Varanasi is a city of temples, and Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple Varanasi is one of the major temples in this sacred city. The temple deity is Lord Hanuman, and he is one of the major deities of the Hindu religion. He is regarded in this temple as Sankat Mochan, which means ‘One who removes disasters’. If you want to visit this temple along with other temples in Varanasi, then you can book our Varanasi Temple Walk and visit the temple. The temple and its religious importance will fill you with awe. This is one of those temples where devotees of Lord Hanuman feel divine peace. Our Varanasi Destination Guide will give you more info about tourist places in Varanasi, the temples, ghats, and Varanasi Travel Tips.
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple at a Glance
| Information | Details |
| Temple Name | Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple |
| Location | Near Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh |
| Dedicated To | Lord Hanuman |
| Founded By | Goswami Tulsidas (traditionally believed) |
| Estimated Establishment | 16th Century |
| Temple Timings | 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM (subject to change on festivals) |
| Aarti Timings | Morning and evening aarti are held daily |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Photography | Not permitted inside the temple premises |
| Dress Code | Modest and respectful attire is recommended |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March; Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Hanuman Jayanti for special prayers |
| Famous For | Hanuman worship, spiritual significance, and the annual Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh |
| Nearest Landmark | Banaras Hindu University (BHU) |
| Nearest Railway Station | Varanasi Junction (Cantt) Railway Station (approx. 8 km) |
| Nearest Airport | Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (approx. 30 km) |
| Time Required | 1–2 hours |
| Ideal For | Pilgrims, families, devotees, and cultural enthusiasts |
| Information | Details |
| Location | Near BHU, Varanasi |
| Dedicated To | Lord Hanuman |
| Built By | Goswami Tulsidas |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Best Time | October–March |
| Famous For | Hanuman Temple, Sangeet Samaroh |
| Photography | Restricted inside |
| Dress Code | Modest clothing |
| Time Required | 1–2 Hours |
Quick Tip: Early-morning darshan at this temple is a highly peaceful experience. Or go in the evening, and you can participate in the aarti in this temple. You will have to face crowds when you visit this temple during Hanuman Jayanti, Ram Navami, or Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh.
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple Location
The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is located near Banaras Hindu University (BHU). It is accessible from Assi Ghat, which is 3 km away from the temple. Kashi Vishwanath Temple is 7 km away, and 8 km from Varanasi Junction Railway Station.
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple Varanasi is an immensely popular temple of Lord Hanuman in Varanasi. It is also a famous Hanuman temple in Uttar Pradesh. Any tour plan of Varanasi includes this temple in its itinerary.
History of Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
Historians believe that none other than Sant Tulsidas built the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple. Goswami Tulsidas was a Hindu saint and poet who composed the Ramcharitmanas and Hanuman Chalisa. He made the idol of Lord Hanuman from clay and established it as the main idol of this temple. According to legends, Tulsidas had a divine vision where he saw Lord Hanuman. The temple is situated at the spot where he had the vision. Lord Hanuman is a powerful god in the Hindu religion and has many divine powers. He protects devotees from obstacles and evil influences. This Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple history is enough to make you marvel at the temple.
Why is Sankat Mochan Temple Famous?
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is very famous in Varanasi. It is a major tourist attraction and one of the best places to visit in Varanasi. It is famous for so many reasons.
Connection with Lord Hanuman
The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, who is also called by different names in Indian religion. He is immensely powerful and the greatest devotee of Lord Ram. The temple is named after Lord Hanuman, who is also called Sankat Mochan or ‘Reliever of Obstacles’.
Spiritual Significance
The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is immensely spiritual. The 16th-century saint and poet Goswami Tulsidas was the original person who built this temple. It is said that he made the idol in this temple out of clay. There is a divine vibe about this temple, which makes it so special for devotees of Lord Ram and Lord Hanuman.
Blessings for Removing Obstacles
Lord Hanuman is the remover of obstacles and dangers to life. Therefore, praying in this temple will remove all the obstacles in your life. Tuesdays and Saturdays are special, and devotees pray to Lord Hanuman to remove the ill effects of Planet Saturn and Mars.
