Hanuman
Shri Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
- Hanuman
- Sankat Mochan, Durgakund Road · Varanasi
Hanuman as the remover of troubles — one of the most loved temples in the city, and traditionally associated with Tulsidas.
Introduction
About the Temple
Sankat Mochan — literally, the one who releases from trouble — is among the most frequented temples in Varanasi. It stands on the road towards Banaras Hindu University, near Durgakund, set in a walled compound with trees and a resident population of monkeys.
The temple's atmosphere is distinctly unhurried compared with the lanes of the old city, and it is as much a place where people sit as one they pass through.
Chronicle
History & Origins
The documented record
The revered Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the embodiment of devotion, strength, courage, and selfless service. The name Sankat Mochan means the remover of difficulties, reflecting the deep faith devotees place in Hanuman’s protective grace. The temple is traditionally associated with Goswami Tulsidas, the saint-poet celebrated for composing the Ramcharitmanas and spreading devotion to Lord Rama. Situated in the southern part of Varanasi, this sacred shrine attracts devotees seeking strength during difficult times, peace of mind, and unwavering devotion to the divine. Hanuman’s life and service to Lord Rama exemplify humility, loyalty, and the triumph of righteousness over adversity. Tuesdays and Saturdays are especially significant for many devotees, who offer prayers and recite Hanuman Chalisa at the temple. Its enduring spiritual atmosphere and rich devotional traditions make Sankat Mochan an important part of Kashi’s religious heritage. The temple continues to inspire faith, perseverance, and the belief that sincere devotion can provide strength through life’s challenges.
Significance
Spiritual Significance
Beyond its devotional standing, the temple is a cultural institution of the city: it hosts the annual Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh, a classical music festival held in the temple compound.
In devotional tradition
Devotees traditionally come to Sankat Mochan seeking relief from difficulty — the name itself is the prayer — and for courage and protection. Reciting the Hanuman Chalisa here is a common devotional practice.
This records traditional devotional belief and the practice of devotees. It is presented as religious tradition, not as a statement of fact or a promise of any outcome.
In depth
The Temple's Keepers and Its Music
Sankat Mochan has long been looked after by a line of mahants — chief priests — from one family, and in the late twentieth century that office became known far beyond Varanasi. Veer Bhadra Mishra, mahant of the temple, was also a professor of hydraulic engineering at the Banaras Hindu University's engineering institute (now IIT-BHU), and he founded the Sankat Mochan Foundation to work for a cleaner Ganga. His campaign was recognised internationally: he was named to the United Nations Environment Programme's Global 500 Roll of Honour in 1992, and TIME magazine listed him among its "Heroes of the Planet" in 1999. He died in 2013. The present mahant, Vishwambhar Nath Mishra, continues both roles — the temple and the festival.
That festival is the Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh, held each year in April or May around Hanuman Jayanti. Over several nights the temple courtyard becomes a concert hall: leading Hindustani vocalists, instrumentalists and dancers perform as an offering to Hanuman, before an audience that anyone may join. The festival has run for close to a century, and what sets it apart is exactly that — it is held in a working temple, for the deity.
Worship
Deity, Worship & Rituals
- Presiding deity
- Hanuman
- Also worshipped
- Rama — the image of Hanuman faces his lord, Rama
Worship & ritual
Tuesday and Saturday are Hanuman's days and are by far the busiest. Offerings of laddus, sindoor and the recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa are the characteristic devotions here.
In depth
The Shrine and Its Worship
Hanuman is worshipped here in an image covered in sindoor, the vermilion sacred to him, and hung with marigold garlands; he faces his lord, Rama.
The characteristic devotions are simple and constant: the recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa — a hymn tradition attributes to Tulsidas, the temple's founder — and offerings of besan laddus, sindoor, flowers and oil lamps. Tuesdays and Saturdays, Hanuman's days, bring the largest crowds.
The temple is equally a home of music. The Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh, held each year around Hanuman Jayanti, brings leading classical musicians and dancers to perform over several nights in the temple compound, as an offering to Hanuman.
Sacred calendar
Festivals
Hanuman Jayanti is the principal festival. The Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh, a multi-night classical music festival, is held annually in the temple compound and is open to all.
Darshan
Darshan Timings
Darshan hours
Opens
5:00 AM
Closes
10:00 PM
Set by the temple, and changed on festivals, eclipses and special occasions. Please confirm locally before travelling.
Tuesdays and Saturdays are Hanuman's days and by far the busiest.
Generally open from around 5:00 AM until about 10:00 PM. Timings vary on festivals, eclipses and special occasions — confirm locally before travelling.
Visitor guide
Darshan & Visitor Information
Monkeys are present in numbers and will take food, spectacles and loose belongings — keep prasad covered and hold on to your possessions. Mobile phones and leather items are generally not permitted inside. Tuesdays and Saturdays see very heavy crowds.
Getting there
Location & How to Reach
Finding the temple
- Locality
- Sankat Mochan, Durgakund Road
- Address
- Sankat Mochan Road, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- City
- Varanasi
How to reach
The temple is on Sankat Mochan Road, beside the Assi stream, on the way from Durgakund towards Banaras Hindu University. Unlike the temples of the old city, it can be reached by auto-rickshaw or taxi to the gate. The Durga temple and Tulsi Manas Mandir are close by and easily combined with a visit.
Varanasi Junction (BSB) is the nearest major railway station, and Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) the nearest airport.
Visitors ask
Frequently Asked Questions
Practical answers for anyone planning darshan at Shri Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple.
Ask the Samiti a questionTemples of Kashi Shri Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
Plan Your Visit
Planning a darshan at Shri Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, or hoping to arrange a puja in Kashi? The Samiti's team will gladly guide you on the visit and on the arrangements available.
Continue the yatra
