Detailed references in the Kashi Khand of the Skanda Purana describe the divine origin of Ratneshwar Mahadev at Ratna Ghat in Varanasi. According to mythology, the temple is connected with the appearance of a sacred gem-like Shiva Lingam and several legendary events from different Yugas.

Creation Era – Origin of the Ratneshwar Lingam:

When Brahma founded Kashi, 7 divine gems (Ratna) appeared from the cosmic creation. One of these, the Ratneshwar gem, fell on the banks of the Ganges. Shiva established his own light form in that gem—creating the world’s first gem lingam. 

Treta Yug – Rama Connection:

During Rama’s visit to Kashi, when Ravana performed black magic to appease the planets, Ratneshwar Mahadev neutralized 21 planets with his gem light. A coded reference in the Ramcharitmanas reads, “Sanka Graha Nivaran by Darshan of Ratna Ghat.” 

Dwapar Yug – Mahabharata Connection:

The Pandavas worshipped Ratneshwar before the Kurukshetra War. Krishna told Arjuna that by seeing Ratneshwar, divine weapons become planet-neutral. This is mentioned in the Bhagwat Purana. 

Kali Yuga – Crystal Lingam Appearance:

The current crystal lingam appeared spontaneously with morning dewdrops. Gupta Emperor Chandragupta II (380 AD) commissioned a gold gemstone shield. 7th-century Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang described the “Crystal Lingam Ratna Ghat.”

Medieval Period – Temple Development:

In the 13th century, the 21-gem worship method of Ratneshwar appeared in Tantric texts. In the Peshwa era (1750 AD), the current Nagara Shikhara and gemstone pavilion were built. The Pawan Path Grand Ratna Temple is in modern times.