Scindia Ghat
The Scindia Legacy: Scindia Ghat, also known as Shinde Ghat, was built in 1830 AD by the Scindias of Gwalior, a prominent Maratha dynasty, whose architectural contributions are evident in the northern part of the ghats, signifying the vast Maratha influence on the city's infrastructure.: The Leaning Temple: The ghat is famously distinguished by the visually striking and partially submerged Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple (or the Leaning Temple of Varanasi), which perpetually leans into the Ganga. This temple's unique state makes the ghat one of the most photographed and picturesque spots on the riverfront.: Mythological Birthplace: According to Hindu mythology, the area known as Siddha Kshetra (Field of Fulfillment) atop the ghat is considered the birthplace of Agni, the Hindu God of Fire, giving it profound religious significance related to fire and cremation.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
45 Minutes - 1 HourPlace Type:
Ghat, Historical Monument, PilgrimageEntry Fees:
General Entry: Free to access and walk along the ghat. :
Temple Donation: No formal fees for the temple; voluntary donations are accepted for the shrines on the steps. :
Boating Fee: Separate charges apply fo...General Entry: Free to access and walk along the ghat. :
Temple Donation: No formal fees for the temple; voluntary donations are accepted for the shrines on the steps. :
Boating Fee: Separate charges apply for hiring a boat from the ghat.Timing:
Regular Timings: Open 24 Hours, as it is a public riverfront. :
Ideal Visit Time: Early morning (5:00 AM - 7:00 AM) for sunrise and the most serene atmosphere to view the leaning temple in the soft light, or late afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM)...Regular Timings: Open 24 Hours, as it is a public riverfront. :
Ideal Visit Time: Early morning (5:00 AM - 7:00 AM) for sunrise and the most serene atmosphere to view the leaning temple in the soft light, or late afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM) to catch the glow of the sunset.Special Events:
Local Ganga Aarti: A small, local Aarti is performed here in the evening, providing a much more intimate and quiet devotional experience compared to the grand Dashashwamedh Aarti. :
Devdeepawali Decoration: The ghat is heavily decorated with ...Local Ganga Aarti: A small, local Aarti is performed here in the evening, providing a much more intimate and quiet devotional experience compared to the grand Dashashwamedh Aarti. :
Devdeepawali Decoration: The ghat is heavily decorated with lamps (diyas) during the Devdeepawali festival (Kartik Purnima), illuminating the temple and the steps beautifully.Best Photo Spots:
The Leaning Temple (Low Angle): The iconic shot is a low-angle photograph of the Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple, capturing its lean and the water swirling around its base, especially striking when partially submerged. :
View from Manikarnika: A vi...The Leaning Temple (Low Angle): The iconic shot is a low-angle photograph of the Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple, capturing its lean and the water swirling around its base, especially striking when partially submerged. :
View from Manikarnika: A view from the top of the adjacent Manikarnika Ghat offers a powerful perspective of the Scindia Ghat and the Leaning Temple with the flow of the Ganga in the background. :
Architectural Details: Capture the detailed stone carvings and the Maratha-style embellishments of the upper ghat buildings. (Approx. )Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Observe the Ratneshwar Temple: Spend time viewing and photographing the Leaning Temple from different angles on the ghat steps, appreciating its unique architectural state and the water level around it. :
Take a Purificatory Bath: Take a holy dip in the Ganga, especially if coming from the adjacent Manikarnika Ghat, as it is an important post-cremation ritual for purification. :
Explore Siddha Kshetra: Wander into the extremely narrow alleys at the top of the ghat to discover the various ancient and influential shrines, experiencing the dense, traditional local life of Varanasi. :
Morning Boat Ride View: Hire a boat from a central ghat (like Dashashwamedh) and head north to Scindia Ghat to capture the mesmerizing view of the Leaning Temple from the water at sunrise,...Observe the Ratneshwar Temple: Spend time viewing and photographing the Leaning Temple from different angles on the ghat steps, appreciating its unique architectural state and the water level around it. :
Take a Purificatory Bath: Take a holy dip in the Ganga, especially if coming from the adjacent Manikarnika Ghat, as it is an important post-cremation ritual for purification. :
Explore Siddha Kshetra: Wander into the extremely narrow alleys at the top of the ghat to discover the various ancient and influential shrines, experiencing the dense, traditional local life of Varanasi. :
Morning Boat Ride View: Hire a boat from a central ghat (like Dashashwamedh) and head north to Scindia Ghat to capture the mesmerizing view of the Leaning Temple from the water at sunrise, when the golden light catches the leaning spire. :
Observe the Aghoris: Due to its proximity to the main cremation ground (Manikarnika), the ghat is often a place where Aghori Sadhus, covered in ash, can be seen meditating or walking, offering a unique opportunity for cultural observation (with great respect and distance).