One of the Most Visited Temples in Varanasi
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is one of the most visited temples in Varanasi after Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Devotees can be seen in large numbers in this temple, praying to Lord Hanuman. The fact that this temple was made originally by Goswami Tulsidas adds to its devotional charm.
Architecture of Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
One look at this temple and you will not believe its simple construction. It has a simple structure and a North Indian style of architecture. There is a courtyard in the temple, and the idol of Lord Hanuman faces Lord Ram. There is nothing flashy about this temple, and instead, it focuses purely on simple structure and devotion. The temple is situated in the midst of green surroundings and the Assi River flowing nearby. You will notice many monkeys on the trees. The idol of Lord Hanuman is red. The open courtyard is for devotees who want to pray and meditate before Lord Hanuman.
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Sankat Mochan Temple Timings
Opening and closing time
| Activity | Timings |
| Temple opening time | 4:30 AM to 12 noon, 3:00 PM to 10:30 PM |
| Tuesday and Saturday timings | 4:30 AM to 12 noon, 3:00 PM to 12 midnight |
Aarti timings
| Aarti | Timings |
| Mangala Aarti (Mangala Aarti) | 4:30 AM |
| Evening Aarti | 8:00 PM |
Best time for darshan
You should arrive early in this temple if you want a comfortable darshan. Early morning hours are best as the temple has just opened and there are no queues in this temple. Afternoon time around 3 PM is also best as the temple has just reopened for the public. The highest crowds are on Tuesdays and Saturdays, on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti.
Sankat Mochan Temple Aarti
The aarti at Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is an experience that you should take when visiting Varanasi. Many devotees join in singing the aarti in praise of Lord Hanuman. They chant the Hanuman Chalisa, Sankatmochan Hanuman Ashtak, and other Vedic hymns and shlokas. During the entire aarti, devotees ring the temple bells and priests perform the aarti. They light the oil lamps and sing aarti in front of the deity.
- Morning Aarti or Mangala Aarti is done at 4:30 AM, and this is also the start of the day’s rituals and celebrations.
- Evening Aarti or Sandhya Aarti is done at 8:00 PM, and a large number of devotees join in this aarti.
Festivals Celebrated
The festivals which are most celebrated in Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple are shown below:
Hanuman Jayanti
This festival is celebrated to rejoice the birth of Lord Hanuman. The priests of the temple perform special puja and abhishek. Special recitation of Sunderkand and Hanuman Chalisa takes place. The temple is decorated with flowers and lighted lamps. Ram Katha is also organized in the temple premises.
Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh
This is a musical festival which is not only famous in Varanasi but in India as well. It has been organized since 1923 and usually takes place around Hanuman Jayanti. Recognized artists and musicians perform Hindustani classical music before audiences. Acclaimed dancers enthral the audience with their performance of Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Odissi dance shows.
Ram Navami
The festival of Ram Navami is celebrated to rejoice the birth of Lord Ram. This is a deeply spiritual and religious festival and is celebrated in Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple. Lord Hanuman is the greatest devotee of Lord Ram, and hence its significance is immense.
Tuesdays and Saturdays
These days are special for devotees of Lord Hanuman. These days are astrologically significant as they are days of the Hindu planets Mars and Saturn. Lord Hanuman has the divine power to remove the ill effects of these planets. Thus, people chant Hanuman Chalisa on these days and burn oil lamps before Lord Hanuman.
Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh
The most prestigious cultural festival is organized here in Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple. It is none other than the famous Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh. The festival was originally organized in 1923 and since then has been taking place every year. The festival celebrates India’s rich music and performing arts through musical shows and dance rehearsals. Reputed musicians and artists from India perform Indian classical music shows to audiences. There are dance shows where eminent dancers perform Indian dance forms like Kathak, Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Manipuri, and other dance forms. The performances are in the open ground of the temple and run late into the night.
- Entry: Free to enter
Things to Do at Sankat Mochan Temple
There are some religious things to do at Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple. These are:
- Attend the aarti in the temple and participate with many other devotees in singing aarti for Lord Hanuman.
