Durga Mandir, also known as Durga Kund Mandir, Durga Temple and also monkey temple, is one of the most famous temples in the holy city of Varanasi. This temple has great religious importance in Hinduism and is dedicated to the Maa Durga. Durga Mandir was constructed in 18th century by Bengali Maharani.
Shrine’s History
Durga Mandir was constructed in 18th century by Bengali Maharani. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Durga. Next to the temple, is a kund (pond) which was earlier connected to the river Ganges. It is believed that the existing icon of the goddess was not made by a man but appeared on its own in the temple. In adhyasa (chapter) 23 of the Devi-Bhagavata Purana, this temple’s origin is explained. As per the text, Kashi Naresh (king of Varanasi) called for a Swayamvar for his daughter Ishikawa’s marriage.
The King later learnt that the princess was in love with vanvasi prince Sudarshan. So Kashi Naresh got his daughter secretly married to the prince. When the other Kings got to know about the marriage, they got angry and went to war with Kashi Naresh. Sudarshan then offered prayers to Durga, who came on a lion and fought the war for Kashi Naresh and Sudarshan. After the war, Kashi Naresh pleaded to Durga to protect Varanasi and with that belief, this temple was constructed
Legends Associated with This Shrine
Ayodhya king, Dhriva Sandhi had two sons namely Sudarshana from first wife Queen Manorama and Satrijith from second wife Queen Lilavathi. One day Dhriva Sandhi dies suddenly after going for a hunt. After learning that Sudarshana was about to be crowned as king, Lilavathis father Yathajith hatches a lethal plan to evict out him. Fearing for her sons life, Manorama reaches the abode of Saint Bharadwaja at Trikutaadri. Sudarshana hones the skills of a warrior and student under the careful guidance of Bharadwaja.
However, he started praying to Maa Durga for more powers upon the insistence of the saint. Impressed by the devotion of Sudarshana, the goddess appears before him offering the king with a spiritual bow and arrows that help in remaining undefeated in the battlefield. Meanwhile, it was Sasikala, the daughter of Kashi king Subahu, who falls in love with him. Impressed with the great fighting skills of Sudarshana, he learns about the secret behind. Eventually, even Subahu starts praying to the goddess and she asks him to make a wish. The king asks her to reside in the city of Kashi forever. As the wish has been granted, Subahu constructs Durga Temple on the banks of Durga Kund.
Architectural Relevance of This Shrine
Durga Mandir was constructed in the 18th century by a Bengali Maharani (Bengali queen). The temple was built in North Indian Nagara style of architecture. The temple is painted red with ochre to match the colours of the central icon of Durga, the goddess of strength and power. Inside the temple, lots of elaborately carved and engraved stones can be found. The temple is made up of many small sikharas conjoined together.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
Durga Temple could be visited from Varanasi by taking one of the regular bus services from Ramnagar and Birdopur
By Rail
Varanasi Cantt Railway Station, via Mahmoorganj Rd, around 8 km
By Air
Varanasi Airport Terminal, via NH 56, around 25 km
Shrine Timings
Any Time in the year from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Navratris, Nag Panchami
Extra Information About this Shrine
Durga Mandir, also known as Durga Kund Mandir, Durga Temple and also monkey temple, is one of the most famous temples in the holy city of Varanasi. This temple has great religious importance in Hinduism and is dedicated to the Maa Durga. Durga Mandir was constructed in 18th century by Bengali Maharani.
