Purana Durga Bari/Badi is a hidden temple located amidst the lanes of Varanasi in Madanpura, Bangali Tola. It has a very miraculous backstory. Every year, the idol of Maa Durga is installed for a 10-day period in various locations during the Durga Puja. After ten days or Vijayadasami, the idols are immersed in water as a mark to end the festival. Like every year, in 1767, the idols were installed here. But at the time of Visarjan(immersion), the idol did not move at all.
In the same night, the goddess appeared in the dream of the head of the Mukherjee family. “Don’t try to displace me from here as I intend to stay here all along for Kashivas” were her words from the dream. Since then, this temple has stood here.
This 255-years old figure is composed of conventional materials like straws, clay, bamboo, and thread. Although they are two and a half centuries old, they still look fresh. The goddess is offered with gram and jaggery as prasad. On the right hand side of the icon of Maa Durga, you’ll find a statue of Lord Vishnu carved out of black stone. It is claimed to be of 11th century AD by the Mukherjee family. You can visit this place in Varanasi during the festival of Durga Puja to witness its real vibe.
- Jangambari
- House of Lahiri Mahasaya
- Kashi Raj Kali Temple
2 Responses
Fantastic..I happen to visit here recently.ita private Mukherjee temple
Please don’t go there to visit maa Durga. The owner or caretaker closed the door and rudely behaved not to open and wanted to show maa Durga idol. It seems nobody use to go visit there. One women we met her is behaved very rudely. I think the family has not bear any ethics and care for the heritage value of the goddess. Govt should acquire the mandir and take care of it & revived the place.