Durga Mandir, Varanasi

Durga Mandir (Hindi: दुर्गा मंदिर), also known as Durga Kund Mandir and Durga 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 Rani Bhabani of Natore. [1]

Not to be confused with Durga Mandir, Ramnagar.

Durga Mandir, Varanasi
Main entrance of Durga Mandir
Religion
Affiliation	Hinduism
District	Varanasi
Deity	Durga
Festivals	Durga Puja Navratri
Location
Location	Durga Kund, Bhelupur, Varanasi
State	Uttar Pradesh
Country	India
Temple location on Varanasi district map Show map of Varanasi district Durga Mandir, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) Show map of Uttar Pradesh
Geographic coordinates	25.288622°N 82.999279°E / 25.288622; 82.999279
Architecture
Type	Nagara
Creator	Bengali Maharani
Completed	18th century
Elevation	85 m (279 ft)

History

Durga Mandir was constructed in 18th century by Bengali Maharani- Rani Bhabani of Natore. 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.[2][3]

In adhyaya (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 Sashikala'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 (who were invited for Swayamvar) got to know about the marriage, they got angry and went on 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.[1]

Construction

Durga Mandir was constructed in the 18th century (exact date of construction not known) by a Hindu Bengali Rani - Rani Bhabani of Natore. (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, many elaborately carved and engraved stones can be found. The temple is made up of many small sikharas conjoined together.[2]

• 
  Mandir as seen from north corner of Durgakund
• 
  Durga Kund (pond) next to the temple

Location

Durga Mandir is situated on the Sankat Mochan road, adjacent to Durga Kund, 250 meters north of Tulsi Manas Mandir, 700 meters north-east of Sankat Mochan Mandir and 1.3 kilometers north of Banaras Hindu University.[4]

See also

• Hindu temples in Varanasi

References

1. "Durga Mandir". Varanasi.org. Retrieved 1 March 2015.
2. "History". Eastern UP Tourism. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 1 March 2015.
3. "Durga Temple". Varanasi City website. Retrieved 1 March 2015.
4. "Location". Google Maps. Retrieved 1 March 2015.