Panch Ratna Temple, Varanasi

Panch Ratna Temple, Varanasi

-Ray Saheb Pandey

This temple is one among numerous temples in Varanasi. Situated at the Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya road, linking Durga Kund and Assi, this beautifully carved sandstone structure, known as Panch Ratna Temple, is perhaps one among the most neglected temples in Varanasi. It is beyond comprehension that the premises of this temple is inhabited by residents and also by a hotel. It is unfortunate that not much information about this temple is available on the internet. The Google search, however, revealed that the devotees visit this temple to seek the following:

 Salvation, Wealth, Knowledge, Relief from diseases and Purchase of vehicles. The association of these five wishes with this temple may be the reason for its very name “Panch Ratna.”   

The most pathetic part is that the residents staying in its compound use the outer walls of this marvelous temple for drying their clothes. Though the name of the hotel is prominently displayed, nowhere on the road, is the name of the temple mentioned. One may rightly wonder why this neglect of this temple in the city of temples? Hope someone may throw more light on this.  

Dated 15,12,2017

There is another Panch Ratna Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva at Assi Ghat.

At this temple, a pujari performs the rituals of worshipping Lord Shiva and visitors also visit this temple regularly.

Look at the style of the temple. Both these temples are alike accepting for the size and height!