Shubh Travel
Shubh Travel
Located just north of the busy Manikarnika Ghat, Scindia Ghat is famous for one of the most photographed sites in Varanasi: the majestic, partially submerged Shiva Temple that leaned into the Ganges 150 years ago.
Scindia Ghat (often spelled Shinde Ghat) was built in 1830 by Baija Bai, a powerful royal of the Scindia dynasty of Gwalior. She intended to build the grandest and heaviest stone ghat and temple on the river. However, owing to the sheer massive weight of the incredible stonework, the riverbank collapsed during construction.
The magnificent Shiva temple sank partially into the holy waters of the Ganges and tilted dramatically. Today, this leaning, submerged Shiva Temple remains exactly as it sank. The waters of the Ganga submerge its lower half year-round. It stands as a hauntingly beautiful, highly photogenic reminder of the power of nature and the river.
The area surrounding and directly above Scindia Ghat is known religiously as the Siddha Kshetra (Field of Fulfillment). According to legend, Hindu god Agni (the Fire God) was born here.
• The Hidden Temples: If you step off the ghat and wander into the labyrinthine alleys (galis) behind it, you will find a maze of some of the most influential and secret shrines of Varanasi.
• Vashistha and Vamadeva Ashrams: The area is heavily populated by spiritual ascetics, sadhus, and hidden ashrams where intensive meditation occurs, contrasting heavily with the bustling Manikarnika Ghat immediately to its south.
Because Scindia Ghat is a bit further north in the old city, reaching it directly by car is impossible.
How to visit: The absolute best way to experience Scindia Ghat and photograph the leaning temple is from a boat. If you book a Varanasi Sightseeing Package with Shubh Travel, we arrange for your AC cab to drop you near the Maidagin area, from where our guides help arrange a sunrise boat tour. You sweep past Dashashwamedh and Manikarnika, right up to the submerged temple!
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As per official Varanasi tourism data and heritage guidelines, verifying timings of ancient ghats and temples ensures a flawless trip. You can explore more at the Kashi Govt Website.
Need reliable assistance reaching these historic places? You can effortlessly check our local travel services for safe, comfortable transport instead of worrying about the traffic.
No, the temple is heavily flooded and continuously sinking into the mud of the Ganges. It is unsafe and closed off to entry, though it is perfect for exterior photography.
Yes, Scindia Ghat is located immediately to the north of Manikarnika Ghat. You can easily walk from the intense cremation fires of Manikarnika directly into the quiet, eerie calm of Scindia Ghat.
See the leaning temple and all 84 ghats from a morning boat ride. Contact Shubh Travel to arrange your complete itinerary.
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