Durga Mandir, Varanasi
| Durga Mandir दुर्गा मंदिर | |
|---|---|
 Main entrance of Durga Mandir | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Hinduism |
| District | Varanasi |
| Location | |
| Location | Durga Kund, Bhelupur, Varanasi |
| State | Uttar Pradesh |
| Country |  India |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Nagara |
| Creator | Bengali Maharani |
| Elevation | 85 m (279 ft) |
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Durga Mandir (Hindi: दुर्गा मंदिर), also known as Durga Kund Mandir, Durga Temple and also monkey 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 the Maa Durga. Durga Mandir was constructed in 18th century by Bengali Maharani (Bengali Queen).[1]
History
Durga Mandir was constructed in 18th century by Bengali Maharani. 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.[2][3]
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.[1]
Construction
Durga Mandir was constructed in the 18th century (exact date of construction not known) by a Bengali Maharani (Bengali queen). The temple was built in North Indian Nagara style of architecture. The temple is painted red with ochre to match the colours 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.[2]
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Mandir as seen from north corner of Durgakund -
Durga Kund (pond) next to the temple -
Stone work in temple
Location
Durga Mandir is situated on the Sankat Mochan road, adjacent to Durga Kund, 250 meters north of Tulsi Manas Mandir, 700 meters north-east of Sankat Mochan Mandir and 1.3 kilometers north of Banaras Hindu University.[4]
See also
References
- ^ a b "Durga Mandir". Varanasi.org. Retrieved Mar 2015.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ a b "History". Eastern UP Tourism. Retrieved Mar 2015.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ "Durga Temple". Varanasi City website. Retrieved Mar 2015.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ "Location". Google Maps. Retrieved Mar 2015.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help)
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