About Durgiana Temple
The Durgiana Temple, also called the Lakshmi Narayan Temple and sometimes the Silver Temple, stands near the Lohgarh Gate in Amritsar, Punjab, about 2 km from the Golden Temple. It is the city's most important Hindu temple. Its main shrine rises from the middle of a sacred tank, and the deities worshipped include Goddess Durga, from whom the temple takes its name, as well as Lakshmi and Narayan. Many visitors to Amritsar see both this temple and the Golden Temple on the same day.
The site was a place of worship long before the present temple; local tradition links the area with the Ramayana, saying that Luv and Kush, the sons of Rama, tied the horse of Rama's Ashvamedha sacrifice to a tree here and fought his army. The present temple was built in 1921 under the guidance of Guru Harsai Mal Kapoor, and its foundation stone is said to have been laid by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya. Its design deliberately follows the plan of the Golden Temple, reflecting the close ties between Hindu and Sikh traditions in Amritsar.
A causeway leads across the tank to the main shrine, which has a gilded dome and canopies, and carved silver doors that give it the name Silver Temple. Inside are images of Lakshmi-Narayan and Durga. The complex also holds the Bada Hanuman Temple, with a seated image of Hanuman, and a shrine of Sita Mata. During Navratri, the Langur Mela is held here: children dressed as langurs, Hanuman's monkey army, come with their families to offer prayers, a colourful sight for visitors.
Durgiana Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from early morning (about 6:00 AM) to around 10:00 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning aarti | Early morning (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Durgiana Temple
By air
Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar, is about 12 km away.
By train
Amritsar Junction is about 1.5 km away.
By road
The temple is in the heart of Amritsar, easily reached by auto or e-rickshaw. Amritsar is well connected by road to Jalandhar, Chandigarh and Delhi.
Festivals at Durgiana Temple
- Navratri and Langur MelaSep/Oct
- DussehraSep/Oct
- DiwaliOct/Nov
- JanmashtamiAug/Sep
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest clothing is expected; covering the head is common and appreciated. Remove footwear before entering.
- Entry
- Free entry.
- Visit in the evening when the temple and tank are lit up.
- Navratri and the Langur Mela are very crowded; go early in the day.
- Photography rules can vary inside the shrine; ask before taking pictures.
- Combine the visit with the Golden Temple and Jallianwala Bagh, both about 2 km away.
- Footwear counters are available at the entrance.
Places to visit near Durgiana Temple
- Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib)Holiest shrine of Sikhism, about 2 km away
- Jallianwala BaghMemorial to the 1919 massacre, about 2 km away
- Ram TirathSite linked with Valmiki and the birth of Luv and Kush, about 12 km away
- Attari–Wagah borderSite of the daily border ceremony, about 30 km away
Frequently asked questions
Why does Durgiana Temple look like the Golden Temple?
Its design was deliberately modelled on the Golden Temple when it was built in 1921, with a shrine in the middle of a sacred tank.
What is the Langur Mela at Durgiana Temple?
During Navratri, children dressed as langurs, representing Hanuman's army, come with their families to pray at the Bada Hanuman Temple in the complex.
What are the Durgiana Temple timings?
It is usually open from early morning until late evening. Check locally on festival days.
How far is Durgiana Temple from the Golden Temple?
It is about 2 km away, a short auto or e-rickshaw ride.
What is the aarti time at Durgiana Temple?
Morning aarti: Early morning (approx.); Evening aarti: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Durgiana Temple?
Modest clothing is expected; covering the head is common and appreciated. Remove footwear before entering.
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