Stuti & Sloka for the Temple
ध्यायेSहं परमेश्वरीम् दशभुजां नेत्रत्रयोद् भासिताम्
सद्य: सङ्कटतारिणीम् गुणमयीमारक्तवर्णाम् शुभाम् ।
Story of the Temple
Sankata Devi is one of the prime goddesses worshiped in Varanasi city. She is believed to be one of the manifestations of Goddess Chandi and also a sister of Vaishno Devi.
Her shrine, which is a siddhapeeth, is situated near Sindhia Ghat. Inside the sanctum sanctorum is worshipped a 4-5 feet tall idol of Sankata Devi which manifested itself a long time back.
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.
Importance of the Temple
Sankata Devi is one of the prime goddesses worshiped in Varanasi city. She is believed to be one of the manifestations of Goddess Chandi and also a sister of Vaishno Devi.
The name "Sankata" has been derived from the Sanskrit word "sankat" 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 faraway husbands and to ensure their safe return.
During the Navratri, the eighth day is dedicated to Goddess Sankata Devi. The devotees pray to the deity 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.
The Temple deity is a Panch Mudra Mahapeeth, when Devi is in this form, she is the taker of all ills, problems, and sorrows and the giver of all health, wealth success, and prosperity.
Pujas Performed in the Temple
Auspicious tithis & festivals of temple
Chaitra Navratri: The holy month of Chaitra Mass marks the beginning of the Sanatan New Year, the first 9 days of the month are also celebrated as Chaitra Navratri when Special Puja of Maa Vishalakshi is done.
Doing the 9 days Durga Sapta Shati Path, Kumkum Archana, 9 Kanya Bhojan are some of the popular rituals to be performed in the Vishalakshi Temple.
Durga Ashtami: The Ashtami falling on the Shukla Paksha Tithi of every month is the most important days for the Aradhana of Maa Vishalakshi Devi. Sadhak of Maa Vishalakshi Devi offer special sevas and yagna to Maa Adi Shakti to please her obtain the grace and devotion of Maa Vishalakshi.
Chanting the Siddha Kunjika and Durga Kavach Path to Maa Vishalakshi Devi can be Boon showering for the devotees on this day
Gupta Navratri: The Gupta Navratri comes twice a year and is considered the most sacred time for doing the Aradhana of Maa Jagat Janani Vishalakshi Devi. Sadhak and Ardent devotees do the Upasana of Maa Vishalakshi Devi to attain the mantra Siddhi and also blessings of victory over the enemy.
Amavasya Tithi: The Night of Amavasya Tithi is considered special for doing the Yagna of Maa Vishalakshi Devi, the energies of Maa Shakti are very high on this day and any sincere devotee can get his wish fulfilled easily.
Especially if an Amavasya combines with a Tuesday or Sunday this day becomes even more powerful for worshipping Maa Vishalakshi Devi
Shivratri: On this day the Tapasya of Maa Vishalakshi was completed as she finally in the form Sakshat Parvati, united with Bhagwan Shiv after getting married. Devotees who worship Maa Vishalakshi Adi Shakti by doing Jagran on the night of Mahashivratri are blessed with good health, wealth, success, and material prosperity.