Honouring the goddess of strength and power In the heart of Varanasi, brimming with divine energy, lies the Durga Temple, a sanctuary of Goddess Durga, who is believed to be the guardian of Varanasi. When you reach the temple you will be immediately struck by the beauty of it, for it is a spiritual and architectural masterpiece like all the other temples in Varanasi. But what makes the Durga Temple stand out in particular, is its striking red colour which is said to be the colour of Goddess Durga. You may also be surprised by the numerous monkeys in the temple vicinity, which have earned it the nickname of ‘monkey temple’. This temple is located on the banks of a huge rectangular tank known as the Durga Kund which is why it is also called the Durga Kund Mandir. Enshrined within its hallowed walls is also a legend that says that the statue of Goddess Durga in the temple was not crafted by human hands, rather it manifested on its own! Within the temple premises, you'll also find idols of Goddesses Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Kali, revered deities in Hindu mythology. It is believed that the sacred grounds of Durga Temple have witnessed countless miracles, granting solace to those who seek divine intervention. Unsurprisingly, the temple continues to draw thousands of devotees and tourists to its gates Constructed in the 18th century by the Bengali queen Rani Bhabani, the Durga Temple is a magnificent jewel of architecture. As you step into the expansive courtyard of the Durga Temple, your gaze will be drawn to the towering 'shikhara,' a design style used in temples of North India that boasts a multi-tiered structure resembling a mountain peak. Comprised of five segments representing the sacred 'panchmahabhutas,' the five fundamental elements which give birth to life and the universe, and supported by meticulously carved columns, the ornate shikhara is a sight to behold. Immerse yourself in the vibrant festivities of 'Shri Durga Puja' during the auspicious Navratri festival, celebrating the divine feminine energy in its full splendour. And if you happen to be in Varanasi during Nag Panchami, consider yourself fortunate as you'll have the chance to witness the breathtaking recreation of Lord Vishnu reclining on the serpent at the Kund. Opening time - 05:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 04:00...
Read moreMy visit to Shri Durga Mata Mandir at Durgakund, Varanasi, was a truly spiritual and memorable experience. This temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga, is one of the most famous and revered temples in Varanasi, and it beautifully blends faith, culture, and tradition. Whether you’re a devotee or a tourist exploring Varanasi’s spiritual heritage, this temple is a must-visit.
The moment you enter the temple premises, you can feel a powerful divine energy in the air. The sound of bells, the chants of Durga aarti, and the fragrance of incense create a truly sacred atmosphere. Devotees come with deep faith and devotion, offering flowers, red chunari, and sweets to Maa Durga, and the sight of everyone praying with such heart and belief makes you feel truly connected to the divine.
The temple holds great historical and religious significance in Varanasi. It is believed to have been built in the 18th century and is considered a powerful shaktipeeth where Goddess Durga’s divine presence can always be felt. The temple is situated near Durgakund, a sacred pond that adds to the spiritual aura of the place.
The architecture of the temple is stunning. The bright red colour of the temple makes it stand out, symbolizing strength and power. The intricate carvings on the walls, the beautiful idol of Maa Durga, and the decorative elements inside all reflect the rich artistic and cultural heritage of India.
Despite the constant flow of visitors, the temple is clean and well-organized. The pujaris (priests) are welcoming and help guide devotees through the rituals. Even if you’re visiting for the first time, you won’t feel lost as everything is well-managed. There’s ample space to sit and meditate, allowing you to spend a few peaceful moments in the divine presence of Maa Durga.
The temple’s location near the famous Assi Ghat and Banaras Hindu University makes it easy to reach. You can easily include it in your itinerary while exploring other iconic places in Varanasi.
Visiting Shri Durga Mata Mandir (Durgakund) is more than just a religious visit – it’s an experience of devotion, culture, and spirituality. Whether you seek blessings, inner peace, or simply want to witness the spiritual energy of Varanasi, this temple will leave a lasting impression.
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Read moreDurga Kund in Varanasi is home to the Durga temple, also known as the Monkey Temple (due to the great number of monkeys there). The goddess Durga is honored in this temple. It was constructed in the eighteenth century. The Durga temple was established in the north Indian style, with a multi- tiered shikhara, by a Bengali Maharani. On the right side of the temple, a beautiful pond known as the Durga Kund has been constructed, adding to the temple's splendor. There are stone stairs on all sides of the pond, as well as guard posts at each corner. The Goddess Durga statue was not created by humans; it appeared in the temple on its own. During Navratri and other auspicious occasions, millions of Hindu worshipper's flocks to the Durga temple to pray to the Goddess Durga for the fulfilment of their wishes. This temple is built in the shape of a square, with red stones representing the color of Mata Durga. For their sacred significance in Hinduism, some followers construct a circle around the temple edifice. Durga Mata is said to protect Varanasi from all kinds of problems. And Small temples have been built around the temple, such as Kali Mata Temple, Saraswati Mata Temple and also those of Lord Shiva.Throughout the year, the temple is at its most beautiful. The temple will be brightly colored for the Dusherra festival in October. During this event, there are numerous rites to be found. Outside the temple, other markets and businesses will be set up. The temple is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. Tourists prefer to visit this temple in the winter because of the pleasant weather. The temple will be packed with believers on auspicious days and festivals. Navratri, Nag Panchami are examples of special occasions and celebrations. Only Hindus are permitted to visit the main sanctum sanctorum, even though the temple is open to all. The temple is open from 4 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. The temple does not charge an...
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