Sankat Mochan, "the reliever of troubles," carries a foundation story that ties this significant Varanasi temple directly to one of Hindu devotional literature's most important fiβ¦
Sankat Mochan, "the reliever of troubles," carries a foundation story that ties this significant Varanasi temple directly to one of Hindu devotional literature's most important figures: the site is traditionally credited to Tulsidas, the 16th-century poet-saint whose Ramcharitmanas β a retelling of the Ramayana in vernacular Awadhi rather than Sanskrit β remains one of the most widely read and recited religious texts in North India to this day. Tulsidas is said to have had a direct vision of Hanuman at this specific location, and the temple built to commemorate that experience has since become one of Varanasi's most significant sites, drawing devotees specifically seeking relief from difficulties and obstacles, in keeping with the meaning of the temple's name. Sankat Mochan sits within a wider Varanasi religious landscape already touched on elsewhere in this project through the Vishalakshi Shakti Peetha, adding a further significant thread to this exceptionally sacred-site-dense city β proof, alongside Vishalakshi's own relative obscurity next to the far more famous Kashi Vishwanath, that Varanasi's religious geography rewards genuine exploration well beyond its single most famous temple.
The temple is traditionally credited to the 16th-century poet-saint Tulsidas, author of the Ramcharitmanas, who is said to have experienced a direct vision of Hanuman at this specific site, with the temple subsequently developing into one of Varanasi's most significant Hanuman pilgrimage destinations.
A temple built in the Nagara style typical of North India, developed over centuries into a significant complex within Varanasi's exceptionally dense sacred geography.
Sankat Mochan, meaning "reliever of troubles," is traditionally associated with a direct vision of Hanuman experienced by the poet-saint Tulsidas, author of the widely revered Ramcharitmanas β devotees visit specifically seeking relief from difficulties and obstacles, in keeping with the temple's name and founding legend.
Darshan | Start | End | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Temple opening | 5:00 AM | β | Open | General days |
Morning darshan | 5:00 AM | 12:00 PM | Open | Main morning darshan session |
Afternoon | 12:00 PM | 3:00 PM | Open | Darshan continues with regular rituals |
Evening darshan | 3:00 PM | 10:00 PM | Open | Evening worship and aarti |
Temple closing | β | 10:00 PM | Closed | Daily closing time |
Aarti | Time | Fee | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
Mangala Aarti | 5:00 AM | Free | First worship of the day |
Morning Aarti | 8:00 AM | Free | Daily morning devotional worship |
Rajbhog Aarti | 12:00 PM | Free | Midday food offering to Lord Hanuman |
Sandhya Aarti | 6:30 PM | Free | Evening lamp offering |
Shayan Aarti | 9:30 PM | Free | Final ritual before temple closes |
Darshan | Price | Waiting Time | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
General Darshan | Free | 15β45 min | Walk-in |
Special Darshan | Not Available | β | General queue for all devotees |
VIP Darshan | Available during major festivals | Varies | Temple Administration |
Seva | Time | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
Archana | Throughout the day | As per temple | Personal prayer offered in the devotee's name |
Sindoor Seva | Morning | As per temple | Sacred vermilion offering to Lord Hanuman |
Chola Seva | Morning | As per temple | Offering of ceremonial attire to the deity |
Hanuman Chalisa Path | Throughout the day | Free | Devotees recite the Hanuman Chalisa for blessings |
Sundara Kanda Parayan | By Booking | As per temple | Recitation of Sundara Kanda for protection and prosperity |
Festival | Month | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
Hanuman Jayanti | MarchβApril | The temple's largest annual celebration featuring special poojas, Akhand Hanuman Chalisa, bhajans, and thousands of devotees. |
Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh | April | A world-renowned classical music and dance festival organized annually within the temple premises, featuring eminent artists from across India. |
Ram Navami | MarchβApril | Special Hanuman worship, Sundara Kanda recitation, and devotional programs in honor of Lord Rama. |
Diwali | OctoberβNovember | Temple illuminated with lamps and decorated for special Hanuman worship. |
Every Tuesday & Saturday | Throughout the Year | The most auspicious days for Lord Hanuman worship, attracting large numbers of devotees. |
Sharad Purnima | October | Special devotional singing and evening celebrations. |
Kartik Purnima | November | Increased pilgrim footfall with special prayers and aarti. |
Prasadam | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
Boondi Prasadam | As per counter | Traditional sweet offering |
Besan Laddu | As per counter | Temple-prepared sweet prasadam |
Batasha | As per counter | Sacred sugar sweet |
Mishri | As per counter | Blessed sugar crystals |
Sacred Coconut | As per counter | Coconut offered to Lord Hanuman and returned as prasadam |
Nearest airport: Varanasi (~25 km). Varanasi is well connected by rail to major Indian cities.
No reviews yet β be the first to share your experience.
Book your puja directly through Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Varanasi's own official temple portal β secure, and handled entirely by the temple administration.
Book Puja on Official Website βThinking of visiting Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Varanasi? Share your travel dates and group size, and our travel desk will put together a personalised itinerary β transport, stay and darshan timings, all planned around this temple.
π Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005
Planning to stay overnight? Find places to stay near Varanasi.
Search Hotels on Booking.comVaranasi offers accommodation across every budget throughout the city.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Vishalakshi Temple (documented elsewhere in this project), and the Ganges ghats are all within reach.