Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Varanasi

About Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Varanasi

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated along the Assi River in Southern Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Established by Goswami Tulsidas (the author of Ramcharitmanas), the temple is one of the most revered Hanuman shrines in India, dedicated to the 'Reliever of Troubles' (Sankat Mochan).

Historical Lineage & Epigraphy

According to tradition, Goswami Tulsidas had a divine vision of Lord Hanuman at this exact spot around 1580 CE and composed parts of the Ramcharitmanas nearby. The temple was expanded in the early 20th century under Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya. The historical record of many Indian temples extends across centuries, with foundations often attributed to local rulers, merchants, or devotees who sought spiritual merit through religious patronage. Temples in India have frequently been rebuilt, expanded, or renovated by successive patrons, making it difficult to assign precise founding dates without epigraphic evidence. Inscriptions on temple pillars, mandapa walls, and copper plates are the primary sources for verifiable founding dates and patron identities; where such records exist, they are referenced by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Religious & Theological Significance

Uniquely, the idol of Lord Hanuman faces the sanctum of Lord Rama. Millions offer 'Besan ke Laddoo' prasadam to seek relief from astrological afflictions (Saturn/Rahu). The annual 6-day Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh features India's legendary classical musicians performing all night. Devotees of the presiding deity visit Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Varanasi for regular darshan (viewing of the deity) as well as for major festival observances throughout the year. The temple follows a daily schedule of puja ceremonies: typically beginning before dawn with the Mangala Aarti (auspicious lamp ritual) and concluding with a late-evening closing ceremony. Specific festivals — tied to the Hindu lunar calendar and the deity's mythological biography — draw significantly larger congregations and may include elaborate processions, chariot festivals, and special abhisheka (ritual bathing) ceremonies.

Architectural Classification & Engineering

Features a spacious paved courtyard surrounded by shade trees, monkey sanctuaries, and dedicated halls for Ramayana recitations. The regional architectural style used in Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Varanasi reflects the temple-building traditions dominant in India during its construction period. Key structural elements typically include the shikhara (spire) over the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha), the mandapa (assembly hall), and in larger temples, separate halls for music, dance, and offerings. Decorative sculpture on the exterior walls depicts deities, celestial beings (apsaras), mythological narratives, and auspicious symbols drawn from Puranic literature; the quality and survival of this sculpture depend significantly on the stone used and subsequent conservation efforts.

Visitor Guidelines & Operational Timings

Located near Banaras Hindu University (BHU). High security check at entry gates. The temple is generally open for darshan from early morning (approximately 5:00–6:00 AM) to late evening (approximately 8:00–9:00 PM), with a midday closure during the afternoon puja period; hours vary and should be confirmed locally. Visitors are required to remove footwear at the temple entrance and dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered); specific dress-code requirements vary by temple. Photography rules differ across temples — many prohibit cameras inside the sanctum but allow photography in outer precincts; posted signage or temple staff can clarify.

How to Reach

Varanasi Cantt Station is 6 km north. Babatpur Airport is 28 km northwest. The nearest major city to Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Varanasi is the nearest town, from which the temple can be reached by local bus, auto-rickshaw, or hired taxi. Pilgrimage sites along the India circuit are typically well-connected by state transport buses; schedules should be verified at the nearest KSRTC, TSRTC, TNSTC, or equivalent state bus terminal. The nearest railway station is the most practical arrival point for long-distance travellers; from there, local transport to the temple is generally available.

• ✈️ Nearest Airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Babatpur (28 km)
• 🚆 Nearest Railway Station: Varanasi Junction / Cantt (6 km) / Banaras Station (3 km)

Frequently Asked Questions

Verified Academic & Administrative Sources

• Sankat Mochan Foundation Administration
• Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department
• Ramcharitmanas Historical Monograph
• Varanasi District Gazetteer