- Chant the Hanuman Chalisa, which is a devotional song composed by Goswami Tulsidas.
- Offer lighted oil lamps and prasad to the lord.
- Observe the temple rituals and take part in them.
- Sit in the temple for some time and feel the devotional vibes.
- Explore the nearby temples and bazaar.
Temple Rules and Visitor Guidelines
You should observe certain rules and regulations before entering Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple.
- Visitors should deposit their mobile phones and cameras at designated counters and should not carry them in the temple.
- Loud conversations are not allowed in the temple, and visitors should not disturb others.
- Visitors should follow the queue and should not step out of the queue while doing darshan.
- They should remove their footwear outside the temple and put it in the stand available near the entrance.
- They should wear clean clothes and dress modestly while entering the temple and doing darshan or aarti.
- Large bags and heavy luggage are not permitted in the temple. Carry only small handbags, purses, and essential items.
- Do not smoke, drink, or eat non-veg items inside the temple. Alcohol is strictly prohibited inside the temple premises.
- Avoid littering and throwing waste materials in the temple. Discard the trash in the trash cans and keep the temple clean.
- Authorized stalls are available for the purchase of garlands, prasad, laddoos, and Sesame oil to be offered to Lord Hanuman.
- Respect the temple rituals and do not offend them in any way.
Best Time to Visit Sankat Mochan Temple
The best time to visit Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple depends on what kind of darshan you want to have.
By time of the day
| Time | Experience | Recommendation |
| 4:30 AM – 7:00 AM | Peaceful atmosphere with fewer devotees | Best for a relaxed and unhurried darshan |
| 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Moderate crowd | Good for most tourists, families and pilgrims |
| 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM | Lesser crowds due to reopening | Ideal for a those who want less crowded atmosphere |
| 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM | Evening aarti and devotional chants | Best for a spiritual experience |
By season
Winter (October–March)
The winter season is best to visit Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple. During this season, temperatures remain cool and range from 10 degrees to 28 degrees Celsius. Weather is pleasant and ideal for darshan, aarti, and exploring other temples.
Summer
The summer season can be a hot time to visit this temple. Temperatures can touch 40 degrees Celsius, and you can feel the heat of the sun. Avoid visiting the temple in the afternoon and instead plan your visit in the early morning hours and late evenings.
Monsoon
Varanasi receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon season. If you are planning to visit this temple in the monsoon rains, then wear proper waterproof jackets or raincoats. Occasional rain showers can be a nuisance when visiting the temple. So be prepared for it.
Best Days to visit
Tuesdays and Saturdays
These are very auspicious days to do darshan and pray to Lord Hanuman.
During Hanuman Jayanti
This festival falls during March-April, and you can sing bhajans and participate in singing Hanuman Chalisa and aarti.
During Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh
You can enjoy classical music shows and dance shows at these cultural celebrations.
Travel tip: The best season is October to March. You should arrive before 6 in the morning for a comfortable darshan. Attend the evening aarti (Sandhya Aarti) which is held at 8:00 PM.
How to Reach Sankat Mochan Temple
- By Air: Take a flight to Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport in Varanasi and then take a direct taxi or auto rickshaw to the temple. This is a 30 to 45 minute drive.
- By Train: Arrive at Banaras Railway Station or Varanasi Junction Railway Station and then take an e-rickshaw or auto rickshaw to the temple. The temple is 6 km from Varanasi Junction Railway Station.
- By Road: Take a taxi, rickshaw, or e-rickshaw from anywhere in Varanasi. You will reach the temple, which is near Banaras Hindu University on the Durga Kund-Sankat Mochan Road.
Nearby Attractions
| Attraction | Distance |
| Kashi Vishwanath Temple | 5 km |
| Dashashwamedh Ghat | 5.5 km |
| Assi Ghat | 2 km |
| Tulsi Ghat | 2.5 km |
| Tulsi Manas Temple | 700 m |
| Durga Kund Temple | 1 km |
| Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | 1 km |
| New Vishwanath Temple (BHU) | 1.5 km |
You can also visit other nearby places which are not mentioned above. You can visit forts, ghats, temples, markets, and historic monuments. Our Guide to the Top 10 Places to visit in Varanasi gives you more info.
