What is the best walking tour in the Durga Kund area?

A self-guided route focusing on the ancient kunds is highly recommended. It allows you to visit Lakshmi Kund, Lolark Kund, and the Durga Temple at your own pace, focusing on the city's unique water heritage.

Are the kunds in Varanasi safe to visit solo?

Yes, these are active religious sites and are generally safe for solo travelers. It is best to visit during the morning or afternoon when there are local devotees around and visibility is good.

What is a 'Kund' in the context of Varanasi?

A Kund is a sacred man-made reservoir or tank used for ritual bathing and water storage. In Varanasi, they are deeply tied to Hindu mythology and are often dedicated to specific deities like Surya or Lakshmi.

Is the Durga Temple walk difficult?

The walk is considered moderate. While the distances between stops are manageable, the terrain includes uneven pavement and many stone steps leading down to the water at the kunds.

Can I take photos at the temples and kunds?

Photography is usually permitted at the kunds, but it is often restricted inside the inner sanctum of the Durga Temple. Always look for signs or ask the local priests before taking photos of people or rituals.

What is the best time of day to start this walking route?

The best time to start is around 7:00 AM. This allows you to see the morning rituals, avoid the midday heat, and experience the temples before they become heavily crowded.

Is there an entry fee for the Durga Temple or the Kunds?

No, there is no entry fee for these sites. They are public religious spaces, though you may choose to leave a small donation at the temple or pay a few rupees for shoe storage at the temple entrance.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Varanasi, the eternal city, is often defined by its relationship with the Ganges, but its inner sacred geography is anchored by ancient reservoirs known as Kunds. These architectural marvels are more than just water tanks; they are spiritual portals where mythology meets urban design. This self-guided walk takes you away from the crowded riverfront to explore the hidden-gems of the Durga Kund neighborhood and beyond. You will discover how these sacred pools were designed to facilitate rituals, manage water, and honor the cosmos. This walking route reveals a quieter, more introspective side of the city, focusing on the intricate stonework and centuries-old legends that define Kashi's heritage. As you begin your self-guided adventure, you will encounter Lakshmi Kund, a site dedicated to the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The journey continues through the solar-aligned Suraj Kund and the remarkably deep, subterranean Lolark Kund, which is considered one of the oldest sacred sites in the city. You will also visit the expansive Kurukshetra Talab, a site of historical and mythological significance, before concluding at the iconic red Durga Temple and its adjacent reservoir. This neighborhood stroll offers a unique perspective on the architecture of faith, showcasing the Nagara-style temple design and the stepped masonry of the ancient tanks. It is an ideal way to travel through time, understanding how the city’s residents have interacted with these sacred waters for millennia. By choosing this walking route, you can explore independently and at your own pace, soaking in the atmosphere of these lesser-visited spiritual landmarks while avoiding the typical tourist crowds. This experience provides a deep dive into the soul of Varanasi, where every stone tells a story of devotion and every pool reflects the timeless spirit of India's most sacred city.

Highlights

The serene and spiritually charged Lakshmi Kund

Suraj Kund, the ancient site dedicated to the Sun God

The subterranean depths of Lolark Kund, one of Kashi's oldest sites

The expansive Kurukshetra Talab and its mythological connections

The 18th-century Nagara-style architecture of the Durga Temple

A peaceful walk around the historic Durgakund reservoir

Tour Stops (6)

Lakshmi Kund

Welcome to Lakshmi Kund, a sacred reservoir dedicated to the goddess of wealth and prosperity. This site is a centerpiece of the Sorhiya Mela, a 16-day festival where thousands of devotees gather to offer prayers. Notice the stepped architecture of the tank, a classic feature of Indian water management. Legend says that the goddess Lakshmi resides here, and a dip in these waters is believed to bring financial and spiritual abundance. The surrounding shrines and the steady pulse of daily rituals provide a perfect introduction to the sacred geography of Varanasi, away from the main riverfront ghats.

Suraj Kund

Suraj Kund is an ancient reservoir dedicated to Surya, the Sun God. In the cosmic layout of Kashi, solar shrines play a vital role in balancing the city's energy. This kund is particularly significant during the festival of Chhath Puja, when devotees offer prayers to the rising and setting sun from its steps. The architecture here is simple yet functional, designed to hold water through the dry seasons. As you walk around the perimeter, observe the small shrines and the local life that revolves around this water source, reflecting a tradition of solar worship that dates back thousands of years.

Lolark Kund

Lolark Kund is perhaps the most mysterious and ancient stop on our walking route. Known as the 'Trembling Sun,' it is a deep, steep-sided well that descends far below ground level. It is mentioned in the Kashi Khanda of the Skanda Purana, marking it as one of the city's oldest pilgrimage sites. The kund is famous for the Lolark Chhath festival, where couples come to seek blessings for children. The sheer scale of the stone steps and the subterranean atmosphere create a sense of awe. This site represents the 'Aditya' (solar) tradition of Varanasi, where water and light intersect in a profound way.

Kurukshetra Talab

Named after the legendary battlefield of the Mahabharata, Kurukshetra Talab is one of the largest reservoirs in the southern part of the city. While it may appear as a quiet lake today, it holds significant historical weight. During solar eclipses, it becomes a major hub for pilgrims who believe that bathing here provides the same spiritual merit as visiting the original Kurukshetra in Haryana. The vast open space around the water provides a rare sense of openness in the otherwise dense urban fabric of Varanasi, making it a favorite spot for local contemplative walks.

Shree Durga Mata/Kushmanda Mandir

Often called the 'Monkey Temple' due to its resident primates, this 18th-century temple is a masterpiece of North Indian Nagara architecture. It was commissioned by Rani Bhabani of Natore and is stained a striking red, symbolizing the power of the Goddess Durga. Unlike many temples in the city, it stands independently in a large courtyard. The intricate carvings on the exterior walls depict various deities and floral motifs. Inside, the deity is believed to be a 'Swayambhu' (self-manifested) idol. Take a moment to appreciate the symmetry and the spiritual energy that has drawn seekers here for nearly three centuries.

Durgakund

Our journey concludes at Durgakund, the large rectangular reservoir adjacent to the Durga Temple. Built at the same time as the temple, this kund was once connected directly to the Ganges through a series of underground channels. The stone embankments and corner pavilions (burjs) are typical of the Maratha-influenced architecture seen throughout 18th-century Varanasi. The reflection of the red temple in the still water at sunset is one of the city's most iconic views. It serves as a peaceful finale to our exploration of Kashi’s sacred waters, offering a space for quiet reflection on the city's enduring heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

This self-guided walk typically takes 2 to 3 hours. The duration depends on how much time you spend at each reservoir and the Durga Temple, covering a distance of approximately 3 kilometers.