संकठा देवी मंदिर

Not far from the bustling lanes of Kashi lies a temple that mothers whisper about, travelers seek in silence, and locals visit with folded hands during uncertain times — the Sankata Devi Temple.

Her name says it all. Sankata — the one who removes difficulties, dissolves fear and shields her devotees from unseen troubles. She is believed to be one of the manifestations of Goddess Chandi and a sister of Vaishno Devi. The temple was constructed in 18th century by King of Baroda, at the same time when Sankatha Ghat was built up. Worshippers are allowed to touch the feet of the goddess, which is not common in other goddess temples.

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. Since then, she’s been called the guardian of the vulnerable, the unseen force that walks beside those who have no one else.

Every Friday, people come here not just to offer flowers, but their fears — written on paper, whispered in prayer, or simply held within. Some ask for protection during exams, others for healing, and many just sit — quietly, tearfully — feeling watched over.

Entering the compound of Sankatha Devi one finds a large courtyard in the centre of which is an old holy-fig tree, with several tiny shrines tangled in its mass of roots. Inside the sanctum sanctorum is worshipped a 1.5-metre-tall idol of Sankatha 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.

The temple isn’t large, and the lane leading to it isn’t grand. But that’s what makes it real. It’s tucked in the middle of everyday life — reminding you that divine strength often lives where no one is looking. And when you step out, there’s a feeling — not of power, but of being held. As if, without a word, the Devi said: Go. I’m with you.