In the holy city of Varanasi, is the Durga Mandir, dedicated to the power of Goddess Shakthi. She is a fierce guardian, believed to be the protector Varanasi from the south. The idol is believed to be self manifested. The shrine is believed to have been built in the 18th century by a Bengali Queen.

Location Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi, Lucknow

Legend

The legend regarding the temple revolves around the Swayamvar organised by Kashi King, Subahu, for his daughter Sashikala. The king who got to know that she is in love with a prince, Sudarshan, got her secretly married to him. The other kings who were invited for Swayamvar, felt insulted and waged a war on Kashi. Sudarshan offered prayers to Durga, who came on a lion and fought the war for on behalf of Kashi. After the war, agreeing to the King and the prince pleas, Durga stayed here to protect her devotees of Varanasi.

This temple is part of famous Kashi - Varanasi Pilgrimage Yatra.

Architecture

The temple is built in North Indian Nagara architecture style. It has multi tiered shikhara. The shrine is constructed with red colour stones, representing the colour of Goddess Durga. There are beautiful stone sculpture and carvings inside the shrine.  The idol of Durga is adorned with jewellery. The temple pond called the Durga Kund is situated to the right of the temple. The temple is also called monkey temple due to large presence of monkeys in the premise.

Culture

The city of Varanasi believed to be found by Lord Shiva himself is closely associated with many stories of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. The place is the most revered site in the country with its many temples, ashrams and ghats. Cremation and rites for the departed are conducted in many of these Ghats.

Picture Courtesy : commons.wikimedia.org

Darsan Info

Durga Mandir timings : 7.00 AM to 8.00 PM. The temple is also called monkey temple due to large presence of monkeys in the premise.

Darsan Dresscode

Devotees are advised to wear clean and conservative attire

Famous Festival

October - Navrathri, Durgashtami

Temple Rituals

The priests perform regular rituals and puja to the deity. Aarti is performed in the morning and evening.

Special Rituals

Tuesdays are considered auspicious  to visit the shrine

Additional Info

 

Niyati cafe

Dosa Cafe

Varanasi Cafe & Bakery

 

Supermarket : Available