Table of Contents
Sankat Mochan Mandir Varanasi
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is one of the sacred temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman, situated in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is located on the route between Banaras Hindu University and the Durga Temple and New Vishwanath Temple. The name ‘Sankat Mochan’ translates to the one who relieves troubles and sorrows. This temple was established in 1900 by Shri Madan Mohan Malviya, the founder of Banaras Hindu University.
The temple celebrates the birth festival of Hanuman with great enthusiasm, marked by a special procession starting from Durgakund and culminating at Sankat Mochan Temple. Devotees offer pure ghee besan laddoos as a prasad to Lord Hanuman. The deity is adorned with garlands of marigold and tulsi. Notably, the idol of Lord Hanuman is placed in such a way that he faces Lord Rama, and to his right stands an idol of Sankat Mochan Maharaj, whom they worship with selfless devotion.
One remarkable feature of this temple is the installation of a well that is believed to date back to the time of the saint Tulsidas. Devotees still fetch cool water from this well for rituals. The temple surroundings are adorned with Tulsi plants, and efforts have been made to maintain cleanliness, creating a serpent-free and pleasant environment.
- Location:The temple is located on the banks of the Assi River in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
- Timings:The temple is open from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM every day.
- Aarti Timings:There are two aartis held at the temple every day, one at 5:30 AM and the other at 7:30 PM.
- Prasad:The most popular prasad offered at the temple is besan ke ladoo, which are a type of sweet made with gram flour. Other prasad items include laddoos made with sugar, jaggery, and coconut, as well as fruits and sweets.
Check More: 16 Famous Temples in Varanasi
Things To Know Before Visiting Sankat Mochan Mandir Varanasi
- Visitors should dress modestly and respectfully when visiting the temple.
- Shoes should be removed before entering the temple.
- Photography is allowed inside the temple, but flash photography is not permitted.
- There is a donation box at the entrance of the temple, and donations are appreciated.
- The temple was founded in the early 16th century by the Hindu saint Goswami Tulsidas.
- The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the Hindu god of strength and devotion.
- The temple is said to be a place where people can find relief from their troubles, hence the name “Sankat Mochan” which means “reliever of troubles”.
- The temple is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus from all over India and the world.
- The temple is also a popular tourist destination and is visited by people of all faiths.
History of Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
Historically, it is believed that this temple was founded at the very spot where the great poet Tulsidas had a divine vision of Lord Hanuman. Tulsidas, the author of Ramcharitmanas, the Awadhi version of the Ramayana, is said to have established the temple. During his final days, in excruciating pain in his arms, Tulsidas composed the ‘Hanuman Bahuk’ prayer in front of Sankat Mochan Maharaj.
The temple holds a special place for astrology believers as they seek Lord Hanuman’s blessings to mitigate the malefic effects of Saturn (Shani) or other planets in their birth charts.
Sankat Mochan Trust
The Sankat Mochan Foundation was established by the temple’s head priest, Shri Veer Bhadra Mishra, in 1982. He actively worked on cleaning and conserving the Ganges river. The foundation receives financial support from the governments of the United States and Sweden for its projects. Mishra, a former head of the Civil Engineering department at the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), has received several awards, including the ‘Global 500 Roll of Honor’ by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) in 1992 and the ‘Hero of the Planet’ award by Time Magazine in 1999. The foundation has been actively involved in the ‘Clean Ganga Campaign’ under the collaboration of an Australian environmental group called ‘Oz Green’ for the past 25 years.
Terrorist attack at Sankat Mochan Temple
On March 7, 2006, two bomb blasts took place in Varanasi, India, one at the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple and the other at the Varanasi Cantonment railway station. The attacks claimed the lives of 28 people and injured over 100 others. The blasts were the work of the Indian Mujahideen, a terrorist group that is based in Pakistan.
Despite the tragedy, devotees resumed their prayers at the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple the following day. This showed the resilience of the Hindu community and their commitment to their faith. It also sent a message to the terrorists that they would not be cowed by violence.
The attacks on the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple were a reminder of the threat of terrorism in India. However, they also showed the strength of the Hindu faith and the resilience of the Indian people.
FAQs Related to Sankat Mochan Temple
What is the history of Sankat Mochan Temple?
Sankat Mochan Temple was built in the early 16th century by the Hindu saint Goswami Tulsidas. Tulsidas was a devotee of Lord Hanuman, and he built the temple to commemorate a vision he had of Hanuman. In the vision, Hanuman appeared to Tulsidas and told him that he would build a temple on the banks of the Assi River that would be a place where people could find relief from their troubles.
What is the significance of Sankat Mochan Temple?
Sankat Mochan Temple is a very significant temple for Hindus. It is believed that the temple is a place where people can find relief from their troubles. The name “Sankat Mochan” means “reliever of troubles”, and the temple is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus from all over India and the world.
Who built Sankat Mochan Temple?
Sankat Mochan Temple was built by the Hindu saint Goswami Tulsidas in the early 16th century. Tulsidas was a devotee of Lord Hanuman, and he built the temple to commemorate a vision he had of Hanuman. In the vision, Hanuman appeared to Tulsidas and told him that he would build a temple on the banks of the Assi River that would be a place where people could find relief from their troubles.
What time is Sankat Mochan Mandir opening and closing?
Sankat Mochan Mandir is open from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM every day.
What is the timing of Sankat Mochan aarti?
There are two aartis held at Sankat Mochan Mandir every day, one at 5:30 AM and the other at 7:30 PM.
Why is Hanuman known as Sankat Mochan?
Hanuman is known as Sankat Mochan because he is believed to be able to help people overcome their troubles. The name “Sankat Mochan” means “reliever of troubles”, and Hanuman is often invoked by people who are facing difficult challenges.
