Shri Ratneshwar Mahadev Mandir is a Hindu Temple situated at the seaside of Clifton in Karachi. It was constructed more than 500 years ago in a cave in a hill. The Grand Mela (Fair) of Lord Shiva is held for 3 days on Maha Shiva Ratri where more than 25,000 people visit the Temple for celebration and rituals every year. Just like many Muslims believe that Abdullah Shah Ghazi’s shrine next door holds the sea back from flooding the city, Hindus believe that Shiva’s third eye watches over the sea and keeps it in check.
The entrance to the Shri Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple is located near the Jehangir Kothari Parade, but is not easy to locate if you don't know where to look. There is a saffron flag flying overhead and three snake charmers just outside the entrance. The two inconspicuous staircase entrances downplay the grandeur of the temple, as they lead to as many as six levels below. The end of the staircase there is a sign allowing only Hindus to enter. This temple is the most beautiful architectural wonder in this city by the sea. Situated so near the sea, a sweet water spring at its lowest ebb is another of nature’s miracles.
2016 (C) Undiscovered Pakistan (I am Pakistan)
