Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple ✓

The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple was founded by the revered saint-poet Goswami Tulsidas in the 16th century. Tulsidas, the author of the Ramcharitmanas, is believed to have had a divine vision of Lord Hanuman at this very spot near the Assi River, after which the temple was established. The temple remains deeply connected to the Ramcharitmanas tradition and is one of the most important Hanuman shrines associated with the Bhakti movement.

Sankat Mochan means "the remover of troubles and obstacles" in Sanskrit — Sankat meaning trouble or crisis, and Mochan meaning liberator or remover. Lord Hanuman is worshipped here specifically in this form as the deity who liberates devotees from their deepest fears, sorrows, planetary afflictions, and life obstacles. Millions of devotees across India believe that a sincere prayer to Sankat Mochan Hanuman at this temple brings swift relief from problems that seem otherwise insurmountable.

The temple is open from 05:00 AM to 10:00 PM every day. Morning darshan and aarti begin at sunrise, and evening aarti is conducted at sunset. Tuesdays and Saturdays are especially auspicious and see significantly larger crowds. It is advisable to visit early in the morning — before 8 AM — for a calm and unhurried darshan. Timings may be extended during major festivals such as Hanuman Jayanti and Ram Navami.

There is no entry fee for general darshan at Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple. The temple is open and free to all devotees regardless of background. However, devotees wishing to book special sevas such as Rudrabhishek, Hanuman Chalisa recitation by temple priests, or other ritual offerings may need to pay a nominal seva charge at the temple counter. It is recommended to carry some cash for prasad and offerings.

The Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh is a renowned classical music festival organized annually at the temple premises, typically held in April during the Hanuman Jayanti period. Established in 1923, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious classical music festivals in India, attracting top Hindustani and Carnatic musicians from across the country. The festival is deeply rooted in the devotional tradition that music is one of the highest forms of offering to Lord Hanuman, and performances are held in the open-air temple courtyard over several consecutive nights.

The most auspicious offerings at Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple are boondi (small fried chickpea flour droplets) and boondi laddoos, which are considered Lord Hanuman's favourite prasad at this temple. Sindoor (vermillion), jasmine garlands, and mustard oil are also commonly offered. Reciting the Hanuman Chalisa before the deity is itself considered the most powerful act of devotion. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, offering sindoor to the idol and receiving it back as prasad is a deeply cherished tradition.

The temple is located in the Durgakund–Bhelupur area of Varanasi, close to Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and Assi Ghat. Auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, and taxis are readily available from all major points in Varanasi including Varanasi Junction railway station (approximately 5 km away) and Godaulia Chowk. The nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi (approximately 26 km). Lanka Bus Stand is the nearest bus stop, approximately 1 km from the temple.

The temple can be visited throughout the year, but the most auspicious periods are Hanuman Jayanti (March–April), Ram Navami (March–April), and the Shravan month (July–August). The Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh in April offers a unique combination of devotion and classical music. Winter months (October to February) offer the most pleasant weather for visiting Varanasi and exploring the surrounding ghats and temples. Tuesday and Saturday mornings throughout the year see the most vibrant devotional atmosphere.

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is situated in one of the most spiritually rich areas of Varanasi. Nearby attractions include Assi Ghat (approximately 1 km), one of the most beloved ghats on the Ganga; Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and the Vishwanath Temple within its campus; Durga Kund Temple; and the famous Tulsi Manas Temple dedicated to Goswami Tulsidas. The iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the main Ganga ghats are approximately 4–5 km away and can be combined for a complete Varanasi pilgrimage experience.