Sankata Devi Mandir

Sankata Devi Mandir
संकटा देवी मंदिर
Sankata Devi Mandir
संकटा देवी मंदिर
Temple location on Varanasi district map
Name
Devanagari संकटा देवी मंदिर
Geography
Coordinates 25°18′46″N 83°00′55″E / 25.312687°N 83.015277°E / 25.312687; 83.015277Coordinates: 25°18′46″N 83°00′55″E / 25.312687°N 83.015277°E / 25.312687; 83.015277
Country  India
State Uttar Pradesh
District Varanasi
Location Sankata Ghat, Varanasi, India
Elevation 86.392 m (283 ft)
Culture
Consort Sankata Devi
Important festivals Navratri
Architecture
Architectural styles Nagara
History and governance
Date built 18th century
Creator King of Baroda

Sankata Devi Mandir (Hindi: 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.[1][2][3][4][5]

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 by the widow of Brahmin Pandit.[1]

Religious importance

The name "Sankata" has been derived from the Sanskrit word "sankat" (Hindi: स‌ंकट) which means danger. Goddess Sankata Devi was originally a Matrika. In Puranas, she is referred to as Vikat Matrika, (the fierce mother). Sankata Devi is believed to have ten hands and the power to protect far away husbands and to ensure their safe return.

During the Navratri, 8th day is dedicated to Goddess Sankata Devi. The devotees pray to the deity with the believe 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.[1][2][3][6][7]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Sankata Ghat history". Superb India Tours. Retrieved May 2015. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  2. 1 2 "Sankata Devi". Om Jai. Retrieved May 2015. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  3. 1 2 "Religious significance". Karm Jyotish. Retrieved May 2015. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  4. ↑ "Coordinates". latlong.net. Retrieved May 2015. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  5. ↑ "Elevation". daftlogic.com. Retrieved May 2015. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  6. ↑ "Religious importance". Temple Travel. Retrieved May 2015. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  7. ↑ "Pandavas paid homage". Eastern UP Tourism. Retrieved May 2015. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
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