Durga Temple (Durga Kund Mandir), Varanasi
Durga temple · Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
The Durga Temple in Varanasi, widely known as the Durga Kund Mandir, is a shrine of the goddess Durga in the Bhelupur area of the city, beside a large stepped tank called Durga Kund. It is easily recognised by its red-painted walls and clustered spires.
The temple was built in the 18th century by Rani Bhabani of Natore, a Bengali queen, according to Incredible India and Wikipedia. It is a living temple, and Durga Puja is celebrated here during Navratri.
Faith & Tradition
Religious Significance of Durga Temple (Durga Kund Mandir), Varanasi
Durga is the presiding deity. Local tradition, recorded by both Incredible India and Wikipedia, holds that the image of the goddess was not made by human hands but appeared on its own. The temple's red colour is described by Incredible India as the colour associated with Durga, and Wikipedia notes that the ochre-red paint matches the colour of the central image.
The temple complex also houses images of Lakshmi, Saraswati and Kali, according to Incredible India. Devotees believe the goddess answers those who come to her for help; such beliefs are a matter of faith.
Because of the many monkeys around it, the temple has long been nicknamed the 'monkey temple', Incredible India notes.
Heritage
History of Durga Temple (Durga Kund Mandir), Varanasi
Wikipedia records that the exact date of construction is not known, but both Wikipedia and Incredible India credit the temple to Rani Bhabani of Natore in the 18th century. A 2025 Outlook Traveller feature on how Bengali pilgrims shaped Kashi's temple landscape describes Rani Bhabani as a wealthy widow from Natore and dates the Durga Temple to 1760.
The tank beside the temple, Durga Kund, was once connected to the Ganga, according to Wikipedia. Outlook Traveller describes it as a sacred pond with steps for ritual bathing.
Architecture and sacred features
The temple is built in the North Indian Nagara style. Wikipedia describes the tower as a cluster of many small shikharas joined together, with elaborately carved stone inside. Incredible India describes a tall shikhara in five segments, which it interprets as representing the five elements, supported by carved columns and set in a broad courtyard.
The whole structure is painted red, and the temple overlooks the rectangular Durga Kund, with steps leading down to the water.
Plan Your Visit
Darshan and Visitor Information
This is an active temple; dress modestly and follow the instructions of the temple staff. Keep food and loose belongings out of reach of the monkeys around the complex. Confirm current darshan timings and any rules on photography with the temple management before visiting.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with the temple administration before travelling. Last reviewed 1 November 2026.
Sacred Calendar
Festivals at Durga Temple (Durga Kund Mandir), Varanasi
Navratri (Durga Puja)
Incredible India says Shri Durga Puja is celebrated at the temple during Navratri.
Nag Panchami
According to Incredible India, Vishnu reclining on the serpent Shesha is re-enacted at the Durga Kund.
Location
How to Reach Durga Temple (Durga Kund Mandir), Varanasi
The temple is in Bhelupur, Varanasi. Wikipedia places it about 250 m north of the Tulsi Manas Mandir, about 700 m north-east of the Sankat Mochan temple and about 1.3 km north of Banaras Hindu University. Incredible India lists Varanasi Junction as the nearest railway station and Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport as the nearest airport.
Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
Nearest airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi (per Incredible India)
Nearest railway station: Varanasi Junction (per Incredible India)
More in Hindu temples in Uttar Pradesh · Durga temples · Temples in Varanasi District
Questions
Durga Temple (Durga Kund Mandir), Varanasi: Frequently Asked Questions
Who built the Durga Kund temple in Varanasi?
Rani Bhabani of Natore, a Bengali queen, in the 18th century. Outlook Traveller dates the construction to 1760; Wikipedia says the exact date is not known.
Why is the Durga temple painted red?
Incredible India describes red as the colour of Durga, and Wikipedia notes that the red-ochre paint matches the colour of the central image.
Why is it called the monkey temple?
Incredible India says the nickname comes from the large number of monkeys around the temple.
What is Durga Kund?
It is the stepped tank beside the temple. Wikipedia records that it was once connected to the Ganga.
Which festivals are celebrated at the Durga temple?
Durga Puja during Navratri, and on Nag Panchami a re-enactment of Vishnu reclining on the serpent takes place at the kund, according to Incredible India.
Is the Durga Kund temple near Sankat Mochan and Tulsi Manas Mandir?
Yes. Wikipedia places it about 250 m north of Tulsi Manas Mandir and about 700 m north-east of Sankat Mochan.
Sources and attribution
- Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism, Government of India) — Durga Temple, Varanasi
- Outlook Traveller — The untold story of how Bengali pilgrims shaped Kashi's temple landscape (Santosh Ojha, 2025)
- Wikipedia — Durga Mandir, Varanasi
Further reading: Durga Temple (Durga Kund Mandir), Varanasi on Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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