Shri Sankat Mochan Temple or Hanuman Temple is one of the most important temples in Varanasi and is often called the Monkey Temple of Varanasi due to the presence of a lot of monkeys. Sankat Mochan Mandir is not only a place of worship but also a haven for those looking for peace and solace in the chaos of Banaras. It is located in the Lanka area at the banks of the Assi River (now reduced to a Nallah).
The term Sankat Mochan means “the reliever of all troubles, problems & pain” & so is visited by Lakhs of devotees every month to get help.
History of Sankat Mochan Temple
Sankat Mochan Temple or Sankat Mochan Mandir was established by great bhakti movement saint Tulsi Das in the 16th century at the exact spot where he had a vision of lord Hanuman.
The legend has it that one day Tulsi Das threw his water pot in disappointment of not meeting god and it landed on a dead tree. This tree was the adobe of a thirsty spirit who got happy after receiving the water and appeared in front of Tulsi Das. The spirit offered Tulsi Das one wish which he discounted by expressing the desire to meet Lord Ram. Baffled by this unique request the Ghost suggested meeting lord Hanuman as only he can help him in meeting the lord Ram. He told Tulsi Das that Hanuman never skips Ram Katha and he’s always the first to come and last to leave.
With this new hint, Tulsi Das rejoiced and now started narrating and attending Ram Kathas everywhere in the city. One day he noticed an old weak man sitting in the back row whom he had seen too many times at all Kathas. Tulsi waited for the Katha to end and then started following the old men.
After reaching a jungle near the banks of the Assi River Tulsi Das confronted the old man and requested him to give him a glimpse of his real grand figure. The Hanuman after being caught and seeing the devotion of Tulsi Das appeared to him in his grand Avatar. The present Hanuman idol in the temple is placed in the same spot where Hanuman appeared to Tulsi Das.
Later in 1900 Pt Madan Mohan Malviya extended the temple premises giving it the shape it has today.
Significance of Sankat Mochan Temple
The Sankat Mochan Temple as the name suggests is famous among devotees who seek comfort or relief from the troubles of life. It is one of the most popular temples of Varanasi after Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple & Annapurna Temple.
It is believed that visiting Sankat Mochan Temple helps in fixing astrological ailments & gives strength to face the troubles of harsh life. Devotees often visit the temple on Tuesday & Saturday to resolve the horoscope conflict of planets like Mangal(Mars) and Shani(Saturn).
The temple also houses a fig tree under which Tulsi Das wrote most of the verses of Ramcharitra Manas and is considered auspicious by Hindus.
Premises of Sankat Mochan Temple
The temple is located in the center of a small green cover in the Lanka area of Varanasi. There are three gates to enter the temple – one is the newly built grand main entrance where most of the auto rickshaws or cabs will drop you. If you are coming from a personal car then this entrance is recommended due to the presence of parking.
My favourite entrance is the old gate which has been used by our family for generations. Once you enter via the old gate you can instantly feel the breeze of fresh air and peace.
The serpent-like path is covered by trees from both sides and the beautiful dim lamps lighten the path once the sun goes down. Walking this path gives you a glimpse of the now-lost “Anandvan – the forest of bliss” which Kashi was famous for. The third gate is a private entrance for temple residents & VIPs.
There are two temples inside the compound built by Pt Madan Mohan Malviya. One houses the idol of the original Hanuman and the other one consists of idols of Ram, Sita & Laxman. Both temples are strategically built in front of each other so the idol of Hanuman can have a glimpse of Shree Ram all the time. There is a well in between the two temples with an elevated platform. From this spot, devotees have the darshan of Lord Ram and then Hanuman simultaneously.
On the left side of the temples is the prayer compound where visitors chant hanuman chalisa after darshan and parikrama of the temple. Copies of Hanuman Chalisa are available in the compound for the devotees to read.
2006 Bomb blasts and aftermath
A series of bomb blasts shocked Varanasi on Tuesday, 7th March 2006. The first bomb blast took place on the crowded premises of the temple claiming around 10 lives and injuring 40 others. The bomb was kept inside a pressure cooker under the tree where women & children used to sit and it was triggered via remote control. Soon after the blast, the temple was closed for repairs.
The temple was later reopened with new rules and security. Private functions such as marriages were discontinued on the lawn of the temple. Mobile phones & any other type of electronic or media devices were prohibited. Lockers were made available at each gate for devotees to submit their belongings before entering the temple. To this date, this newly implemented system is working flawlessly.
Events at Sankat Mochan Mandir
- Hanuman Jayanti Procession – The grand procession is organized from Durga Temple to Sankat Mochan temple on the occasion of Hanuman Jayant, the Birthday of lord Hanuman.
- Sankat Mochan Music Festival – It is a 5-day music festival organized inside the temple premises. Attended by a lot of reputed and prestigious artists of classical music.
How to reach Sankat Mochan Temple
Sankat Mochan Temple is 3 km away from the railway station and 31 km from the Babatpur Airport. It is located in Saket Nagar Colony, Lanka of Varanasi. To reach here one can take a direct auto/Cab or E-rickshaw from anywhere in town.
Nearby Places
- BHU
- Durga Temple
- Ramnagar Fort
