Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is one of the most sacred temples in Varanasi, dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The temple was established by the famous saint-poet Goswami Tulsidas, the author of the 'Ramcharitmanas', in the early 16th century. It is believed that Tulsidas had a divine vision of Lord Ha numan at this very spot. The name 'Sankat Mochan' translates to 'the reliever from troubles', and thousands of devotees visit daily to seek blessings and protection. The idol of Hanuman here is unique as it faces his Lord, Rama, whom he worshipped with total devotion. The temple is situated near the Assi River and is known for its peaceful, spiritual atmosphere, despite the large crowds. One of the unique features of this temple is that the 'Prasad' offered is a special kind of 'Besan Ladoo' that is famous throughout the city. The temple also has a significant population of monkeys, who are treated with respect as they are considered representatives of the deity. The temple complex is not just a place of worship but a hub of cultural activity, especially during the annual Sangeet Samaroh. Unlike many other temples in Varanasi, the atmosphere here is less commercialized and more focused on deep, personal prayer. Devotees often sit in the courtyard for hours, reciting the 'Hanuman Chalisa'. The temple has survived various historical challenges and remains a symbol of faith and resilience for the people of Uttar Pradesh. A visit here provides a profound sense of peace and is considered a mandatory stop for any pilgrim visiting the Varanasi-Vindhyachal circuit.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1-2 HoursPlace Type:
Religious, CulturalEntry Fees:
There is no entry fee for the temple. It is open to all faiths.
VIP Darshan: Unlike some other major temples, there is generally no paid 'fast-track' line.
Shoe Keeping: A small tip (5-10 INR) is usually given at the shoe-keeping ...There is no entry fee for the temple. It is open to all faiths.
VIP Darshan: Unlike some other major temples, there is generally no paid 'fast-track' line.
Shoe Keeping: A small tip (5-10 INR) is usually given at the shoe-keeping counter.Timing:
The temple is open from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: Tuesdays and Saturdays are the most auspicious but also the most crowded. Visit on a Wednesday or Thursday morning for a quieter experience. ...The temple is open from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: Tuesdays and Saturdays are the most auspicious but also the most crowded. Visit on a Wednesday or Thursday morning for a quieter experience.Special Events:
Hanuman Jayanti is the biggest festival celebrated here.
Sangeet Samaroh: A 5-6 day classical music festival held every year in April.
Hanuman Jayanti Shobha Yatra: A massive procession through the streets of Varanasi ending at the...Hanuman Jayanti is the biggest festival celebrated here.
Sangeet Samaroh: A 5-6 day classical music festival held every year in April.
Hanuman Jayanti Shobha Yatra: A massive procession through the streets of Varanasi ending at the temple.Best Photo Spots:
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the inner sanctum, but permitted in the courtyard.
Entrance Gate: The colorful and ornate main gate makes for a great introductory shot.
Temple Courtyard: Capture the rows of devotees again...Photography is strictly prohibited inside the inner sanctum, but permitted in the courtyard.
Entrance Gate: The colorful and ornate main gate makes for a great introductory shot.
Temple Courtyard: Capture the rows of devotees against the traditional architecture.
The Monkey Life: Candid shots of monkeys in the temple trees are very popular.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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There are many ways to experience the divinity of this temple.
Recite Hanuman Chalisa: Join the dozens of devotees sitting in the courtyard to chant the sacred verses.
Offer Ladoos: Purchase the famous 'Besan Ladoos' from the temple stall to offer to the deity.
Attend the Aarti: Witness the morning or evening Aarti, which is a powerful and moving experience.
Musical Experience: If visiting in April, attend the classical music festival held at night.
Feeding Monkeys: You can offer bananas or nuts to the monkeys, but be cautious and follow temple rules.
People Watching: Observe the diverse range of pilgrims from all over India.
Meditation: The temple's en...There are many ways to experience the divinity of this temple.
Recite Hanuman Chalisa: Join the dozens of devotees sitting in the courtyard to chant the sacred verses.
