History: The origin of the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple dates back to the 16th century. According to tradition, it was founded by the renowned saint and poet Goswami Tulsidas, the author of the Ramcharitmanas, a retelling of the Ramayana in the vernacular Awadhi language. Legend has it that Tulsidas had a divine vision of Lord Hanuman at this very site, inspiring him to build the temple to honor the deity. Since then, it has remained a vital center for worship and a shrine for devotees seeking Lord Hanuman’s blessings to alleviate their difficulties—hence the name “Sankat Mochan,” which means “reliever of troubles.” During his final days, as he endured excruciating pain in his arms, Tulsi Das created the "Hanuman Bahuk" while seated before Sankat Mochan Maharaj.
Architecture : Over centuries, the temple has undergone renovations to maintain its structure and significance. The temple architecture is simple yet powerful, echoing the reverent and austere qualities associated with the worship of Lord Hanuman. Unlike many grandiose temples in India, Sankat Mochan Temple reflects a modest design that emphasizes devotion over decoration. A large banyan tree with double trunk marks the initial location where the wise saint Tulsi Das set up an image of Lord Hanuman, chief of the army of the apes, ally of Lord Ram. The ‘murti’ (statue / idol), very stylized, is now in the central temple, i.e, sanctum sanctorum. The main shrine and santum santoraum are dedicated to Lord Hanuman, depicted in a standing posture with his head bowed in devotion to Lord Ram, showcasing his loyalty and humility. A second temple, opposite the first, is dedicated to Lord Ram, Goddess Sita and Lakshman. The current building of the temple was built in 1900 AD by Shri Madan Mohan Malviya. The walls and columns are largely constellated with vermilion marks.
The temple complex is spacious, accommodating large numbers of devotees who come for prayers, offerings, and participation in rituals. The layout allows easy movement and has dedicated spaces for various religious ceremonies.
Celebrations and Cultural Activities : The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is known for its vibrant celebrations, especially during Hanuman Jayanti (हनुमान जयंती) or Hanuman Janmotsav (हनुमान जन्मोत्सव), the birthday of Lord Hanuman. Hanuman Janmotsav is marked with a Shobha Yatra that begins from Durga Temple (Durgakund) and proceeds all the way to the Sankat Mochan Temple. This festival draws thousands of devotees who come to offer their prayers, witness rituals, and participate in the festivities. During Hanuman Jayanti, the temple is decorated with flowers, and devotional songs, or bhajans, echo through the premises, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere.
Another major event is the Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh (संकट मोचन संगीत समारोह), an annual music festival that honors classical Indian music and dance. This event, which usually takes place in April, attracts renowned musicians, vocalists, and dancers from across India. Performances of classical Hindustani music, including ‘Dhrupad’, ‘Khyal’, and instrumental recitals, are integral to the celebration. The event is open to the public and free of charge, embodying the temple’s inclusive spirit and its commitment to cultural preservation. It bridges the spiritual and artistic realms, offering a space where divine devotion and artistic expression can coexist.
Location: Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is located near the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) campus in Varanasi. The temple is also not far off from Assi Ghat. Its proximity to BHU has established a close connection with the student community, many of whom visit regularly for blessings, prayers, or moments of introspection. The temple’s location is easily accessible by road and is well-connected to other major landmarks in Varanasi, making it a popular stop for both pilgrims and tourists.
Daily Rituals : Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is known for specific rituals that attract thousands of devotees. Vast chunk of Hindu faithful gather here daily but on Tuesday and Saturday, the congregation of the devotees swell to several thousand. The Aarti (a prayer ritual involving light) held in the early morning and evening is especially popular. During Aarti, devotees chant hymns in unison, offering their reverence to Lord Hanuman, creating an atmosphere filled with collective faith and spiritual energy. Reciting the Hanuman Chalisa is another common practice at the temple. Many devotees visit on Saturdays and Tuesdays to chant the Chalisa or listen to its recital by temple priests. These sessions serve as a source of spiritual strength, bringing peace and comfort to those who seek solace in Hanuman’s protection. In the cobbled courtyard, many devotees continue their devotions, some of them carrying their mala contained in a small bag fixed to the wrist. Others, in orange dhoti, sitting under a veranda, sing mantras with conviction.
Its origin rooted in the devotion of Goswami Tulsidas, its role as a protector for devotees, and its influence on Varanasi’s cultural life make Sankat Mochan Temple a unique religious and social institution.