Field guides / Sindh / Karachi / Shree Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple (Guru Nanak's cave), Clifton
Field guide · Heritage
South Karachi
South Karachi District · Sindh, Pakistan
Shree Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple (Guru Nanak's cave), Clifton
The cave temple beside Clifton's steps where Guru Nanak is said to have meditated, now known as Shree Ratneshwar Mahadev.
A lamp called Guru Joti burns where he meditated, beyond the old lamp of the sea goddess. The marble temple, kept by Nanakpanthi Hindus, holds a three-day Maha Shivratri festival.
Why go
- ✦The cave where Guru Nanak is said to have meditated in Clifton
- ✦A lamp called Guru Joti burns at the spot
- ✦Now the Shree Ratneshwar Mahadev temple, kept by Nanakpanthi Hindus
History
Clifton is a well known amusement area and the people normally visit this place for recreation. This sacred shrine is adjacent to the left hand side of the steps of the Clifton park. There used to be a temple of the goddess of the sea at this place before the arrival of Jagat Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The ships used to pass after offering ablution. There was no idol in this temple, only a lamp placed there was worshipped by the Hindus. The Talpur ruler used to offer 7. 5 seers of oil for this lamp every month. Sat Guru Nanak Dev Ji meditated in a cave just beyond the lamp. An other lamp is kept burning at the place where he had meditated and it is called "Guru Joti“ The building of Gurdwara is beautiful and built with marble. A courtyard comes after getting down fourteen steps. From here six steps lead into a hall. At the end of the hall is the part of cave where Guru Dev Ji meditated. The priests are Nanakpanthi Hindus. This shrine is known as Shri Ratneswar Mahadev Temple these days.
Planning tip
Best Time to Visit, At Maha Shivratri (February or March), when the Shree Ratneshwar Mahadev temple, as this cave shrine is now known, holds a three-day festival attended by about 25,000 people. For a quiet visit, go between December and February; summers are hot and humid.
Getting there, Next to the steps of Clifton park, Clifton, Karachi; fourteen steps lead down to the courtyard.
What to Do
Nearby
Straight-line distance from Shree Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple (Guru Nanak's cave), Clifton, within 5 km.
