Sankat Mochan Temple

Sankat Mochan Temple Information

Location: At Sankat Mochan Gali, Varanasi
Dedicated to: Lord Hanuman
Significance: An Ancient Temple
How to reach: One can easily reach Sankat Mochan Temple by taking local Buses, Rickshaws or by hiring Taxis from Varanasi

Sankat Mochan Temple - History

Sankat Mochan Temple is one amongst the most visited shrines of Varanasi, the holy city of India. Located at Sankat Mochan Gali (Street) in the southern part of Varanasi, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir is highly revered by the followers of Hinduism. The temple can be reached easily by the means of local transport in the city of Varanasi. Sankat Mochan is the other name of Lord Hanuman; consequently the temple is dedicated to him.

The term 'Sankat Mochan' suggests "deliverer from troubles". According to the Hindu beliefs, Lord Hanuman is provider of courage, intellect and knowledge. Lord Hanuman is also believed to the eradicator of all worries and tensions. Sankat Mochan Temple was established by Tulsidas, the legendary author of 'The Tulsi Ramayana' (the Hindi version of epic "The Ramcharitmanas"). It is regarded that regular 'puja' (worship) of Lord Hanuman at this temple, brings good luck to the devotee.

People visit this temple in large numbers on Tuesdays and Saturdays to pay their homage to the Lord Hanuman. Since countless years, devotees come here to seek the blessings of the Lord. People apply "Sindoor" (vermilion) on the statue of Lord Hanuman and offer "Laddoos" in the offering. Devotees recite hymns of "Hanuman Chalisa ", "Kishkindha" and "Sundar Kand" as a due part of their prayers.

As per the Vedic Astrology, Lord Hanuman defends and liberates human being from the wicked effects of 'Shani' (Planet Saturn). All those, who have ill-placed Saturn in their horoscope, should offer homage at this temple to get relief from the distress. In the earlier times, the temple was very small in its size. Later, the temple complex was extended attributable to the kind donations made by the devotees.

Sankat Mochan Temple Festival

On the day of 'Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi", special prayers are made to the Lord. The temple observes an annual festival on the full moon night of the month of 'Chaitra', which is also known as Hanuman Jayanti. At this juncture, a procession is taken out in the streets of Varanasi. The festival too, attracts plenty of visitors to Sankat Mochan Temple.