Lolark Kund & Maa Mahishasur Mardini Temple (लोलार्क कुंड एवं माँ महिषासुर मर्दिनी)

About Lolark Kund & Maa Mahishasur Mardini Temple

Lolark Kund & Maa Mahishasur Mardini Temple is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Located near the famous Tulsi Ghat, the ancient Lolark Kund is a revered stepwell associated with Lord Surya (Sun God), while the adjacent temple is dedicated to Maa Mahishasur Mardini, the victorious form of Goddess Durga. The site attracts thousands of devotees seeking blessings for health, prosperity, protection, and the blessing of children.

Religious Significance

Lolark Kund is regarded as one of the oldest and holiest sacred water tanks in Kashi. According to Hindu tradition, taking a holy dip in the kund during the auspicious Lolark Shashti festival is believed to bless childless couples with progeny and bring good health and happiness. The nearby Maa Mahishasur Mardini Temple symbolizes the victory of good over evil, where devotees worship the Goddess for courage, protection, and the removal of obstacles and negative energies.

Temple & Kund Architecture

The ancient Lolark Kund is a deep rectangular stepwell built with stone steps descending to the sacred water. Beside the kund stands the temple of Maa Mahishasur Mardini, featuring traditional North Indian temple architecture. The peaceful surroundings and sacred atmosphere make this site an important center for worship, meditation, and religious rituals.

Major Festivals

• Lolark Shashti – The most significant festival when thousands of devotees take a holy dip in the kund.
• Sharadiya Navratri – Grand celebrations and special worship of Maa Mahishasur Mardini.
• Chaitra Navratri – Devotees offer special prayers to the Divine Mother.
• Makar Sankranti – Holy bathing and Surya worship are performed.

How to Reach

• By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi, is approximately 30 km from the temple.
• By Train: Varanasi Junction, Banaras Railway Station, and Kashi Railway Station are the nearest railway stations.
• By Road: The temple and kund are easily accessible by taxi, auto-rickshaw, e-rickshaw, and local transport. The site is located near Tulsi Ghat and Assi Ghat.

Nearby Attractions

• Tulsi Ghat
• Assi Ghat
• Durga Kund Temple
• Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
• Kashi Vishwanath Temple
• Dashashwamedh Ghat
• BHU Vishwanath Temple

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Lolark Kund & Maa Mahishasur Mardini Temple is from October to March. However, the most auspicious occasion is Lolark Shashti, when thousands of devotees gather to perform the sacred bath and seek divine blessings. Visiting during Navratri also offers a spiritually enriching experience.