The goddess smiled and said, “I will remain here in Kashi, always, O King Subahu! As long as Kashi stands upon the face of the earth.”
Since then the Goddess Shakti has been residing here in the Kashi in the form of Maa Durga and guarding the city. It’s the very same place where she slayed the Rakshasa Durga sura/ Durgamasura in a fierce battle, hence got the name of Goddess “DURGA.” (Kashi Khand of Skanda Mahapuran)
Story & Legends of Durga Temple
A thousand years ago when Prince Sudarshana of Ayodhya was exiled from his kingdom after the death of his father Ikshvaku king Dhruvasandhi of the Suryavamsha.
Sudarshana took refuge in the dense forest of Ananad vana (Kashi), where he fell in love with Princess Shashikala, the daughter of King Subahu of Kashi, and their love for each other flourished over time.
Meanwhile, her father was arranging swayamvara for her daughter so that she could get a suitable match. One night Devi Durga appeared in the dream of Shashikala and told her that Sudarshana is her future husband.
On the day of swayamvara, Shashikala refused to choose her husband from the assembly of great Kings and Princes of Bharatvarsha. She announced, “I have already chosen Sudarshana as my husband, by the blessings of Devi Durga, O Kings of Kings!”.
This infuriated the mighty kings, who attacked the city of Kashi to punish King Subahu.
A fierce battle happened among them it was King Subahu who was losing the battle, Sudarshana and Shashikala were rushing to save their life, and both prayed to the Devi, suddenly thousands of Devis riding dreadful beasts stalked the battlefield. The enemies were beheaded and drowned in the scarlet lake of their blood.
King Subahu prostrated in front of Bhagwati, and as she blessed him, Sudarshan got his Kingdom of Ayodhya back and Shashikala married him. (Devi Bhagvata Puran)
There is a popular belief that Goddess Bhagvati rested at this place after killing Demon brothers Sumbha Nishumbha.
Durga Temple Archiecture & Importance
The ancient temple was destroyed by multiple invasions in the past, The present temple complex and Kund-Durga Kund (water reservoir) were built by the Rani Bhavani of Bengal in 1760 AD. The Devi Durga is worshipped in the yantra form here and has been given the status of KUSHMANDA- The warmth of Cosmic egg / the one who created the cosmic egg from which the universe emerged.
The temple is the Centre for Shaktya worship and cult tantric practice due to its association with the Goddess and being one of the powerful and mystic temples of Kashi. Local legends often mention the story of how she(Devi Durga) moved from this temple complex to another nearby temple overnight and since then only Yantra has been worshipped here however it can be a possibility that the priests hid the original idol to ensure the safety while attacks of invaders.
Durga Temple at present
At present, the crimson-red majestic Nagara-style temple complex along with a huge Durga Kund stands proudly in the Kedar Khand of the city and resides in the heart of devotees.
The temple houses the main Kushmanda Durga, Goddess Bhadra Kali along with Tantik Kali, Chand Bhairava, Rudra Bhairava, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Saraswati.
In the temple’s outer courtyard, Kukkuteswara Mahadev, Tilparneshwar Mahadev, Surya, Jwarhareshwari, Lakshmi Narayana, and Radha Krishna are present.
Important Days & Function
The temple is mostly crowded, especially on Tuesdays and Fridays. During the month of Shravan, you can witness different forms of shringar of the goddess. A Durga Kund Sangeet Samaroh is held during the month of Shravan and Bhadrapada (August – September) where eminent classical music artists pay their tribute to Durga Devi.
The fourth day of Navratri is very special for this temple as it’s dedicated to the Kushmanada Form of Goddess Durga.
Durga Temple Varanasi Timing
The Durga Temple in Varanasi is open on all 7 days from 4 am to 1 pm and from 3 pm to 10:30 pm.
Nearby Temple
Durga Vinayak
Senapati Hanuman Temple
Kaudi Mata Temple
Tulsi Manas Mandir
