Brief Guide for Your Visit to the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir

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.

Keep these in mind before visiting the New Kashi Vishwanath Mandir

The Kashi Vishwanath Mandir is devoted to Lord Shiva and is one of Hinduism's holiest sites in India. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is located on the banks of the Ganga in Varanasi. Ahilya Bai Holkar initially established the current edifice of the New Vishwanath Mandir Varanasi in 1780 after being reconstructed several times. 

Here are some recommendations for visiting the Varanasi temple - including Aarti times, security measures, clothing code, the best time to visit, and how to get there.

Brief history and significance of the New Vishwanath Mandir Varanasi

The famed Kashi Vishwanath Temple is located in Varanasi, one of Hinduism's holiest towns. This temple has been an essential part of Shaiva's philosophy for a long time. It is known for its gold-plated domes and spires and the statue of the Nandi Bull.

The current construction, destroyed and rebuilt several times, is near the ancient temple site. Hindus worldwide aim to visit the New Vishwanath Temple at least once in their lives, believing that a devotee will attain Moksha after receiving temple darshan and taking a bath in the Ganges.

When is the best time to visit?

From October to March, the winter months are the most fantastic time to visit Varanasi for temple darshan. However, cold in December and January, the weather is ideal for tourists because most of the sightseeing is done outside. If you don't plan on attending an Aarti, the best time to visit the temple is at 7 a.m. to avoid long lines.

Timings for Puja/Aarti

Every day at 2.30 a.m., the temple opens. Moreover, five Aarti are performed in the Kashi Vishwanath Temple daily.

• Mangala Aarti: 3–4 a.m.
• Sandhya Aarti: 7:00–8:00 p.m.
• Shayana Aarti:  10:30 – 11:00 p.m.
• Bhoga Aarti: 11:15 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.
• Shringara Aarti: 9.00 p.m. – 10.15 p.m. 

Varanasi has a lot to offer

• Explore the Ramnagar Fort, built-in 1750 on the Ganga's eastern bank
• In Sarnath, go to the Dhamek Stupa
• The Gyanvapi Mosque, which shares a wall with the Kashi temple, is a must-see.
• The Sarnath Museum has archaeological artefacts going back to the third century BCE
• Visit the Dashashwamedh Ghat, which is famed for its proximity to the temple and its spectacular Ganga Aarti.

Procedures for ensuring the security

As you enter the temple, there are a lot of police checkpoints, and security protocols are carefully followed. Cell phones, cameras, belts with metal buckles, shoes, cigarettes, and lighters are not permitted on the temple grounds. However, lockers can be rented for a small fee.

Learn about the dress code

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple does not have a specific dress code. However, there is a general dress code that is enforced. Visitors must cover their arms and legs when entering the temple. Traditional Indian attire is not required, and western clothing is permitted.

How to reach the temple?

Varanasi is well-connected to the rest of the country by road, train, and air as a significant pilgrim and tourist destination. Moreover, the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is around 25 kilometres from the city centre.

Varanasi has three railway stations: 

• Manduadih Railway Station (about 4 kilometres away)
• Mughal Sarai Junction (approximately 8 kilometres away)
• Varanasi Junction

Some of the important trains that travel to Varanasi from all around India include the:

• Ganga Kaveri Express
• Howrah Jodhpur Express
• Lok Manya Tilak Varanasi Express
• Marudhra Express
• Rajdhani Express
• Sangamitra Express
• Secunderabad Patna Express
• Shivaganga Express
• Vibhuti Express

Kashi Banaras is not just a place; it is an emotion and the peacefulness of the New Vishwanath Mandir Varanasi is unmatchable.