Monkey Temple (Durga Temple)

Welcome to the sacred Durga Kund Temple situated in the Bhelupur area of southern Varanasi. You are standing at the entrance of a revered sanctuary dedicated to Goddess Durga who is believed by local devotees to protect the holy…

Please admire the striking entrance gate and the soaring spire illuminated in a deep red ochre tone. This architecture stands as a brilliant masterpiece of North Indian Nagara style tradition. …

As you step beneath the intricate columns of the main pillared hall you are instantly immersed in the vibrant spiritual atmosphere of the temple courtyard. The resonant ringing of heavy brass bells the sweet fragrance of fresh…

We have arrived before the entrance of the Garbhagriha the sacred sanctum sanctorum at the absolute heart of the temple. According to long standing temple traditions only practicing Hindus are permitted to step inside the…

Surrounding the main sanctum along the inner courtyard are several secondary shrines dedicated to other revered manifestations of the divine feminine. Here pilgrims can pay homage to Goddess Lakshmi who bestows wealth and…

Emerging onto the right side of the temple complex you are greeted by the impressive sight of Durga Kund a vast rectangular stone water tank. In Indian culture the word Kund signifies a sacred pool or water reservoir. …

Stepping outside the temple gates you enter a lively street market vibrant with the sounds and colors of daily pilgrimage life. Small shops lined along the road display an array of brass idols ritual lamps rudraksha prayer beads…

Our audio guide exploration through the eight stations of the Durga Kund Temple now comes to a peaceful conclusion. Standing here along the promenade overlooking the calm waters reflecting the red sandstone spire we take a quiet…