Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple – The Reliever of Troubles in Kashi

 

Location

• City: Varanasi (Kashi), Uttar Pradesh
• Area: Near Assi Ghat, on the banks of the River Varuna
• Access:
• About 3 km from Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
• Easily reachable by auto, taxi, or cycle rickshaw from major parts of the city
• Nearest railway station: Varanasi Junction
• Nearest airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport

Presiding Deity

• Main Deity: Lord Hanuman in the form of Sankat Mochan – “The Reliever of Troubles”
• Form: Devotees worship Hanuman here with folded hands, facing Lord Rama, symbolizing unwavering devotion
• Special Offering: Besan laddoo is the most popular prasadam, offered in thousands daily

Subshrines

• Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana – often depicted in the sanctum
• Lord Shiva – in a separate shrine within the complex
• Navagrahas – planetary deities for astrological remedies
• Tulasi Plant – venerated as a sacred symbol of purity and devotion

Temple Significance

• Founded by Tulsidas: The temple was established by the great saint-poet Goswami Tulsidas, author of the Ramcharitmanas. It is believed he had a divine vision of Hanuman at this very spot.
• Spiritual Magnet: Devotees believe that sincere prayers here remove obstacles, illnesses, and fears. The temple is especially revered by students, job seekers, and those facing hardships.
• Cultural Hub: Hosts the annual Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh, a prestigious classical music and dance festival attended by renowned artists across India.
• Security Symbol: The temple is known for its resilience and devotion, even after surviving a terror attack in 2006. It remains a symbol of peace and spiritual strength.

Architecture

• Style: Traditional North Indian Hindu architecture, simple yet spiritually resonant.
• Sanctum: The idol of Lord Hanuman is depicted in a humble posture, with folded hands facing Lord Rama, symbolizing devotion and surrender.
• Temple Layout:
• Spacious courtyard for devotees
• Shrines for Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Lord Shiva
• A sacred Tulasi plant and Navagraha shrines
• Aarti & Chanting: The temple is renowned for its Hanuman Chalisa and Sundarkand recitations, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays, drawing thousands of devotees.

Rituals

• Daily Worship:
• Mangala Aarti at dawn
• Sandhya Aarti in the evening
• Hanuman Chalisa and Sundarkand recitations are central to daily devotion
• Offerings:
• Besan laddoo is the most popular prasadam
• Devotees also offer red flowers, vermilion, and mustard oil
• Special Days:
• Tuesdays and Saturdays are considered most auspicious for Hanuman worship
• Devotees queue up in large numbers for darshan and aarti

Festivals

• Hanuman Jayanti:
• Celebrated in Chaitra month (March–April)
• Includes special aartis, bhajans, and spiritual discourses
• Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh:
• A prestigious annual classical music and dance festival
• Features top artists from across India performing in devotion to Hanuman
• Ram Navami & Diwali:
• Celebrated with grandeur, linking Hanuman’s devotion to Lord Rama
• Navagraha Shanti Poojas:
• Conducted for planetary peace, especially for Shani and Mangala doshas

Beliefs

• Sankat Mochan: Hanuman is worshipped here as the remover of troubles, especially those related to fear, illness, and planetary afflictions
• Student & Career Blessings: The temple is popular among students and job seekers who pray for success and clarity
• Healing & Protection: Devotees believe that regular visits and chanting here bring mental peace, courage, and protection from evil forces

Temple Hours

• Morning: 4:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Evening: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Aarti Timings:
• Mangala Aarti (early morning)
• Sandhya Aarti (evening) — especially vibrant on Tuesdays and Saturdays
• Note: Timings may vary slightly during festivals like Hanuman Jayanti or Ram Navami

Getting Here

• By Road:
• Located near Assi Ghat, easily accessible by auto, taxi, or cycle rickshaw
• About 3 km from Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
• By Rail:
• Nearest station: Varanasi Junction (approx. 6 km)
• Also accessible from Manduadih and Kashi railway stations
• By Air:
• Nearest airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Babatpur (approx. 25 km)
• Local Transport:
• Autos and e-rickshaws are widely available
• Walking from nearby ghats is scenic and spiritually uplifting

Tips

• Best Days to Visit: Tuesdays and Saturdays are considered most auspicious for Hanuman worship
• Offerings: Carry besan laddoo, red flowers, and vermilion for darshan
• Crowd Alert: Expect large crowds during Hanuman Jayanti, Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh, and weekends
• Footwear & Dress Code: Leave footwear outside; wear modest, traditional attire for temple entry
• Nearby Attractions: Combine your visit with Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Durga Kund, and Assi Ghat for a complete spiritual circuit