Sankata Devi: The Powerful Goddess Who Removes Suffering and Obstacles

Goddess Sakanta Devi is the "Goddess of Dangers," a fierce yet protective aspect of Adishakti who removes obstacles, illnesses, and threats for her devotees.

Sankata Devi is a Matrika Devi referred to as "Vikat Matrika," who removes obstacles and hardships from the lives of her devotees. She is a fierce warrior who assists the divine Mother Goddess in her battles against the demons. 

Sankata Devi

The term “Sankat,” which means problem or hardship, and Sankata Devi removes barriers from the lives of people who faithfully worship her.

Sankata Devi is mentioned in several puranas and is associated with Vrat Kathas (fasting stories). She is a powerful manifestation of Adishakti, with ten hands holding weapons and two hands in Varad and Abhaya mudra and rides a tiger or a lion.

One legend states that after the self-immolation of Sati, a distraught Lord Shiva worshipped Sankata Devi to regain his peace.

According to the Skanda Purana, the devotees who sincerely call upon Maa Sankata during times of great distress, the Goddess appears like a thunderbolt to alleviate their pain and protect them from all dangers.

Sankata Devi is the remover of obstacles and hardships

In the Bhavishya Purana and the Srimad Devi Bhagavatam, she is mentioned as one who appears suddenly in times of crisis to protect dharma in every Yuga.

One popular belief is that even Yamraj (God of Death) cannot approach a devotee under her protection. Yamraj is afraid of the furious fire radiating from the Sankata Devi. 

According to the Mahabharata -

Lord Krishna asked Yudhishtira, the eldest of the Pandavas, to worship Sankata Devi along with wife and brothers, to help them overcome obstacles during their exile. 

Lord Krishna asking Yudhishtira to worship Sankata Devi

There is a great Stotra in the Padma Purana - 

A direct conversation between the Sage Narada and the Sage Jagishavya to tell him the names of Sankata, which are purifying, authoritative, which give good results, and on hearing of which would result in receiving divine grace.

Jagadishavya told Sage Narada the story from the Dwapara Yuga, when Yudhishtira lost his kingdom, left his country along with his brothers and Draupadi, and all of them came to the city of Banaras, and met Sage Markandeya, who was sitting with his disciples.

Yudhishitira prayed to Sage Markandeya to kindly tell him the method of getting over his sorrow and danger from his enemies.

Sage Markandeya told Yudhishitira to go to the Sankata Devi temple in Banaras and chant her eight divine names –

 “Sankata prathamam namam, dwitheeyam vijayasthadha,

Thritheeyam Kamada proktham, chahurtham Dukha harini,

Sarvani panchamam nama shashtam karthyayani thadha,

Sapthamam Bheema nayana Sarva rogaharshtamam,

Nama ashtakamidham punyam trisandhyam sradhayanvitha,

Ya padethpadeyedwapi naro muchyathe sankatath.”

Explanation –

Remover of dangers is her first name,

Victorious Goddess is her second name,

Fulfiller of all desires is her third name,

Destroyer of sorrows is her fourth name,

She who is everything is her fifth name,

Daughter of Kathyayana is her sixth name,

Goddess with very large eyes is her seventh name,

She who cures all diseases is her eighth name.

Sage Markandeya said to Yudhishitira that whoever reads these holy names of Sankata Devi with faith at the time of dawn, noon and dusk, or he who gets them read, would never suffer dangers.

Yudhishitira followed the orders of the great Sage Markandeya and went to the Sankata Devi temple in the holy city of Banaras and worshipped the Goddess along with his brothers and Draupadi, chanting her eight divine names. 

Pandavas and Draupadi worshipping Sankata Devi in exile

Festivals and Sacred Pooja Days of Goddess Sankata Devi

Goddess Sankata Devi is a protective form of the Divine Mother who removes sankat (difficulties, dangers, suffering). In many traditions, she is worshipped as a fierce manifestation of Adishakti, and her worship is especially connected with relief from hardship and protection during difficult periods.

Below are the main festivals and auspicious days associated with the worship of Sankata Devi -

1. Sankata Devi Vrat (Monthly Worship)

The most important observance for the goddess is the Sankata Devi Vrat.

Day:

• Usually observed on Krishna Paksha Chaturthi (4th day of the waning moon).
• In many regions, it falls on Tuesday, which is considered especially sacred for the goddess.

Rituals

• Devotees fast during the day.

• In the evening, they worship the idol or picture of the goddess.

• Offerings include flowers, red cloth, fruits, and sweets.

• The Sankata Devi Vrat Katha is recited.

Belief:

This vrat is believed to remove obstacles, protect the family, and bring relief from suffering.

2. Tuesdays are dedicated to Sankata Devi

In several North Indian traditions, every Tuesday is considered auspicious for Sankata Devi.

Why Tuesday?

• Tuesday is associated with Shakti worship and protective goddesses.

• Devotees pray for protection from misfortune and enemies.

Common Practices

• Lighting a ghee diya before the goddess

• Offering red flowers and sindoor

• Chanting Durga mantras or Sankata Devi stuti

3. Special Worship at Sankata Devi Temple (Varanasi)

The Sankata Devi Temple in Varanasi is the most famous shrine of the goddess.

Important worship days there include:

• Tuesdays

• Navratri

• Special Sankata Chaturthi days

Thousands of devotees visit the temple to pray for relief from life’s troubles and protection from danger.

Sankata Devi Puja

When the world feels heavy and the path ahead seems filled with obstacles, devotees turn their hearts toward Goddess Sankata Devi, the compassionate Mother who destroys every sankat that troubles her children. She is not merely a fierce goddess of the scriptures — she is the living strength of the Divine Mother who appears whenever her devotees cry for help with true faith. 

Just as she protected the Pandavas in their time of exile and suffering, it is believed that Sankata Devi continues to guard every sincere devotee who remembers her name with devotion. In moments of fear, sorrow, or uncertainty, her divine presence shines like a protective light, reminding us that no difficulty is greater than the power of the Mother. By praying to Sankata Devi with a pure heart, devotees believe that obstacles are removed, courage awakens within, and the blessings of Adishakti begin to guide their lives toward peace, protection, and divine grace.

When all paths seem closed, and hope begins to fade, remember that the Divine Mother never abandons those who call upon her with faith. 

One sincere prayer to Goddess Sankata Devi can turn even the greatest sorrow into divine protection and grace. 🙏

       

FAQ Section

1. Who is Sankata Devi?

Sankata Devi is a form of Adishakti believed to remove difficulties and protect devotees from suffering.

2. Where is Sankata Devi Temple located?

The famous temple is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.

3. What does Sankata mean?

“Sankata” means difficulty or trouble, and the goddess is believed to remove such hardships.

4. When is Sankata Devi worshipped?

She is often worshipped on Tuesdays and during Navratri.