Sankatha Devi Temple

Getting there

• By air

  Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) is about 25 km away.

• By train

  Varanasi Junction (BSB) is about 5 km away. It is the city's largest railway station.

• By road

  Vehicles cannot reach the temple doorstep because of narrow lanes. Take local transport to Chowk or Godowlia, then walk the last stretch.

Rules to know

• Worshippers may touch her feet, which is unusual at other Devi temples.

Why devotees come here

Sankatha Devi Temple stands in Varanasi's old city near Chowk, close to Kashi Vishwanath Temple. She is believed to be a form of Chandi and a sister of Vaishno Devi. Devotees visit her to be freed from difficulties and fear.

Sankatha Devi is believed to be one of the forms of Chandi and a sister of Vaishno Devi. Devotees know her as the one who removes difficulties, dissolves fear and shields them from unseen troubles. Local lore says the Pandava brothers worshipped her here during their exile in the forest.

The temple was built in the 18th century by a king of Baroda, at the same time as Sankatha Ghat on the river. In the sanctum, a 1.5 metre tall silver-plated idol of Sankatha Devi is said to have appeared on its own long ago. Idols of Hanuman and Bhairav flank it on either side.

Entering the compound, you find a large courtyard. An old holy-fig tree stands at its centre, with small shrines tucked among its roots. Worshippers are allowed to touch her feet. Many devotees come on Fridays to offer flowers and bring their fears to her.

Tips for your visit

• Kashi Vishwanath Temple is close by, so you can plan both visits in one trip through the old city.
• Friday is the day many devotees choose for their visit.

Questions people ask