Information
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Why Famous:
The Leaning Temple: Its primary fame comes from the photogenic, partially submerged Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple, a unique architectural wonder that symbolizes the powerful, often destructive, force of the Ganga river. :
Proximity to Manikarnika:The Leaning Temple: Its primary fame comes from the photogenic, partially submerged Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple, a unique architectural wonder that symbolizes the powerful, often destructive, force of the Ganga river. :
Proximity to Manikarnika: It is very close to Manikarnika Ghat, making it a key spot for devotees to take a ritual bath (Snan) after performing or observing funeral rites, as it is considered a purificatory step. -
Architecture:
Maratha Architecture: The ghat features typical Maratha architectural elements, characterized by sturdy, large stone embankments and steps. The structures at the top are traditional houses and small temples built in the 19th century. :
The Ratne...Maratha Architecture: The ghat features typical Maratha architectural elements, characterized by sturdy, large stone embankments and steps. The structures at the top are traditional houses and small temples built in the 19th century. :
The Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple: This 19th-century temple is a magnificent example of the local Nagara style, but its unique feature is its severe, permanent lean caused by subsidence, possibly due to poor foundation work on the river's edge or the immense weight of the adjacent ghat structure, with its lower part often submerged during the monsoon. :
Siddha Kshetra Lanes: The narrow alleys above the ghat contain several of Kashi's most influential, though architecturally simple, shrines in the Siddha Kshetra area. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Fly to VNS (approx. 25 KMS). Take a taxi/cab to the nearest main road. :
By Train: Nearest is BSB (approx. 4. 5 KMS). Take an auto-rickshaw to the road near Godowlia Chowk or Lalita Ghat. :
By Road:By Air: Fly to VNS (approx. 25 KMS). Take a taxi/cab to the nearest main road. :
By Train: Nearest is BSB (approx. 4. 5 KMS). Take an auto-rickshaw to the road near Godowlia Chowk or Lalita Ghat. :
By Road: Vehicle access stops at major choke points like Godowlia Chowk. From there, it is a walk (approx. 10 minutes) north along the ghats or through the narrow alleys. :
By Local Transport: Best reached by walking south from Panchganga Ghat or north from Manikarnika Ghat (it is almost adjacent to Manikarnika), or by a dedicated boat ride. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Seasonal Preference: October to March (Winter) is best for enjoyable walking along the ghats. Avoid the monsoon (July-September) when the water level is high and the temple is almost fully submerged. :
Daily Preference: Sunrise is the most p...Seasonal Preference: October to March (Winter) is best for enjoyable walking along the ghats. Avoid the monsoon (July-September) when the water level is high and the temple is almost fully submerged. :
Daily Preference: Sunrise is the most photogenic time for the leaning temple, offering the best light and atmosphere. -
Near Tourist Places:
Manikarnika Ghat (Adjacent/0. 2 KM), Nepali Temple (Lalita Ghat) (0. 4 KM), Man Mandir Ghat (0. 8 KM), Panchganga Ghat (0. 8 KM), Kashi Vishwanath Temple (1 KM), Dashashwamedh Ghat (1. 5 KM), Kala Bhairava Temple (1 KM), Godowlia Market (1. 5 KM), Annapurna Temple (1. 5 KM), Gyanvapi Mosque (1 KM).
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Be cautious on the steps, especially near the leaning temple, which can be slippery. Be highly respectful of the nearby Manikarnika Ghat activities. :
Packing: Bring a good camera for the unique leaning temple. Wear sturdy,...Health & Safety: Be cautious on the steps, especially near the leaning temple, which can be slippery. Be highly respectful of the nearby Manikarnika Ghat activities. :
Packing: Bring a good camera for the unique leaning temple. Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear. :
Accommodation: Few official hotels right on the ghat, but many guest houses and Dharamshalas are located in the surrounding lanes. :
Other Tips: Hire a boat for the best view and photos of the Ratneshwar Temple and the northern stretch of the Varanasi riverfront.
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