Lucknow, April 9: The Sankata Devi Temple, located in the Lakhimpur Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh, is a revered site dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, prosperity, and peace. It is believed that after the Mahabharata war, Lord Krishna personally established the idol of Goddess Lakshmi here. Rukmini, his consort, is said to have worshipped the goddess at this very location.
This ancient temple, situated in the historic Naimisharanya region, serves as a significant center of faith for devotees. Known as the Sankata Devi Temple, it embodies deep-rooted beliefs and mythological narratives dating back to the Mahabharata era.
According to local tradition, after the Mahabharata war, as Lord Krishna journeyed to Pashupatinath in Nepal, Rukmini expressed her desire to pause and worship Goddess Lakshmi. To fulfill her wish, Krishna installed the idol of Lakshmi, and Rukmini performed her worship with devotion. This event marked the temple’s rise to prominence. Once part of the lush Naimisharanya, the area was known for its dense forests, making it an ideal spot for Rukmini’s stay, leading to the establishment of the idol. Sankata Devi is also regarded as a form of Mahalaxmi.
The Sankata Devi Temple is not just a religious site; it is a cultural and spiritual landmark for Lakhimpur Kheri. Devotees from far and wide come to pray for relief from troubles and hardships. The city was originally named Lakshmipur, which later transformed into Lakhimpur, reflecting the goddess’s influence. The temple is conveniently located just 500 meters from the city’s railway station, featuring a vast courtyard, a grand dome, and lush greenery that enhance its allure. The main idol, made of brown stone, is adorned with a silver cover and sits majestically on a throne.
The temple’s main entrance faces east, with an additional large door to the south. The complex includes a sacrificial site and a circumambulation path. During Navratri, a larger idol of the goddess is also installed.
Inside the sanctum, alongside the goddess, are the idols of Panchmukhi Hanuman and a Shivling. The Sankata Devi Temple is one of the prominent Shakti Peeths in the region, housing the shrines of Sankata Devi, Bankata Devi, and Shitala Devi, with Sankata Devi being the principal deity.
Daily rituals include Mangala Aarti, adorned floral offerings, and evening prayers before the temple closes. Regular worship is conducted by the Aarti committee and priests.
During both Chaitra and Vasant Navratri, the temple hosts Devi Jagran events. Special prayers are also held on Gupt Navratri, Fridays, Tuesdays, and other significant days dedicated to the goddess. A large number of devotees visit the temple for worship. The expansive courtyard is also a venue for various ceremonies, including weddings, mundan, annaprashan, and naming ceremonies. Additionally, an annual recitation of the Srimad Bhagavat Katha is organized.
The temple has undergone renovations over time, supported by the kings of the erstwhile Mahewa state.
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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