DURGA TEMPLE AND DURGA KUND

Durga temple is dedicated to the Goddess Durga. It was built in the 18thcentury. Durga temple was constructed by a Maharani from Bengal (Rani Bhabani of Natore) in the north Indian Style with multi tiered shikhara.  An attractive pond known as the Durga Kund is made on the right side of the temple which really increases the beauty of the temple. The pond has stone stairs at all the four sides as well as there are observation pillars at each corner of the pond.

The idol of Goddess Durga is not manmade; it appeared by its own in the temple. During Navratri millions of devotees visit Durga temple and other festivals and pray the Goddess Durga to fulfill their wishes. This temple premises is square in shape and is made of red color stone which is the color of the Mata Durga. Some of the devotees make a round around the building of the temple to complete their prayers.

The Hindu scriptures say that Mother Durga is the incarnation of the Shakti (Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva). Mother Durga rode a tiger to kill the powerful demons. She carried Shiva’s trident, Vishnu’s Chakra, sword etc.

In 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 remain there and protect Varanasi. With that belief, this temple was constructed.

The temple is painted red with ochre to match the colors of the central icon of Durga, the goddess of strength and power. Inside the temple, lots of elaborately carved and engraved stones can be found. The temple is made up of many small sikharas conjoined together.

Durga Kund

On the right side of the Durga temple, a rectangular tank of water known as Durga Kund (Kund means pond or pool). Earlier it was directly connected to the river so that it can automatically replenish. But currently the water channel is closed. The water in the pond is collected by the rain or drainage from the temple. At the occasion of Nag Panchami, the act of showing Lord Vishnu resting on the Shesha Nag is recreated every year in the Durga Kund.