Sankatha Temple

Sankatha Temple is dedicated to 'Goddess Sankatha' or 'Goddess of Remedy' is located at Sankata Ghat in varanasi. There is an idol of Goddess Sankata in temple which is four armed like many other deities of Indian pantheon. The goddess is believed to be an old lady who protect her devotees from danger and remove obstacles. She is regarded as one of the Matrikas (mother) and in Puranas the goddess is called as Vikat Matrika (Fierce Matrika). The temple is located high above the Sankata Ghat. The Sankata Ghat is named after the deity and the temple and ghat are approached through the labyrinthine lanes of the city. 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. 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.