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Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Varanasi
Hanuman (Sankat Mochan) · Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
॥ ॐ हनुमते नमः ॥
The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple in Varanasi is one of the most beloved shrines of the holy city, founded by the poet-saint Tulsidas, who is said to have had a vision of Hanuman on this spot while composing the Ramcharitmanas. Sankat Mochan — “the reliever of troubles” — is sought by the people of Kashi for protection, and his temple rings with the Hanuman Chalisa through the day.
The temple of Tulsidas
Tradition holds that Goswami Tulsidas, the 16th-century poet who gave the Ramayana to the people in their own tongue as the Ramcharitmanas, beheld Hanuman here and established the shrine at the place of his vision. The temple thus carries the devotion of the saint who sang the deeds of Rama and his servant, and the image of Hanuman faces the lord he serves.
The reliever of troubles
Sankat Mochan means the remover of dangers and afflictions, and the people of Varanasi turn to this Hanuman for relief in every trouble of life. The temple is wreathed in vermilion and marigold, set in a leafy compound near the Assi end of the city, and is famous for the offering of laddus and the constant recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa.
Music in the courtyard
Sankat Mochan is also a great seat of classical music: the annual Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh fills its courtyard with the finest musicians of India, performing through the nights as an offering to the lord. Tuesdays and Saturdays bring the largest weekly crowds, and Hanuman Jayanti is the temple’s grand festival.
How to reach the temple
- By road: the temple is near Assi in the southern part of Varanasi, close to Banaras Hindu University.
- By train: Varanasi Junction is about 7 km away.
- By air: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, Varanasi, is about 25 km away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the Sankat Mochan Temple?
It was founded by the poet-saint Goswami Tulsidas, who is said to have had a vision of Hanuman on this spot while composing the Ramcharitmanas.
What does Sankat Mochan mean?
Sankat Mochan means “the reliever of troubles,” for the people of Varanasi turn to this Hanuman for protection and relief in every difficulty.
What is the Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh?
It is the temple’s annual classical music festival, when the finest musicians of India perform through the nights in the courtyard as an offering to the lord.
When is the temple busiest?
Tuesdays and Saturdays sacred to Hanuman bring the largest weekly crowds, and Hanuman Jayanti is the grand festival.
Where is the temple?
It is near Assi in the southern part of Varanasi, close to Banaras Hindu University.
How do I reach the temple?
Varanasi Junction is about 7 km away and the airport about 25 km.
॥ जय संकटमोचन ॥ • Bhaktiras.net Temple Guide
| Deity | Hanuman as Sankat Mochan (reliever of troubles) |
| Founded by | Goswami Tulsidas |
| Special | Annual Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh (music festival) |
| Setting | Near Assi, southern Varanasi |
| Sacred days | Tuesdays and Saturdays |
| Main Festival | Hanuman Jayanti |