Sankat Mochan Temple, Kashi

Sankat Mochan Temple is one of the prime temples in Kashi and it is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the most devoted servant of Lord Ramachandra and Sita Devi. The Sankat Mochan Temple was established by Sri Goswami Tulsidas, the author of the famed Ramcharitmanas. The temple is located in the southern region of Kashi on the banks of the Assi river. The very word Sankat Mochan implies ‘reliever of problems’.

Devotees come here to get relief from the negative effects of the Shani (Saturn) planet in their horoscope. Though devotees come here in relation to the Shani planet, they also seek protection from Lord Hanuman here for relief from the negative effects of other planets too. Saturday and Tuesdays are the days when devotees throng the temple in huge numbers.

Many devotees come here and recite the Ramcharitmanas, and the Sundar Kanda of the Valmiki Ramayana. You can hear the constant recital of the Hanuman Chalisa in the Sankot Mochan Temple.

The temple has an NGO foundation called ‘Sankat Mochan Foundation’ to achieve the divine vision of cleaning the polluted regions of the sacred Ganga and preventing it from being polluted. The head-priest of the temple Mahant Veer Bhadra Mishra had taken the initiative for the same in the year 1982.

The history of Sankat Mochan Temple

The Sankat Mochan Temple was established by Sri Goswami Tulsidas originally in the early 16^th century but the current temple structure was constructed by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya in 1900. It is said that the temple stands on the very spot where Goswami Tulsidas had seen Lord Hanuman in a dream.

The saying is that Lord Hanuman stays in the temple along with the monkeys seen there. He listens and relishes the recital of the devotional works of Ramcharitmanas, Ramayana, etc staying here. Most of the Ramcharitmanas has been written in the temple itself by Goswami Tulsidas.

In fact, every day Goswami Tulsidas would wash his legs at the foot of the tree in the courtyard of the Sankat Mochan temple. Since he used to pour water on the tree, that water would quench the thirst of the ghost living on that tree. Pleased by this unintentional act of Tulsidas, the ghost appeared in front of him and asked him to ask for a favor. To which Tulsidas replied that he wanted to meet Lord Ramachandra face-to-face. The ghost said that he can’t make Tulsidas to see Lord Rama but he can show an able person who can help him accomplish this desire.

The ghost then informed Goswami Tulsidas that every day Lord Hanuman would visit him just to hear him speak Ramayana. And the last person who would get up in the crowd was indeed Lord Hanuman. Tulsidas’s joy knew no bounds. Next day he waited impatiently for that last person to remain in the crowd. And then suddenly he went and caught hold of his feet. Lord Hanuman later blessed Goswami Tulsidas to have darshan of Lord Ramachandra in Chitrakoot on the banks of River Mandakini.

The temple conducts a Sankat Mochan Sangeeth Samaroh every year in the month of April. The first such classical and devotional music festival was conducted in the early 1900s. Artists especially singers and dancers perform at this festival. Prominent artists such as Kathak exponent Birju Maharaj, vocalist Jasraj, etc., have performed here.

Festivals at Sankat Mochan Temple

Hanuman Jayanthi, the appearance day of Lord Hanuman is the main festival celebrated here. Thousands of devotees throng the temple on this splendid occasion. Ramanavami is celebrated fervently too as it pleases Lord Hanuman immensely.

The Sankat Mochan Sangeeth Samaroh (classical and devotional music festival) coincides with the festival of Hanuman Jayanthi.

Temple Timings of Sankat Mochan Temple

The Sankat Mochan temple houses a big and beautiful Deity of Lord Hanuman facing his dear-most Lord Ramachandra. This is a rare sight to watch at Hanuman temples. Hence, the Sankat Mochan Hanuman temple has a unique status in this aspect.

The Sankat Mochan temple remains open from 5 AM early morning to 10 PM in the night. Saturdays and Tuesdays are the most crowded days. The timings may vary on important days like festivals.

The route to the Sankat Mochan Temple

The Sankat Mochan Temple is located at a distance of three kilometres from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) on the banks of the Assi river. Near BHU, you can observe sign boards directing you to the temple. With the temple standing on the banks on the Assi river, you can witness her pristine and sacred waters.

You need to get entry into Kashi if you desire to have the darshan of Sankat Mochan Hanuman. You need to take the permission of Kaal Bhairav and Dandapani to stay on in Kashi and have a peaceful darshan. If you are travelling with the Tirtha Yatra group on their Kashi Yatra or Ayodhya-Kashi Yatra, all your questions will get answered and your needs fulfilled.

The regular travel mode to Kashi is:

By Road: Kashi is well connected by road to major cities in India such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, etc. You can travel in a private vehicle from other cities or hire a taxi. Luxury buses and normal buses are available from Lucknow frequently.

By Rail: Kashi is very well connected to major cities and towns in India via the five railway stations i.e., Kashi Railway Station, Varanasi Junction (also called Varanasi Cantt), Varanasi City, Banaras Railway Station and Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction. Tickets can be reserved up-to any one of these five stations.

By Air: Kashi is accessible by air through the Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport at Babatpur near Kashi. Domestic and International flights are available from and to the airport. From there, you can take a prepaid taxi to reach the city centre.

Sankat Mochan Hanuman – the bestower of fearlessness

Lord Hanuman is known for his exemplary devotion to Lord Rama. Hence, devotees praise this by reciting the Hanuman Chalisa, Ramcharitmanas, Sundar Kanda (Ramayana), etc constantly in the temple premises. At every step you take or pradakshina (circumambulation) you perform, you will only hear the holy names of Hanuman and his beloved Rama. This will undoubtedly increase your faith in the Lord and His devotee, thereby awarding you fearlessness.