Introduction
Nestled along the banks of the holy Assi River in Varanasi, the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is an ageless symbol of faith, devotion, and divine benevolence. A place of spiritual enrichment, this hallowed temple is a living monument to India’s rich cultural tapestry of religious heritage. Its name—”Sankat Mochan”, or “reliever from troubles”—betrays the symbolism behind what Lord Hanuman means to his followers: strength, courage, and the ability to conquer any adversity.
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Historical Background
The temple was founded in the early 16th century by the Hindu poet-saint Goswami Tulsidas, the revered author of the Hindi epic Ramcharitmanas. Legend holds that Tulsidas had a divine vision of Lord Hanuman at the very site where the temple stands today. Inspired and blessed, he established the temple as a place of worship, meditation, and refuge for the devout.
Throughout history, the Sankat Mochan Temple has developed into a pillar of religious life in Varanasi, drawing hundreds of thousands of pilgrims every year—especially on Saturdays and Tuesdays, which are deemed sacred for Hanuman worship.
Architectural Highlights
Though not monumental in scale, the temple’s beauty is in its simplicity and spiritual nature. It has the typical North Indian temple design with a large sanctum, pillared halls, and a courtyard with devotees and monkeys—Hanuman’s symbolic followers.
The idol of Lord Hanuman is distinctive; it is placed facing the idol of Lord Rama, reflecting Hanuman’s unwavering devotion. The god is worshipped with marigold garlands, red sindoor (vermilion), and an aura of energetic splendor that pervades the temple.
Spiritual Significance
Sankat Mochan is not only a temple—it’s a spiritual lifeline for most. Believers are of the faith that praying here with clean intentions is enough to solve personal and family-related problems. The reading of the Hanuman Chalisa—particularly during the Sankat Mochan Saptah, a week-long fair—is of top-most boon.
This temple is also a site during Hanuman Jayanti with thousands of devotees queuing up before sunrise to pray and seek protection from negativity, evil spirits, and adversities.
The Monkey Connection 🐒
Monkeys are omnipresent near the temple, being worshipped as avatars of Hanuman himself. Although they create occasional playful mayhem, they are considered to be a part of the divine experience. Local vendors offer grams, bananas, and sweets not only for devotees but for these mischievous temple dwellers.
Sankat Mochan Music Festival: Where Devotion Meets Art
One of the strongest features of this temple is its strong bond with Indian classical music. The Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh, organized each year in April, is a celebrated cultural festival where great musicians render their performance free of charge. Great musicians like Pandit Jasraj, Ustad Bismillah Khan, and many others have performed here, turning the temple into an exuberant melting point of Bhakti (devotion) and Shastriya Sangeet (classical music).
How to Travel to Sankat Mochan Temple
- By Flight: The closest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, 25 km from the temple.
- By Train: Varanasi Junction (BSB) is the nearest main railway station, 8 km away.
- By Road: Readily accessible by rickshaws, cabs, or simply a spiritual walk if you’re around Assi Ghat.
Tips for Visitors
- Go early in the morning or late evening to escape the crowds and see the peaceful Aarti.
- Dress respectfully and observe temple traditions.
- Show respect to the monkeys; do not feed them from your own hands.
- Expect long lines on Tuesdays and on festival days—pack water and patience.
Final Thoughts
In a city that has every other corner speaking of old chants and tales, the Sankat Mochan Temple is more than a location of spiritual warmth that can be felt. It does not merely provide darshan of a deity—it provides comfort, strength, and the unshakeable faith that no predicament is too severe when one has strong faith.
Whether you’re a spiritual seeker, a history buff, or a cultural enthusiast, a visit to this sacred space is bound to leave an imprint on your heart—and perhaps even lighten your burdens, just as its name promises.
Have you visited Sankat Mochan or experienced Hanuman’s blessings in your life? Share your story in the comments below!