Sankata Devi Mandir

Sankata Devi Mandir is a temple in Varanasi with a four-armed silver-plated deity statue at its center, flanked by figures of Lord Hanuman and Bhairav. The shrine features nine planetary statues and a large lion sculpture that guard the grounds, along with a Banyan tree sheltering idols of Lord Ganesh and Lord Hanuman.

This shrine was built in the 18th century under the patronage of the King of Baroda, reflecting religious architecture of that period. The adjacent river ghat became an established place of worship in 1825 and has remained part of this spiritual site ever since.

The goddess Sankata Devi is worshipped here as a protector from life's hardships, and Friday mornings draw many women who gather to pray together. The spaces here reflect this deep bond between visitors and the deity they honor.

This temple is open daily from early morning to late evening, and visitors can reach it by local transport from the city center. The morning prayer ritual is the most active time to experience the place and witness how people gather here.

A large Banyan tree on the grounds shelters idols of Ganesh and Hanuman, creating an intimate space within the wider temple area. This natural canopy gives visitors a quieter corner to experience spirituality in a different way.