Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Manmandir Ghat
- Nepali Temple
- Ramnagar Fort
- Namo Ghat
- Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Assi Ghat
