Built in the 18th century by a Bengali Maharani the temple is also referred to as the Monkey temple. Goddess Durga, an angry form of Goddess Parvati is a consort of Lord Shiva. Built in the North Indian style of architecture the temple has a multi-tiered spire built on on top of the other tapering to a single shikara symbolizing air, water, fire, earth and sky, the 5 elements of nature.
Non Hindus are not allowed inside the temple but can view it from a walkway at the top of a house. The monkeys at the temple can be fairly aggressive trying to steal caps or spectacles off people and often scratching or biting people when they get near.
Brahmacharini Durga Temple is located near to Durga Ghat (Durga Kund) on the banks of the holy Ganges River in Varanasi. The prime deity is the Goddess Durga and is an imposing structure of Devi. The temple, built in 18th century by a Bengali Maharani, is one of the most revered temples in Varanasi. The temple was constructed with many storied Shikhara, placed one over the other. The temple structure is imposing and offers a spiritual ambiance to the environment.
The famous Durga Ghat is located nearby. The Ghat, built in 1772 by a saintly person known as Narayana Diksit, is one of the most well known Ghats in Varanasi. A small temple dedicated to Kharva Narsimha is also located nearby.
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