Durga Temple (Durga Kund), Varanasi

Durga Temple, also known as the Monkey Temple due to the large population of monkeys in its premises, is an 18th-century temple built in the Nagara architectural style by a Bengali queen. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is situated beside the Durga Kund, a large rectangular pond. The striking red-colored temple with its multi-tiered shikhara is one of the most prominent landmarks of Varanasi. According to legend, the Durga idol was not man-made but appeared on its own (Swayambhu). The Navaratri celebrations here are among the most vibrant in Varanasi.