Durga Kund Temple
A vibrant red 18th-century temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, known for its spiritual power and sacred pond.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Durga Kund Temple
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant red 18th-century temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, known for its spiritual power and sacred pond.
"A must-visit for devotees seeking blessings and strength, this temple is a powerful Shakti Peetha."
📱 No Phones Allowed
Leave your phone outside or in your vehicle; photography is prohibited inside the temple premises.
🚶♀️ Walkable from Sankat Mochan
Easily accessible on foot from the popular Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Sacred Durga Kund
Adjacent to the temple
A holy pond believed to be connected to the Ganges, adding to the temple's spiritual significance.
The Iconic Red Temple
Main temple structure
A striking 18th-century temple painted bright red, symbolizing strength and dedicated to Goddess Durga.
Goddess Durga's Yantra Form
Inner sanctum
Worship the divine form of Maa Kushmanda, believed to have appeared on its own.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Serenity
Navigating the Temple and Surroundings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📱 No Phones Allowed
Leave your phone outside or in your vehicle; photography is prohibited inside the temple premises.
🚶♀️ Walkable from Sankat Mochan
Easily accessible on foot from the popular Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple.
🛍️ Puja Items Nearby
Shops selling flowers, offerings, and Prasad are conveniently located around the temple.
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking is limited; consider local transport or walking to avoid hassle.
Tips
from all over the internet
📱 No Phones Allowed
Leave your phone outside or in your vehicle; photography is prohibited inside the temple premises.
🚶♀️ Walkable from Sankat Mochan
Easily accessible on foot from the popular Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple.
🛍️ Puja Items Nearby
Shops selling flowers, offerings, and Prasad are conveniently located around the temple.
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking is limited; consider local transport or walking to avoid hassle.
🚩 Wear Respectful Attire
Dress modestly to show respect for the religious site.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Durga Kund Mandir is a highly revered 18th-century temple in Varanasi, celebrated for its striking red architecture and the sacred pond. Devotees praise its spiritual power and the belief in the self-manifested idol of Goddess Durga. While phones are not allowed and parking is difficult, it's considered a must-visit for blessings and experiencing local religious fervor, especially during Navratri.
"Durga Kund Mandir is one of the most famous temples in Varanasi, built in the 18th century by Rani Bhabani. Dedicated to Goddess Durga, it is known for its striking red color, Nagara-style architecture, and the sacred pond beside it. The temple is crowded and lively, with shops nearby for puja items and Prasad. Phones are not allowed inside, and there’s no parking close by. A must-visit for devotees seeking blessings and strength"
Prem Kumar
"Temple is in walkable distance from sanchata mocha hanuman temple.
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 Durga. Durga Mandir was constructed in 18th century by 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.
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."
Karthik Nambiraj
"Durga Kund beside with Red coloured Temple dedicated to Goddess Durga.Crowded inside with Queue lines. Blessings of Goddess Durga to solvage all problems and for Peace/prosperity. Photography not allowed inside Temple
Powerful Goddess"
sreedharrao d r
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Durga Kund Temple is located on Sankat Mochan Road in Varanasi. It's easily accessible by auto-rickshaws and local taxis. Many visitors combine a trip here with the nearby Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, as they are within walking distance of each other.
Parking near Durga Kund Temple can be quite challenging due to its location in a busy area. It's advisable to use local transport like auto-rickshaws or consider walking from a slightly further point if you're coming by car.
From Varanasi Cantt Railway Station, you can hire an auto-rickshaw or a taxi directly to Durga Kund Temple. The journey typically takes around 30-45 minutes depending on traffic.
Yes, ride-sharing apps like Ola and Uber are generally available in Varanasi and can be used to book a cab to Durga Kund Temple.
The temple complex has some stairs and uneven surfaces. While the main shrine is accessible, navigating the pond area might be challenging for individuals with significant mobility issues.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entry fee to visit Durga Kund Temple. It is a public temple, and devotees are welcome to enter and offer prayers freely.
Durga Kund Temple is generally open from early morning around 6 AM to 10 PM. However, it's always a good idea to check for any specific timings during festivals or special occasions.
