Sankatha Temple

History

Varanasi district lists Sankatha among its temples of importance, placing it near Sindhia Ghat and noting the lion statue in the premises and the cluster of nine planetary temples.

Pilgrims often include the shrine on a ghat-side walk, pairing Sankatha with the riverfront and other riverside temples rather than treating it as an isolated destination.

Stories

The Goddess of Danger

Sankatha is the goddess of danger, and her name comes from the Sanskrit word for crisis. She is believed to have ten hands and the power to protect and bring home husbands who are far away. Tradition says she was originally a Matrika, called Vikat Matrika in the Puranas.

Tradition also says the Pandavas paid homage to her during exile.

A Ghat and a Temple from Baroda

The temple is said to have been built in the late eighteenth century by the ruler of Baroda, together with Sankatha Ghat. In 1825 the ghat was made pucca by the widow of a Brahmin pandit. Varanasi's district website lists it among the city's important temples, near Sindhia Ghat.

The Eighth Day of Navratri

During Navratri the eighth day is dedicated to Sankatha. Devotees pray to her to avoid danger or ease a present crisis. The shrine is often described as the only temple in India dedicated to this goddess, though that claim is a popular belief.

Good to know

Near Sindhia Ghat on the Ganga

Huge lion statue in the temple premises

Nine Navagraha temples nearby

Getting there

Nearest airport: Varanasi (Lal Bahadur Shastri). Rail: Varanasi Junction / Varanasi City. Local auto or boat-and-walk access via Sindhia Ghat and the old-city lanes.