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Durga Temple, Varanasi
Durga · Durga Kund, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
॥ ॐ दुं दुर्गायै नमः ॥
The Durga Temple of Varanasi, beside the old tank of Durga Kund, is one of the most revered goddess shrines of the holy city, its deep red spire rising in the Nagara manner above the water. Built in the 18th century by a Bengali queen and home to the goddess held to be self-manifest, it is a centre of Shakta worship in Kashi, busy through Navaratri and the year.
The red shrine by the tank
The temple, washed in the ochre-red sacred to the goddess, stands beside the rectangular tank of Durga Kund, once linked to the Ganga. The image of Durga within is held to be swayambhu, self-manifest, and the goddess is worshipped as the fierce protector of the city, with offerings and the chanting of her praises filling the shrine.
A temple of the 18th century
The present temple was built in the 18th century with the patronage of a Bengali queen, Rani Bhabani of Natore, in the Nagara style of north India, its multi-tiered spire formed of many smaller towers rising together. It stands among the cluster of shrines in the southern part of Varanasi, a short way from the Tulsi Manas and Sankat Mochan temples.
Navaratri in Kashi
Navaratri, the nine nights of the goddess, is the temple’s grandest season, when long queues of devotees come for darshan and the shrine is decked in red and lamps. The temple is known for the troops of monkeys about its precincts, and for the steady devotion of the people of Kashi to the Mother who guards their city.
How to reach the temple
- By road: the temple is at Durga Kund in the southern part of Varanasi, near Banaras Hindu University.
- By train: Varanasi Junction is about 6 km away.
- By air: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, Varanasi, is about 25 km away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Durga Temple of Varanasi?
It is a revered goddess shrine beside the tank of Durga Kund in Varanasi, with a deep red Nagara spire, where Durga is worshipped as the self-manifest protector of the city.
Who built the temple?
It was built in the 18th century with the patronage of the Bengali queen Rani Bhabani of Natore.
Why is the temple red?
It is washed in the ochre-red colour sacred to the goddess Durga, a striking feature of the shrine by the Durga Kund.
Is it the same as a monkey temple?
It is known for the troops of monkeys about its precincts, and is sometimes called the monkey temple by visitors, though it is a Durga shrine.
What is the main festival?
Navaratri, the nine nights of the goddess, is the grandest season, with long queues for darshan.
How do I reach the temple?
It is at Durga Kund in southern Varanasi near Banaras Hindu University; Varanasi Junction is about 6 km away.
॥ जय माता दी ॥ • Bhaktiras.net Temple Guide
| Deity | Durga (self-manifest) |
| Setting | Beside the Durga Kund tank |
| Built | 18th c, Rani Bhabani of Natore |
| Style | Nagara, red-ochre spire |
| Region | Southern Varanasi |
| Main Festival | Navaratri |