Sri Durga Mandir

The Durga Temple, located in the heart of Varanasi by the Durga Kund tank, is a vibrant sanctuary dedicated to Goddess Durga, revered as the city’s guardian. Famous for its striking red color and the many monkeys that roam its grounds—earning it the nickname “monkey temple”—this 18th-century architectural gem was built by Bengali queen Rani Bhabani. The temple’s towering multi-tiered shikhara symbolizes the five sacred elements (panchmahabhutas), representing life and the universe. Inside, the temple houses idols of Durga along with Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Kali. Devotees believe the Durga idol manifested miraculously, and the temple is said to be a site of many miracles, drawing thousands during festivals like Navratri and Nag Panchami, when vibrant rituals and mythic reenactments occur. Beyond the temple, visitors can explore nearby Durga Ghat, the legendary Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dashashwamedh Ghat’s Ganga Aarti, and historic sites like Sarnath and Ramnagar Fort, making the Durga Temple a must-visit for spiritual seekers and cultural explorers alike.