Durga Temple
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
Description:
The Durga Temple is also known as the “monkey temple” because of the large number of monkeys around it. The temple is one of the most important sacred temples of Varanasi dedicated to the goddess Durga. It is believed that the goddess has preserved this place for many centuries and protects the city of Varanasi from enemies.
The temple was built in the XVIII century by the Bengali Maharani in the style of nagar (Indian style of temple architecture) on a rectangular tank called Durga Kunda. The building is painted red and has a multi-level spire.
According to legend, the real statue of the goddess Durga was not made by a person, but she appeared on her own. In Hinduism, the goddess Durga is considered an embodiment of Shakti or feminine power. The statue is depicted in red robe riding a tiger.
Thousands of pilgrims visit the temple during Navaratri or at other convenient times.