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Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India:
Founded by Tulsidas: The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is one of the most sacred temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman in India. It was founded by the revered poet-saint Goswami Tulsidas in the 16th century at the spot where he is believed to have had a divine vision of Lord Hanuman, the chief devotee of Lord Rama.: A Place for Solace: The temple's name, Sankat Mochan, literally means 'Reliever of Troubles,' making it a primary destination for devotees seeking blessings to overcome difficulties, a tradition that has continued for centuries.: Spiritual Center: The temple is strategically located near the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) campus, making it a major spiritual and cultural center for students, who frequently visit to pray for success and safe passage, establishing a close connection with the academic community.

General information

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    Ideal Duration:

    30 Minutes - 1 Hour
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    Place Type:

    Temple, Religious Site, Pilgrimage
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    Entry Fees:

    General Entry: Free for all devotees. :

    Ritual/Pooja Fees: Small fees (approx. Rs.100-Rs.500) may apply for devotees wishing to sponsor a special Pooja or Abhishek on auspicious days like Tuesdays. :

    Security: Se...
    General Entry: Free for all devotees. :

    Ritual/Pooja Fees: Small fees (approx. Rs.100-Rs.500) may apply for devotees wishing to sponsor a special Pooja or Abhishek on auspicious days like Tuesdays. :

    Security: Security checkpoints are common; there is no formal entry fee, but donations are welcome.
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    Timing:

    Regular Timings: Generally 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM (or later on Tuesdays and Saturdays, often until midnight). :

    Ideal Visit Time: Early morning (5:00 AM - 7:00 AM) for the best spiritual atmosphere, or late afternoon/early...
    Regular Timings: Generally 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM (or later on Tuesdays and Saturdays, often until midnight). :

    Ideal Visit Time: Early morning (5:00 AM - 7:00 AM) for the best spiritual atmosphere, or late afternoon/early evening on a Saturday or Tuesday to witness the peak devotional energy and special evening rituals.
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    Special Events:

    Hanuman Jayanti: The most important festival, celebrating the birth of Lord Hanuman. The temple is elaborately decorated, and a large procession (Shobha Yatra) starts from the Durga Temple and proceeds all the way to Sankat Mochan, drawing huge crowds. :

    Read More
    Hanuman Jayanti: The most important festival, celebrating the birth of Lord Hanuman. The temple is elaborately decorated, and a large procession (Shobha Yatra) starts from the Durga Temple and proceeds all the way to Sankat Mochan, drawing huge crowds. :

    Ram Navami: The birth of Lord Rama is celebrated, highlighting Hanuman's devotion to his master, with special Kirtans and Bhajans performed at the temple.
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    Best Photo Spots:

    The Banyan Tree and Main Idol: Photos focusing on the imposing double-trunked banyan tree in the courtyard and the main shrine's exterior, capturing the devotion of the crowd on Tuesdays or Saturdays. :

    The Vermilion Markings: Close-up shots ...
    The Banyan Tree and Main Idol: Photos focusing on the imposing double-trunked banyan tree in the courtyard and the main shrine's exterior, capturing the devotion of the crowd on Tuesdays or Saturdays. :

    The Vermilion Markings: Close-up shots of the vermilion (Sindoor) marks left by devotees on the temple walls and pillars, symbolizing the deep faith and continuous flow of prayers. :

    The Simple Architecture: Capturing the unadorned, simple beauty of the shrine's exterior, which contrasts with the grandiosity of other temples, emphasizing humility and faith. (Approx. )

Photo Gallery

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Darjeeling
Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens

Things To Do

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    Offer Besan Laddu and Sindoor: Purchase and offer the traditional Besan Laddu to Lord Hanuman (the prasad is then distributed back to you) and offer Sindoor (vermilion) to the deity, which is considered highly auspicious. :

    Attend the Aarti and Chanting: Participate in the early morning or evening Aarti and the continuous chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa; the atmosphere is spiritually charged, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays. :

    Visit the Lord Rama Shrine: Pay respects at the smaller, dedicated shrine of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshman across the courtyard to complete the full devotional circuit. :

    Observe the Shubh Aarti: Attend the pre-dawn Shubh Aarti (approx. 4:00 AM) for a powerful, uncrowded devotional experience, which is the temple's main ritual. :
    Offer Besan Laddu and Sindoor: Purchase and offer the traditional Besan Laddu to Lord Hanuman (the prasad is then distributed back to you) and offer Sindoor (vermilion) to the deity, which is considered highly auspicious. :

    Attend the Aarti and Chanting: Participate in the early morning or evening Aarti and the continuous chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa; the atmosphere is spiritually charged, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays. :

    Visit the Lord Rama Shrine: Pay respects at the smaller, dedicated shrine of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshman across the courtyard to complete the full devotional circuit. :

    Observe the Shubh Aarti: Attend the pre-dawn Shubh Aarti (approx. 4:00 AM) for a powerful, uncrowded devotional experience, which is the temple's main ritual. :

    Walk the BHU Area: Combine the temple visit with a walk or drive through the nearby Banaras Hindu University campus and the adjacent Durga Temple and Tulsi Manas Temple, which are all located in the same devotional belt of South Varanasi.

