About Sankat Mochan Hanuman
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is one of the most beloved shrines of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, dedicated to Lord Hanuman as Sankat Mochan, the Reliever of Troubles. It stands in a leafy compound near the Assi river and Banaras Hindu University in the southern part of the city. Devotees believe that sincere prayer here removes obstacles and fear. The deity faces Lord Rama, his beloved master, whose shrine stands opposite. Tuesdays and Saturdays draw especially large crowds, and the besan laddoo offered as prasad is famous across the city.
Tradition holds that the temple was founded by the poet-saint Goswami Tulsidas, author of the Ramcharitmanas, in the 16th century, at the spot where he is believed to have had a vision of Hanuman. The present temple took shape in the early 20th century with the support of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, founder of Banaras Hindu University. In March 2006 the temple was struck by a terrorist bombing; worship resumed quickly, and the temple remains a symbol of faith and resilience. Every year it hosts the Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh, a celebrated classical music and dance festival.
The temple is simple rather than grand, set among trees within a walled courtyard. The orange, sindoor-covered image of Hanuman sits in the main shrine, with Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana facing him. Monkeys roam freely in the grounds. You will see devotees reciting the Hanuman Chalisa and Sundar Kand, and stalls near the gate selling laddoos and garlands for offering.
Sankat Mochan Hanuman timings & aarti
Usually open about 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM, with a short midday break on some days. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning Aarti | Around 5:00 AM |
| Evening (Sandhya) Aarti | Around sunset |
| Night Aarti | Around 9:00 PM |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Sankat Mochan Hanuman
By air
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi, about 25–28 km away.
By train
Varanasi Junction (Varanasi Cantt) is about 6–7 km away; Banaras station is about 4 km away.
By road
Auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws run from all parts of the city. The temple is on the road between Durga Kund and BHU's Lanka gate.
Festivals at Sankat Mochan Hanuman
- Hanuman JayantiMar/Apr
- Sankat Mochan Sangeet SamarohApr (around Hanuman Jayanti)
- Ram NavamiMar/Apr
- DiwaliOct/Nov
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing recommended.
- Entry
- Open to all devotees with no entry fee. Mobile phones and bags are generally not allowed inside for security reasons, so use the deposit counters near the entrance.
- Leave your phone at your hotel or in the deposit counter; security checks are strict.
- Offer the temple's besan laddoo, which is the traditional prasad here.
- Keep food and loose items out of sight; monkeys in the compound can snatch them.
- Tuesdays and Saturdays are very crowded, especially in the evening.
Places to visit near Sankat Mochan Hanuman
- Durga Kund TempleRed-hued Durga temple beside a sacred tank, about 1 km away
- Tulsi Manas MandirMarble temple with Ramcharitmanas verses on its walls, about 1 km away
- New Vishwanath Temple (BHU)Tall Shiva temple inside the BHU campus, about 2–3 km away
- Assi GhatPopular ghat for morning aarti and boat rides, about 2 km away
- Kashi Vishwanath TempleOne of the 12 Jyotirlingas, about 5–6 km away
Frequently asked questions
What are the Sankat Mochan Temple Varanasi timings?
The temple usually opens around 5:00 AM and closes around 10:00 PM. Timings can change on festival days, so check locally.
Who built Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple?
It is traditionally believed to have been founded by Goswami Tulsidas in the 16th century. The present structure was developed in the early 20th century with the help of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya.
Can I take my mobile phone inside Sankat Mochan Temple?
Generally no. Mobile phones are usually not permitted inside for security reasons, and deposit facilities are available near the gate.
What is the famous prasad at Sankat Mochan?
Besan (gram flour) laddoo is the traditional and most popular offering.
When is the Sankat Mochan music festival held?
The Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh is held every year around Hanuman Jayanti, usually in April, with performances by leading classical artists.
What is the aarti time at Sankat Mochan Hanuman?
Morning Aarti: Around 5:00 AM; Evening (Sandhya) Aarti: Around sunset; Night Aarti: Around 9:00 PM. Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Sankat Mochan Hanuman?
Modest traditional clothing recommended.
How to reach Sankat Mochan Hanuman?
By air: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi, about 25–28 km away. By train: Varanasi Junction (Varanasi Cantt) is about 6–7 km away; Banaras station is about 4 km away. By road: Auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws run from all parts of the city. The temple is on the road between Durga Kund and BHU's Lanka gate.
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