History and legend
The present temple and its tank were built in the 18th century — commonly dated to around 1760 — by Rani Bhabani of Natore, a Bengali queen remembered for funding temples, ghats and roads across North India. Bengali patronage shaped much of south Varanasi, and the temple still feels close to Bengal’s Durga traditions.
Local tradition holds that the image of the goddess was not made by human hands but appeared on its own (swayambhu), and the temple is linked in Kashi’s sacred geography with the goddess Kushmanda, the fourth form worshipped during Navratri.
What you will see
Nagara-style shikhara
A multi-tiered North Indian spire built of stone and painted red — the colour of Shakti — rising over a pillared hall.
The kund
The square stepped tank beside the temple was once connected to the Ganga. It gives the whole neighbourhood its name.
Carvings
Look for the intricate stone carving on the spire and the lions guarding the goddess, her vahana.
The monkeys
Troops of rhesus monkeys live around the temple. Keep food, glasses and phones out of reach.
Festivals
- Navratri (twice a year — Chaitra in March–April and Ashwin in September–October): the temple is decorated, open late and crowded, especially on the fourth day dedicated to Kushmanda.
- Tuesdays and Saturdays are busier year-round.
- A fair is held in the area during Shravan.
Visiting
- Open from early morning to late evening with a short afternoon closure; hours change during Navratri.
- Offerings of red chunri, flowers, coconut and sweets are sold outside.
- Remove footwear before entering; photography inside the sanctum is not allowed.
- Allow 20–30 minutes on a normal day.
Local tip. Tulsi Manas is next door and Sankat Mochan a short walk away — visit all three together after 4 PM.
Getting there
| From | Distance | How |
|---|---|---|
| Godowlia / Kashi Vishwanath | ~3 km | E-rickshaw or cab, 15–20 min |
| Assi Ghat | ~1.5 km | E-rickshaw, 10 min |
| BHU main gate | ~1.5 km | E-rickshaw, 10 min |
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