Durga Temple Varanasi

Durga Mandir is a Hindu temple situated in Varanasi city of Uttar Pradesh, India. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. Durga temple is also known as Durga Kund and Lal Mandir. Varanasi city is a very special place for Hindus and this city has religious significance in Hindu religion too. Durga Mandir is one of the acient temples in Varanasi. Varanasi city is also known as Kashi. Durga temple is also mentioned in the 'Kashi Kand'.

Durga temple was constructed with red stones which is very grand and beautiful. One side of the temple is 'Durga Kund'. Durga Mandir was built in the 18th century by the Queen of Bengal, Rani Bhavani. The temple was built in the architecture of North Indian Nagara style. To match the colors of the central symbol of Goddess Durga, the temple is painted red with ochre color. Inside the temple, many carvings and engraved stones can be found. The temple is composed of many small peaks. It is believed that the main idol of the temple, which is of Goddess Durga, appeared on its own at this place, meaning that the idol has not been created by any person.

In this temple, Durga is immaculate in the 'Yantra' form. Goddess Annapurna temple and Ganesh temple behind the Durga Temple. There are two gates to enter to Durga temple. The main entrance is in front of the main complex of the temple and the second door, which is small, is on the right side of the temple. There is also a temples of Baba Bhairavnath, Lakshmi ji, Saraswati ji, Hanuman ji and Mata Kali in the Durga temple. Here religious functions, such as Mundan etc. come to see the mother. There is a havan kund inside the temple, where there are daily havans. Some people also perform a 'Tantra' worship (black magic) here.

All the festivals are celebrated in the temple of Durga, especially in the festival of Durga Puja and Navaratri. During these festivals, some people keep fasting (do not eat food) in the form of respect and dedication to God's worship. In the festival days, the temple is decorated with flowers and lights. The spiritual atmosphere of the temple provides peace to the heart and mind of the devotees.

History of the Durga Temple
Once, the Ayodhya king Dhriva sandhi had two wives known as Manorama and Lilavathi. They have son named Sudarsana (from Manorama) and Satrijith (from Lilavathi). Both sons were getting their education very well. One day, the king Dhriva sandhi went to hunt and killed by a lion. The minister of the king had decided to make next to Sudarsana but the second wife of the king had opposed it. Yathajith (father of Lilavathi) made a plan to kill Sudarsana and Manorama got afraid. And she left the kingdom with her son and went to the saint Bharadwaja at Trikutaadri in order to save her child.

Once, Sudarsana was playing with his friends and heard Kleeba word (means impotent). After some days he forgot the actual word and uttered Kleem always. Saint noticed that educated him to worship, the Vaishnavi (Goddess reverenced by Kama beejakshara). He started to worship the Goddess Vaishnavi and once She came in front of him. She was happy with him and given a spiritual Bow and arrows to always win in the battle field.

Sasikala (daughter of the king of Kashi, Subahu) was fallen in love with the Sudarsana as she heard more about him. One night, Mata Vaishnavi came in the dream of her and told to marry with the Sudarsana. Sudarsana went to the Swayamvara of Sasikala with his mother. Satrijith was also there in the Swayamvara with his grandfather in law; Yathajith. He announced and warned Sasikala that she should select Satrijith as her husband otherwise he will kill both. Father of Sasikala was very afraid and tried to agree her daughter to marry with Satrijith. But she denied and told her father that Mata Vaishnavi would protect them.

Subahu married his daughter with the Sudarsana on that night. By hearing this event, Yathajith came with his army at the border of Kasi to fight with Sudarsana. A serious battle had started between them, then Goddess Durga become visible in front of them in the sky and killed both (Yathajith and Satrijith). The whole army got afraid and went away from the battle field. In this way Sudarsana got victory on the battle. By knowing all this, Subahu also became devotee of the Goddess Vaishnavi and worship too much of Her. Goddess Vaishnavi became happy to him and asked him to get any boon from her. Subahu prayed Her to reside in Kashi and defend them. Goddess Vaishnavi accepted and reside on the bank of Durga kundam, where Subahu constructed a temple. After victory Sudarsana went to the Ayodhya and started ruling Ayodhya.

Best Time to Visit Durga Temple ?
The temple is at prime beauty throughout the year. During Dusherra celebration that takes place in October, the temple will be colorful. You can find many rituals during this celebration. Many fairs and shops will be erected outside the temple. The temple is open from 7 in the morning until 8 in the evening.
Tourists usually prefer to visit this temple during winter season due to the pleasing climate. During auspicious days and festivals, the temple will be filled with devotees.