Durga Kund Temple

Durga Kund Temple, also known as Durga Temple or Monkey Temple, is a prominent Hindu temple in the Durgakund area of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, adjacent to the historic Durga Kund pond. Built in the 18th century in Nagara style using red sandstone, it is dedicated to Goddess Durga. The temple is notable for its vivid red colour, tiered shikhara, sacred pond, large monkey population, and major significance during Navratri.

Visitors can expect a red sandstone Nagara-style temple with a tall shikhara located beside the rectangular Durga Kund pond. The complex includes the main sanctum with the idol of Goddess Durga, smaller shrines, and steps leading to the kund. The surroundings are busy with devotees, shops selling offerings and prasad, and numerous monkeys in the temple precinct. The area is accessible for darshan, sightseeing and photography of the exterior architecture.

The temple was built in the 18th century in 1760 by Rani Bhabani of Natore, a Bengali Maharani. It is constructed in Nagara style of temple architecture using red sandstone. According to local tradition, the idol of Goddess Durga inside the temple is believed to have not been made by man but appeared on its own. The adjoining Durga Kund was originally connected to the Ganges through an underground channel.

The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga, a principal form of Shakti, and holds high religious importance for Hindu devotees. It is especially significant during Navratri when large congregations gather for worship. The temple is also culturally known as the Monkey Temple due to the large number of monkeys residing in its premises, which are associated with the temple's traditions.