The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir is a must-see for everyone visiting Varanasi on a pilgrimage. It is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is located on the banks of the Assi River. Moreover, it is one of Varanasi's oldest Hindu sanctuaries, with thousands of pilgrims flocking to it every day.
The Sankat Mochan
Hanuman Mandir, also known as Sankat Mochan temple, is located in
Varanasi's southern district. The temple is devoted to Lord Hanuman, Hinduism's
monkey God. The term 'Sankat Mochan' means 'all-problems-reliever.' The temple
is mainly known for its dal and jaggery offerings distributed to tourists.
One of the essential features of this revered temple is Lord Hanuman's idol, which is facing Lord Rama, whom he worshipped with great zeal and devotion. Tulsidas is claimed to have written the Ramcharitmanas in this prominent tourist destination in Varanasi. Every Tuesday and Saturday, the number of followers doubles. Besan ke laddu (a sweet dish) is delivered to the Lord as a religious offering, and the idol is decked with a marigold flower garland.
According to legend, a visit to this well-known religious landmark in Varanasi is meant to grant believers' wishes. The larger group of monkeys is another sight you may expect to encounter within the temple.
What is the location of Sankat Mochan
Temple?
The temple is near the Hindu University of Banaras (BHU). The temple is 11 kilometers from the railway station, and visitors can take a cab or a car to get there. Banaras Hindu University is around 3 km distant from the temple (BHU). Therefore, you can hire a vehicle from any part of Varanasi to go to the temple. The journey from the railway station to the temple takes 45 minutes.
When is the best time to go to Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple?
Tuesdays and Saturdays are highly popular ceremonial days, with around 1000 guests expected on those days. In addition, a recorded music and dance festival is held inside the temple every April. For the past 88 years, the celebration has been a component of this shrine.
Many entertainers from all across the country come to this temple to participate in the festivities. The event also features several well-known performers. Numerous ceremonies will be done inside the temple during Hanuman Jayanti. From 5 a.m. until 10 p.m., the temple is open. At 5 a.m. and 9 p.m., rituals are performed.
What Should You See?
Visitors are given a free booklet, including Hanuman and Lord Ram chants. The Sankat Mochan Temple is home to a large number of monkeys. The main deity is positioned so that Lord Hanuman can gaze at Lord Ram, who is also housed in the same temple. Visitors are given a vivid orange powder as an offering. The offering is placed on the worshipper's brow. It is not required.
History of the Sankat Mochan Hanuman
Mandir
According to mythology, the Sankat Mochan
Hanuman Temple was established on the site where Tulsi das saw a vision
of Hanuman. It is an 18th-century temple, but little information on who built
it is available.
