Sankata Devi Mandir ( hi, संकटा देवी मंदिर), also known as Sankata Mata Mandir or simply Sankata Mandir; often referred to with prefix of Sri, is one of the most famous temples in the holy city of
Varanasi. This temple has great religious importance in
Hinduism and is dedicated to the goddess
Sankata Devi (Goddess of danger). The Mandir was constructed in 18th century by
King of Baroda. It is believed that this is the only temple in India dedicated to Sankata Devi.
History
In the late 18th century, the King of Baroda constructed the
Sankata Ghat. At the same time, the Sankata Devi Mandir was also constructed. In the year 1825, the
ghat was made
pucca
''Pucca'' (; ko, 뿌까 ) is a South Korean media franchise from the South Korean company VOOZ Character System. The main and titular character, Pucca, is the niece of three Korean men who run a Chinese-style restaurant. The restaurant, known as ...
by the widow of
Brahmin Pandit.
Religious importance
The name "Sankata" has been derived from the
Sanskrit word "sankat" ( hi, संकट) which means "danger". Goddess Sankata Devi was originally a
Matrika
Matrikas (Sanskrit: मातृका (singular), IAST: mātṝkās, lit. "divine mothers") also called Matar or Matri, are a group of mother goddesses who are always depicted together in Hinduism. The Matrikas are often depicted in a group ...
. In
Puranas
Purana (; sa, , '; literally meaning "ancient, old"Merriam-Webster's Encyclopedia of Literature (1995 Edition), Article on Puranas, , page 915) is a vast genre of Indian literature about a wide range of topics, particularly about legends an ...
, she is referred to as "Vikat Matrika", (the fierce mother). Sankata Devi is believed to have ten hands and the power to protect faraway husbands and to ensure their safe return.
During the
Navratri
Navaratri is an annual Hindu festival observed in the honour of the goddess Durga. It spans over nine nights (and ten days), first in the month of Chaitra (March/April of the Gregorian calendar), and again in the month of Sharada. It is ob ...
, the eighth day is dedicated to Goddess Sankata Devi. The devotees pray to the deity with to avoid any danger in life or to alleviate any present crisis. It is also believed that the
Pandavas during their exile, paid homage to Sankata Devi.
See also
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Hindu temples in Varanasi
Varanasi is an ancient city in India famous for housing many Hindu temples. The city's ancient holiness makes it a sacred geography in Hinduism. The city's temples were erected at different times throughout the history of Varanasi by various k ...
*
Mata Mawai Dham
Mata Mawai Dham is a Hindu temple of Goddess Durga Ji located in Mawai Village, Raibareli - Sultanpur Road, Near Amethi district Headquarter Gauriganj in Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple is situated at a distance of about 125 km from the St ...
References
{{Portal bar, India, Hinduism, Religion
18th-century Hindu temples
Hindu temples in Varanasi
18th-century establishments in India