Information of Sankata Devi Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Situated above Sankata Ghat of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, there is an ancient temple named Maa Sankata Devi Temple. The temple is dedicated to goddess Sankata who is also known as 'Goddess of Remedy'. Goddess Sankata is believed to be an old female lord who protect her disciples from any kind of danger and also eradicate any difficulties.

Sankata Devi Temple Religious Significance

Sankatha Devi Temple is considered as the most renowned temple in Varanasi city. It was created in the reminiscence of goddess Sankata who is celebrated at the 8th day of Navratra festival. The word Sankatha signify protection and hence goddess Sankatha refer as natural power against any hazard. During the celebration of Sankatha puja, devotees do not eat the entire day and only after completing the religious activities in evening they are allowed to eat. However, the eating is limited to only salt free foods. Some people desire to end the puja session of goddess Sankatha at the 7th day of Navratra festival while most of the devotees finish the puja on 8th or 9th day of Navratra festival by serving Prasad and foods to nine girls also called as "Naw Kanya". This is the vital step in order to finish the procedure of Navratra festival and is done religious in order to give a perfect ending to the holy festival of Navratra. Among other days of Navratra festival, 8th day is the prime day of worshipping goddess Sankatha. Apart from that, Friday is also regarded as the preferred day for worshipping goddess Sankatha. Most preferably women folks desire to come Sankatha Devi Temple to pray every day.

Sankata Devi Temple Mythology & History

In accordance with Hindu mythology, goddess Sankatha is the lord of danger. Legend says that she was the younger sister of goddess Vaisno and originally known as mother Sanktha. Since, she can subjugate dangers, Sankatha Devi Temple is regarded as the most powerful temple in Varanasi. According to Puranic legends, goddess Sankatha is regarded as Vikat Matrika or Fierce Mother. She possesses a strong feminine power that assisted her in fighting two mighty demons named Shumbh and Nishumbh. Goddess Sankatha is a self-manifested deity having ten hands. It is believed that goddess Sankatha is a form of goddess Durga as both are the symbol of universal female power. Due to this reason, goddess Sankatha has intrinsic part in Navratra festival. In Navratra festival, prayers are offered each night by thousands of devotees.

Legends also states that Pandavas during their banishment paid honour to goddess Sankatha. She is believed to have the ability to safeguard distant husbands. Thus, for ensuring their safety, several married women worship goddess Sankatha. Traditionally, Sankatha temple was not worshipped as much as the other temples in Varanasi. However, after the Lichhavi emperor, Narendra Dev started worshipping her, Sankatha Temple begun gaining popularity. Sankatha Devi Temple become a vital religious place during the peak period of colonial passage.

Sankata Devi Temple Architectural Significance

Sankata Devi Temple houses a 4 to 5 feet large statue of goddess Sankata. On the right side of the statue, there is an idol of lord hanuman and on the left side of the statue, there is an idol of goddess Bhairav. Furthermore, the temple also has the statue of Lord Ganesh. Inside the premise of Sankata Temple, there is a magnificent sculpture of a lion, a large Shiv Linga and a Banyan tree. They hallows the statues of lord hanuman as well as lord Ganesh. Furthermore, there are also nine temples of nine astrological planets adjacent to Sankata Temple.