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Information

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    Why Famous:

    The Tulsidas Connection: Its fame rests on the historical and spiritual link to Goswami Tulsidas, the author of the epic Ramcharitmanas, cementing its place in the Ramayana and Hanuman devotional circuit. :

    Relief from Afflictions: It is a po...
    The Tulsidas Connection: Its fame rests on the historical and spiritual link to Goswami Tulsidas, the author of the epic Ramcharitmanas, cementing its place in the Ramayana and Hanuman devotional circuit. :

    Relief from Afflictions: It is a powerhouse of faith, famously believed to grant devotees relief from diseases, fear, and all troubles (Sankat), attracting millions of pilgrims, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
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    Architecture:

    Simple yet Devout Architecture: The architecture is comparatively modest and simple, emphasizing devotion over grand embellishments, reflecting the austere nature of Lord Hanuman's worship. It was rebuilt in 1900 AD by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya. :

    Read More
    Simple yet Devout Architecture: The architecture is comparatively modest and simple, emphasizing devotion over grand embellishments, reflecting the austere nature of Lord Hanuman's worship. It was rebuilt in 1900 AD by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya. :

    Twin Shrines: The complex houses a main shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman, where his idol is depicted in a standing posture with his head bowed in devotion to Lord Rama. A second, smaller shrine opposite the main one is dedicated to Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshman, highlighting the inseparable bond between Hanuman and Rama. :

    The Banyan Tree: A large, old double-trunk banyan tree marks the original sacred spot where Tulsidas is said to have set up the first image of Hanuman.
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    How To Reach:

    By Air: Fly to VNS (approx. 30 KMS). Take a taxi/cab directly to the Lanka area. :

    By Train: Nearest is BSB (approx. 5 KMS). Take an auto-rickshaw directly to the temple, a straightforward route as it is outside the narrowest city lanes. ...
    By Air: Fly to VNS (approx. 30 KMS). Take a taxi/cab directly to the Lanka area. :

    By Train: Nearest is BSB (approx. 5 KMS). Take an auto-rickshaw directly to the temple, a straightforward route as it is outside the narrowest city lanes. :

    By Road: Easily accessible by car or taxi, with dedicated paid parking available (a rarity in the city), as it is located on a main road near the BHU campus. :

    By Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are readily available from all parts of the city. It's a very easy destination for local transport due to its prominent location on the main road.
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    Weather and Best Time to Visit:

    Seasonal Preference: October to March (Winter) is ideal. The most devotional time is around the festival of Hanuman Jayanti (March/April). :

    Daily Preference: Tuesday and Saturday are the most sacred days, attracting the largest, most vibran...
    Seasonal Preference: October to March (Winter) is ideal. The most devotional time is around the festival of Hanuman Jayanti (March/April). :

    Daily Preference: Tuesday and Saturday are the most sacred days, attracting the largest, most vibrant crowds; however, a weekday morning is best for a quick, peaceful Darshan and temple exploration.
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    Near Tourist Places:

    New Vishwanath Temple (BHU) (2 KM), Tulsi Manas Temple (0. 5 KM), Durga Temple (1 KM), Assi Ghat (2 KM), Bharat Kala Bhavan (2 KM, inside BHU), Ramnagar Fort (10 KM), Kedar Ghat (4 KM), Godowlia Market (5 KM), Kashi Vishwanath Temple (6 KM), Sarnath (17 KM).

Tourism Tips

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    Health & Safety: Be aware of the monkey population; do not carry food in the open and secure your belongings. Pass through the mandatory security checkpoint. :

    Packing: Modest clothing is expected, especially in the sanctum. Purchase the B...
    Health & Safety: Be aware of the monkey population; do not carry food in the open and secure your belongings. Pass through the mandatory security checkpoint. :

    Packing: Modest clothing is expected, especially in the sanctum. Purchase the Besan Laddu offering from the official counter outside the main complex. :

    Accommodation: Numerous mid-range and budget hotels are available nearby in the Lanka and Assi Ghat areas, which are safer and less congested than the old city. :

    Other Tips: Combine this trip with the New Vishwanath Temple (BHU), as they are close. Be prepared for queues on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

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