Durga Kund Temple

Painted a deep red, the colour associated with the goddess, this temple honours Durga, regarded as the protector of Varanasi. It was built in the 18th century by Rani Bhabani, a queen from Bengal, and stands at the edge of a large rectangular tank, the Durga Kund, which gives it its other name, Durga Kund Mandir. The many monkeys around the grounds have also earned it the nickname monkey temple.

Above the courtyard rises a north Indian shikhara in five tiers, said to stand for the five elements, or panchmahabhutas, and carried on carved pillars. Devotees believe the image of Durga was not made by any sculptor but appeared on its own; Lakshmi, Saraswati and Kali also have idols in the complex. Navratri brings the Shri Durga Puja celebrations, and on Nag Panchami a scene of Vishnu resting on the serpent is staged in the tank.