Offer Ladoos: Purchase the famous 'Besan Ladoos' from the temple stall to offer to the deity.
Attend the Aarti: Witness the morning or evening Aarti, which is a powerful and moving experience.
Musical Experience: If visiting in April, attend the classical music festival held at night.
Feeding Monkeys: You can offer bananas or nuts to the monkeys, but be cautious and follow temple rules.
People Watching: Observe the diverse range of pilgrims from all over India.
Meditation: The temple's energy is highly conducive to silent meditation.
Visit the Goshala: See the temple's cow shelter, which is part of its traditional upkeep.
Buy Religious Books: There are stalls nearby selling authentic versions of the 'Ramcharitmanas'.
Explore Saket Nagar: Walk through the surrounding area, which has several traditional ashrams.
Information
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Why Famous:
Sankat Mochan is world-famous for its historical and astrological significance.
Tulsidas Connection: Founded by the saint who wrote the most popular version of the Ramayana.
Astrological Remedy: It is believed that praying here neu...Sankat Mochan is world-famous for its historical and astrological significance.
Tulsidas Connection: Founded by the saint who wrote the most popular version of the Ramayana.
Astrological Remedy: It is believed that praying here neutralizes the ill effects of the planet Shani (Saturn).
Music Festival: It hosts the Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh, where India's top classical musicians perform as an act of devotion. -
Architecture:
The temple follows a simple yet elegant North Indian temple architecture style.
Sanctum Sanctorum: The main shrine houses the idol of Lord Hanuman, which is covered with vermilion (sindoor).
Courtyard: The temple features a large o...The temple follows a simple yet elegant North Indian temple architecture style.
Sanctum Sanctorum: The main shrine houses the idol of Lord Hanuman, which is covered with vermilion (sindoor).
Courtyard: The temple features a large open courtyard surrounded by arched walkways, providing space for thousands of devotees to gather.
Dimensions: The temple complex covers about 1 acre. The main structure is approximately 15 meters high.
Surroundings: The temple is nestled amidst lush trees, which house the resident monkey population. -
How To Reach:
Sankat Mochan is centrally located in Varanasi.
By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport is 25 KMS away.
By Train: Varanasi Junction (VBS) is 7 KMS away.
By Road: Well-connected by the national highway....Sankat Mochan is centrally located in Varanasi.
By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport is 25 KMS away.
By Train: Varanasi Junction (VBS) is 7 KMS away.
By Road: Well-connected by the national highway. Taxis from Vindhyachal take about 2 hours.
By Local Transport: E-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are the best way to navigate the narrow lanes of Varanasi. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
October to March offers the best weather.
Summer: Can be extremely hot, making it difficult to stand in queues.
Festival Season: Visit during April for the music festival or November for Deepawali. ...October to March offers the best weather.
Summer: Can be extremely hot, making it difficult to stand in queues.
Festival Season: Visit during April for the music festival or November for Deepawali. -
Near Tourist Places:
Assi Ghat (1 KM), BHU Campus (0. 5 KM), Kashi Vishwanath Temple (4 KM), Durga Kund (1 KM), Tulsi Manas Temple (1 KM), Sarnath (12 KM), Dashashwamedh Ghat (3 KM), Ramnagar Fort (5 KM), Vindhyavasini Temple (75 KM), Bharat Kala Bhavan (1 KM)
Tourism Tips
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Be mindful of the local customs and wildlife.
Health & Safety: Watch your belongings, as monkeys are known to snatch bags and glasses.
Packing: Dress modestly; avoid shorts or sleeveless tops.
Accommo...Be mindful of the local customs and wildlife.
Health & Safety: Watch your belongings, as monkeys are known to snatch bags and glasses.
Packing: Dress modestly; avoid shorts or sleeveless tops.
Accommodation: Numerous hotels and guest houses are available in the Assi Ghat area nearby.
Cash & Connectivity: ATMs are widely available in the vicinity; 5G mobile connectivity is excellent.
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