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Suggested One-Day Temple Tour
5 AM to 6 AM | Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
Begin your day with Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple. Attend the Mangala Aarti and enjoy the pure and divine vibes.
06:10 AM – 06:45 AM | Tulsi Manas Temple
A short ride will take you to Tulsi Manas Temple. This is said to be the place where Goswami Tulsidas composed the Ramcharitmanas. You can spend some time here and admire the architecture and watch the inscriptions from the Hindu epic.
06:50 AM – 07:30 AM | Durga Kund Temple
The Durga Kund Temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. You can explore the sacred pond next to the temple and enjoy the spiritual ambience.
07:40 AM – 08:30 AM | New Vishwanath Temple (BHU)
Next, we will visit the New Vishwanath Temple, which is on the premises of Banaras Hindu University (BHU). The temple is made of marble stone and has beautiful surroundings.
08:30 AM – 09:30 AM | Breakfast
It is time for breakfast, and we will have delicious Banarasi tamatar chaat, kachori sabzi, jalebi, and masala chai in a local eatery.
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Kashi Vishwanath Temple
After breakfast, we will visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and have darshan of the deity. Explore the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and enjoy the devotional vibes.
12:15 PM – 01:15 PM | Lunch
We will now have lunch, and you can have a delicious Banarasi meal at a local restaurant.
02:00 PM – 02:45 PM | Manikarnika Ghat
After lunch, we will take you to visit the Manikarnika Ghat, which is one of the oldest ghats in Varanasi. You can observe the Hindu cremation rituals taking place here and understand its spiritual importance.
03:00 PM – 04:00 PM | Assi Ghat
Now we will proceed further and visit the Assi Ghat. You can take a boat ride, walk along the banks of the Ganga, or just sit back and enjoy the views of Ganga and Varanasi.
05:00 PM – 07:00 PM | Dashashwamedh Ghat
We will visit the famous Dashashwamedh Ghat, and you can take part in the Ganga Aarti. The chanting of Vedic hymns, the devotional atmosphere, the synchronised chorus of devotees, and the illuminated surroundings will be an unforgettable sight.
Additional Activities
- You can shop for Banarasi sarees and handicrafts near Godowlia Market
- Taste iconic Varanasi street foods like Banarasi Paan, tamatar chaat, baati chokha, etc in the market.
Recommended Start Time: 5:00 AM
Tour Duration: 12–14 hours
Ideal Mode of Transport: Private cab or guided sightseeing tour for a comfortable and hassle-free experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple timings are 4:00/4:30 AM to 10:00 PM. The darshan timings are 5:00 AM to 12 noon and 3:00 PM to 10:30 PM.
The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is situated near Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Saket Nagar.
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is located 10 km from Varanasi Junction Railway Station. It will take 25-30 minutes to reach the temple by auto rickshaw.
No, entry to Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is free.
Yes, foreign tourists can visit Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple.
No. Shooting photos and videos is strictly prohibited in Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple.
The nearest railway station to Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is Banaras Railway Station (BSBS), which is 6 km away from the temple.
The Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh is a cultural festival that is held on the temple premises, and there are musical shows and dance performances by famous artists from India.
Usually 30 minutes to 1 hour is required to visit Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple in Varanasi.
Conclusion
It is hard to imagine that the temple which Goswami Tulsidas built centuries ago is now a major tourist attraction of Varanasi. It is one of the holiest temples in Varanasi and a spiritual place for devotees of Lord Hanuman. You can also visit the temple with Varanasi Excursion and feel the divine vibes of this temple. Our Varanasi Temple Tours will give you enough time to visit the temple and seek darshan of Sankat Mochan Hanumanji. This guided tour will also make you aware of the history associated with the temple and its various stories. Make a tour plan of Varanasi with us and explore the temple and other spiritual landmarks of Varanasi.