Sankat Mochan Hanuman, the Reliever of Troubles
On the banks of the Assi river, close to Banaras Hindu University, stands the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, one of the most visited and beloved shrines in all of Varanasi. The name Sankat Mochan means "one who removes troubles," and devotees come here specifically to place their worries, fears and obstacles before Hanuman.
Unlike temples built around grand royal patronage, this temple carries the intimate, personal devotion of a poet-saint, which is part of why it feels so close to the hearts of ordinary devotees even today.
Goswami Tulsidas and the Temple's Origin
Tradition holds that this temple's origin is tied to the great saint-poet Goswami Tulsidas, the author of the Ramcharitmanas, who spent much of his life in Kashi. It is said that Tulsidas, deeply devoted to Rama, received the darshan of Hanuman at this very spot, appearing before him in the guise of an old man before revealing his true form.
Moved by this experience, Tulsidas is believed to have established worship at this site, and generations of devotees since have carried forward the same spirit of devotion that first bloomed here.
Why Devotees Come Here for Strength and Protection
Devotees visit Sankat Mochan for relief from fear, illness, evil influence and difficulties of every kind, trusting in Hanuman's boundless strength and unwavering devotion to Rama. Reciting the Hanuman Chalisa here is considered especially powerful, and many devotees also read the Sundarkand chapter of the Ramcharitmanas in the temple's peaceful courtyards.
- Students and job seekers pray here before examinations and interviews
- Families bring young children for their first tonsure or blessing rituals
- The temple's resident langurs, believed to be under Hanuman's own protection, are treated with great affection by devotees
- Tuesdays and Saturdays, sacred to Hanuman, see the largest crowds of the week
Darshan Guide and the Music Festival
The temple remains open through most of the day, with a steady stream of visitors rather than fixed rush hours, though Tuesdays and Saturdays bring noticeably larger crowds. Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated here with particular devotion, drawing pilgrims from across the region.
The temple premises are also known for hosting the Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh, a classical music and dance festival held annually, where renowned artists offer their performance as a form of worship. This blend of devotion and classical art is one of the temple's most distinctive traditions.
How to Reach Sankat Mochan Temple
The temple is located near Banaras Hindu University in the southern part of Varanasi, a little distance from the older ghats and lanes around Kashi Vishwanath. It is well connected by auto-rickshaw and cycle rickshaw from anywhere in the city.
Varanasi Junction and Varanasi Cantt railway stations, and Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, all offer convenient access to this part of the city, and many pilgrims plan this temple as a separate stop from the older ghat-side circuit given the distance between them.
The Hanuman Chalisa Line and the Takeaway
Devotees at Sankat Mochan often recall the line from the Hanuman Chalisa itself:
Sankat kate mite sab peera, jo sumire Hanumat Balbeera (All troubles end and pain vanishes for one who remembers the mighty and brave Hanuman)
This line captures the very heart of why the temple exists and why it means so much to those who visit.
Sankat Mochan is a reminder that devotion born from a saint's personal experience can grow to comfort millions. Worship here is an act of faith and love, not a transaction, a place where fear is met not with more fear, but with unwavering trust in Hanuman's strength.
Common Questions From Devotees
Why is this temple called Sankat Mochan?+
Sankat Mochan means the reliever of troubles, a name devotees give to Hanuman here because they believe sincere prayer at this temple eases fear, obstacles and difficulties of daily life.
What is Tulsidas's connection to this temple?+
Tradition holds that Goswami Tulsidas, author of the Ramcharitmanas, received a vision of Hanuman at this very site during his years in Kashi, which devotees believe led to the establishment of worship here.
Which days are considered best for visiting Sankat Mochan Temple?+
Tuesdays and Saturdays, both sacred to Hanuman, are considered especially auspicious and see the largest gatherings of devotees through the week.
About the author
Acharya Vinaya Kapoor · M.A. Sanskrit, Mantra & Stotra Studies
Acharya Vinaya holds an M.A. in Sanskrit from Banaras Hindu University and writes the mantra and stotra commentary on Vandnaa. Her focus is on accurate pronunciation, traditional context, and helping modern readers connect with classical texts.
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