| |
Durga temple is located near Durga Ghat on the banks of holy river Ganga in Varanasi. In Hinduism, Durga is represented as the embodiment of shakti or female power. It is one of the most revered temples dedicated to goddess Durga. Built in 18th century by a Bengali family, temple is commonly known as “Monkey Temple” because of the presence of large number of monkeys. According to myths, the present statue of Goddess Durga was not made by human hands but appeared on its own in the temple. According to the Puranas ,Goddess Durga has kept this place for many centuries and protects this holy city from south. The temple is situated 2 Kms south of the old city and a distance of 4 kilometers from Godaulia in Varanasi.
The architecture of the Durga temple is of North Indian style known as Nagara Style. The temple was constructed with many storied Shikhara placed one over the other symbolizing the elements and supported by finely carved columns. The temple is accompanied by a rectangular tank of water called as Durga Kund. The kund was earlier connected to the river itself but was later closed. The Temple is stained red with ochre, signifying the red colour of Durga. Thousands of Hindu devotees visit the Durga temple during Navratri and other auspicious occasions. The temple offers a spiritual ambience to the devotees.
|
