Durga Temple

Durga temple situated near Durga Kund is also known as the Monkey temple because of the presence of large number of monkeys within the premises. Dedicated to Goddess Durga the temple was built in the 18th century by a Bengali Maharani in the north Indian style complete with a multi-tiered shikhara. Adding to the charm of the temple is the attractive pond known as Durga Kund. The pond is surrounded by stone stairs on all sides with watch towers at all four corners. It is stated that the statue of Goddess Durga is not manmade but appeared on its own in the temple. Countless Hindu devotees merge here on the occasion of Navratri and other holy occasions. This square shaped temple is made up of red coloured stone representing the colour of Goddess Durga. Local residents believe that Goddess Durga protects Varanasi from all eventualities. It is believed that Durga Kund was once directly connected to the river so that it could automatically replenish itself. That water channel has now been blocked and the water in the kund is filled either by rainfall or by artificial means. Thousands visit Durga Kund each year on the occasion of Nag Panchami when Lord Vishnu resting on Shesha Nag is recreated here.