Varanasi, this old city on the banks of the River Ganges is home to a large number of temples. Acclaimed as one of the most holy cities in the world, its temples are frequented by pilgrims and devotees in quest of spiritual bliss. The Durga Temple is no lone exception. Religious followers gravitate to the temple and so do common tourists who are drawn to it because of its design pattern and busts.
About Durga Temple Varanasi :
Durga temple, also known as the “monkey temple” is one of the important temples of Varanasi. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. The Durga temple was built in the eighteenth century. A Bengali Maharani built the Durga temple in Nagara Style (the North Indian style of temple architecture). It is stained red with ochre and has a multi-tiered shikhara (spire). The Durga temple is situated on a rectangular tank, called the Durga Kund. According to the Puranas, Goddess Durga has kept this place for many centuries and protects the holy city, Varanasi, from the South.
According to legends, the present statue of Goddess Durga was not made by man but appeared on its own in the temple. The Durga temple is also called Monkey temple because of the presence of large number of monkeys. In Hinduism, Durga is represented as the embodiment of shakti or female power, clad in red, riding a tiger and fully armed with Shiva’s trident, Vishnu’s discus and a sword. Non-Hindus can enter the courtyard of the Durga temple but not the inner sanctum. Thousands of Hindu devotees visit the Durga temple during Navratri and other auspicious occasions.
History of the Durga Temple, Varanasi :
Varanasi is a place highly revered by the Shaivite Hindus. The general trend noticed is that Durga Temples are a rare find in regions which has many followers of Lord Shiva. This is why it is indeed quite surprising to find a Durga Temple in a place like Varanasi reputed for being a Shaivite stronghold. Anyways the temple was constructed by a Bengali Maharani. It was built in the 18th century. Even though she is credited with the construction of the temple, the deity that is enshrined within the temple was not established by her. According to popular legend, Durga herself appeared in this temple at Benaras (the other name by which Varanasi is known), India.
Architecture of the Durga Temple, Varanasi :
The architecture is of Nagara Style, which is typical of North India. The temple is accompanied by a rectangular tank of water called Durga Kund. The temple has multi-tiered spires (shikhara) consisting of five segments symbolizing the elements and supported by finely carved columns. The Temple is stained red with ochre, signifying the red colour of Durga. The Kund was earlier connected to the river itself thus refreshing the water. This tunnel was later closed, leading to locked water which is replenished only by rain or drainage from the Temple. Every year on the occasion of Nag panchami, the act of depicting Lord Vishnu reclining on the coiled-up Shesha Naga, with his consort Lakshmi, seated at his feet; the assemblage resting on the “Kshira Sagar” is repeated in the Kund.
Festival:
The number increases conspicuously when Navratri and other auspicious occasions are celebrated. Durga is the ‘terrible’ form of Shiva’s consort Parvati, so at festivals there are often sacrifices of goats. Non-Hindus can enter the courtyard but not the inner sanctum. It is commonly known as Monkey Temple due to many frisky monkeys that have made it their home.
Other Attractions:
- Bharat Mata Temple
- Dasaswamedh Ghat
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Kedar Ghat
- Man Mandir Ghat
- Manikarnika Ghat
- New Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple)
- Panchganga Ghat
- Shivala Ghat
- Tulsi Ghat
- Tulsi Manas Temple
How to reach:
By Air: Varanasi is on several Indian Airlines routes. There are flights from Lucknow, Jaipur, Bhubaneshwar and Kathmandu also. The airport is about 22 km away from the city.
By Rail: there are not many trains running from Delhi or Calcutta to Varanasi, but most Delhi-Calcutta trains do pass through Mughalsarai, 12 km south of Varanasi.
By Road: there are buses running from Varanasi to Jaunpur, Allahabad, Lucknow, Faizabad, and Gorakhpur. No direct buses run to Khajuraho.
Deities: Goddess Durga
Location: At Durga Kund, Varanasi
Built in: 18th century
Built by: Bengali Maharani
Attraction: Design Pattern and Busts
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
STD Code: 0542