Durga Mandir, also known as Durga Kund Mandir or Durga Temple,  is one of the most famous temples in the holy city of Varanasi. This temple has great religious importance in Hinduism and is dedicated to Maa Durga. Durga Mandir was constructed in 18th century by a Bengali Queen.

The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. Next to the temple, is a kund (pond) that was earlier connected to the river Ganges. It is believed that the existing idol of the Goddess was not made by a man but appeared on its own in the temple.

In Chapter 23 of the Devi-Bhagavata Purana, this temple's origin is explained. As per the text, Kashi Naresh (the King of Varanasi) called for a Swayamvar for his daughter Sashikala's marriage. The King later learnt that the princess was in love with the Vanvasi prince Sudarshan. 

So Kashi Naresh got his daughter secretly married to the prince. When the other Kings (who were invited for the Swayamvar) got to know about the marriage, they got angry and went to war with Kashi Naresh. 

Sudarshan then offered prayers to Durga, who came on a lion and fought the war for Kashi Naresh and Sudarshan. After the war, Kashi Naresh pleaded to Durga to protect Varanasi and with that belief, this temple was constructed.

The temple was built in North Indian Nagara style of architecture. The temple is painted red with ochre to match the colours of the central icon of Durga, the goddess of strength and power.

 Inside the temple, many elaborately carved and engraved stones can be found. The temple is made up of many small sikharas conjoined together.

The Durga Mandir is on Sankat Mochan road, adjacent to Durga Kund, 250 meters north of the Tulsi Manas Mandir.

Type - Nagara

Creator - Bengali Maharani

Completed - 18th century

Elevation - 85 m (279 ft)