Sankata Devi Temple, Varanasi

Sankata Devi is one of the prime goddesses worshiped in Varanasi city. She is believed to be one of the manifestations of Goddess Chandi and also a sister of Vaishno Devi.
Her shrine, which is a siddhapeeth, is situated near Sindhia Ghat. Inside the sanctum sanctorum is worshipped a 4-5 feet tall idol of Sankata Devi which manifested itself long time back. The idols of Lord Hanuman and Lord Bhairav flank the silver-plated idol of the goddess on both sides. A huge Shivlingam, Lord Ganesha, the shrine of nine planets and a holy Banyan tree are also worshiped inside the premises of Sankata Devi Temple. There is a statue of a lion guarding at the temple gates. As per the local lore, the heroic Pandava brothers of Mahabharata had worshiped the presiding goddess of this temple during their exile into the forest.
It is said that Sankata Devi if quite a fierce mother but she is very much capable of destroying the troubles of her devotees.

Sankatha Temple is located 6 km from Varanasi railway station and 3 km from Banaras Hindu University campus. The temple opens at 4 AM and closes around 11 PM. Fridays are special days to worship the goddess especially by women.