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the Durga Kund Temple premises. Visitors are requested to refrain from taking pictures or videos to maintain the sanctity of the place.
No, mobile phones are not allowed inside the temple. You will likely need to deposit them at a designated counter or leave them in your vehicle.
To avoid large crowds, it's best to visit during weekday mornings or late afternoons. Weekends and major Hindu festivals, especially Navratri, see a significant influx of devotees.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Durga Kund Temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is considered one of the most powerful Shakti temples in Kashi. Legend states the idol appeared on its own, and Goddess Durga is believed to protect Varanasi.
The 'kund' is a sacred pond located beside the temple, believed to have once been connected to the River Ganges. It adds to the spiritual ambiance of the site.
It is recommended to dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees, as it is a religious site.
Basic facilities like drinking water might be available. However, it's a functional temple, so don't expect extensive amenities. You can purchase puja items and Prasad from nearby shops.
A typical visit to Durga Kund Temple, including offering prayers and observing the surroundings, can take about 30-60 minutes, depending on the crowd.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several local eateries and street food stalls in the vicinity of Durga Kund Temple, offering a taste of authentic Banarasi cuisine.
You can find popular North Indian dishes, local snacks like kachori sabzi, samosas, and sweets. Don't miss trying the famous Banarasi paan.
While street food is a highlight, it's advisable to choose vendors who appear clean and popular. Opt for freshly prepared items and bottled water.
For fine dining, you might need to travel a bit further into the main city areas of Varanasi, as the immediate vicinity of the temple is more focused on local eateries and street food.
Yes, you can purchase Prasad (offerings) from the shops located just outside the temple premises.
📸 📸 Photography
While photography is not allowed inside, the exterior of the bright red temple and the adjacent Durga Kund pond offer excellent photo opportunities. The surrounding streets also have a vibrant local feel.
Drone usage is generally restricted in and around religious sites and densely populated areas. It's best to avoid flying drones near Durga Kund Temple to comply with local regulations.
Early morning or late afternoon light provides the best conditions for photographing the temple's exterior, offering softer light and fewer crowds.
The temple's Nagara-style architecture and the intricate carvings on its exterior are noteworthy. The vibrant red color itself is a key photographic element.
A standard DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) would be suitable. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the entire temple and pond.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during less crowded times to make the experience more comfortable for younger children. The walk from Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple can be a good way to engage them in exploring the area. Ensure children are dressed modestly and are aware that photography is not permitted inside.
🙏 Devotees and Spiritual Seekers
The temple is particularly revered during Navratri, offering an intensified spiritual experience with special rituals and a palpable sense of devotion. The presence of the sacred kund further enhances the site's sanctity. Many visitors find solace and a deep sense of connection here.
📸 Photographers
Focus on capturing the temple's facade, the surrounding ghat-like steps of the pond, and the local life that often bustles around the temple premises. Remember to be respectful of the religious nature of the site and avoid intrusive photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend and History of Durga Kund Temple
The temple's architecture is noteworthy, often described as being in the Nagara style and painted a distinctive bright red, symbolizing the goddess's power and strength. Adjacent to the temple lies the sacred Durga Kund, a pond that, according to local lore, was once connected to the mighty River Ganges. This connection further enhances the spiritual significance of the location, making it a place of deep reverence for devotees.
Historically, the temple is believed to have been constructed after Goddess Durga intervened in a battle to protect Varanasi, as narrated in ancient scriptures. This narrative reinforces the belief that the goddess continues to safeguard the holy city, drawing pilgrims seeking her blessings for strength, peace, and prosperity.
Experiencing Navratri at Durga Kund Temple
During Navratri, the temple's already striking red facade is often adorned with flowers and lights, creating a visually stunning spectacle. Visitors can experience the heightened spiritual energy as the community comes together to honor the divine feminine. It's a time when the temple's significance as a powerful Shakti Peetha is most palpable, offering a unique glimpse into the religious fervor of Varanasi.
For those planning to visit during Navratri, be prepared for larger crowds and potentially longer wait times. However, the immersive experience of witnessing these grand celebrations is often considered well worth the effort. It's an opportunity to connect with the local culture and traditions on a deeper level.
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