About Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
Nestled near the southern end of Varanasi, close to the Banaras Hindu University campus, the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple stands as one of the most spiritually powerful and beloved shrines in the holy city. The name Sankat Mochan translates to 'Reliever of Troubles,' and millions of devotees flock here seeking comfort, courage, and relief from life's obstacles.
Unlike many of Varanasi's ancient, tightly packed riverbank temples, Sankat Mochan boasts a tranquil, open courtyard shaded by lush trees. The temple complex has a deeply welcoming, calming vibe where visitors often sit quietly on the floor for hours listening to continuous chants of the Hanuman Chalisa or Sundarkand. One of the most unique aspects of the deity here is that Lord Hanuman faces directly toward the shrine of Lord Rama, portraying his eternal and selfless devotion.
Key Highlights & Experiences
- Delicious Prasad: The temple is world-famous for its delicious, freshly made Besan ke Ladoo (gram flour sweet balls), which devotees offer to the deity and take home as blessed prasad.
- Friendly Monkey Troops: Hundreds of monkeys inhabit the trees and roofs around the complex. Considered symbolic attendants of Lord Hanuman, they are generally harmless if left undisturbed, though keeping snacks tucked away is advised!
- Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh: Every year around April, the temple hosts a world-renowned 6-day Indian classical music and dance festival. Legendary musicians and dancers from across India perform all night long as an offering to Lord Hanuman, open free to the public.
Visiting this shrine offers a deeply moving glimpse into the authentic spiritual fabric of Varanasi, away from the intense hustle of the main ghats.
History
The history of the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is intimately linked with the legendary 16th-century poet-saint Goswami Tulsidas, the author of the epic Ramcharitmanas (the Awadhi retelling of the Ramayana).
The Divine Vision of Tulsidas
According to sacred tradition, Tulsidas used to go to the bank of the Ganges daily for his morning ablutions. He would pour water at the roots of a dried tree, which unknowingly pleased a spirit residing there. Grateful, the spirit offered Tulsidas a boon. Tulsidas asked only for a divine vision of Lord Rama. The spirit revealed that Lord Hanuman was the key—he frequented human gatherings in disguise and would be the first to arrive and last to leave any discourse on Lord Rama.
Following this advice, Tulsidas recognized Hanuman in the form of an elderly, humble man and fell at his feet. Pleased by Tulsidas's intense devotion, Lord Hanuman manifested before him at the exact spot where the Sankat Mochan Temple stands today. Tulsidas established a small shrine here in the early 1500s to commemorate this divine encounter.
Modern Era and Resilience
Over the centuries, the small shrine grew into a major pilgrimage hub under the patronage of local devotees and leaders, notably Maharaja Swathi Thirunal of Travancore and local cultural icons. In March 2006, the temple suffered a tragic terrorist bombing during Tuesday evening prayers. Remarkably, the city responded with astounding peace and spiritual strength; the temple reopened its doors immediately the next day with unbroken chants, becoming an enduring symbol of Varanasi's resilient unity and faith.