Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple Varanasi – History & Travel Guide

One of the most vibrant and heartfelt places of visit in Varanasi, the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple stands as a beacon of devotion and relief from life’s troubles. With the rhythmic recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa, the echo of bells and the thousand-fold folded hands of devotees, this temple is both spiritual refuge and cultural landmark. Whether you’re drawn by the energy of a temple visit or looking to explore the famous places in Varanasi, Sankat Mochan promises a rich, uplifting experience.

Where Is Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple? (with GPS Coordinates)

📍 Coordinates: 25.2527° N, 82.9911° E (approximate)

The temple is situated on Durga Kund Road, Saket Nagar, Sigra, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

Nestled near the Assi River in the southern stretch of the city, it is easily accessible from the main Varanasi railway station or as part of a varanasi visit places tour. The setting is quieter than the main ghats—which adds to the contemplative atmosphere.

Mythological & Historical Significance

According to legend, the great poet-saint Tulsidas had a vision of Lord Hanuman at this very spot, inspiring him to establish the temple in the early 16th century. The name “Sankat Mochan” literally means “the one who removes troubles,” symbolising Hanuman’s role as a protector from difficulties. Over centuries, the temple evolved into a major pilgrimage and devotional site, especially popular on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

In modern times, the temple has also been tied to social efforts: the Sankat Mochan Foundation, founded here under the then-Mahant, has worked on the preservation of the Ganges and local environment.

Architecture

The architecture of the Sankat Mochan Temple is a serviceable but heartfelt variant of North Indian Hindu temple style: modest yet full of devotion. The main shrine houses the idol of Lord Hanuman in a standing posture, often seen holding a mace and with a serene but powerful countenance. The temple complex includes subsidiary shrines to Rama and other deities.

The temple grounds are surrounded by trees and monkeys (hence sometimes nick-named “Monkey Temple” by visitors) which lend a unique character to the place. While not as grand in stone carving as major pilgrimage hubs, the vibrant devotion, garlands, and the rhythmic aarti create an architecture of faith rather than only brick-and-stone.

What You’ll See & Do at Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Arriving early gives you the chance to witness the morning aarti—typically around 4:00 AM onwards. Many devotees come with offerings: coconuts, sweets, prasads. Shoes are to be deposited in lockers at the entrance, mobile phones may be restricted inside; visitors mention this for the darshan area.

You can participate in the chanting of Hanuman Chalisa or observe quietly at the back. On Tuesdays and Saturdays the crowds swell, but the energy is especially vibrant then. The temple also hosts the annual Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh, a classical music and dance festival held in April which adds a cultural dimension to your visit.

Don’t forget to walk around the precincts and observe the monkeys, the smaller shrines, the shops selling devotional books and souvenirs. For those travelling with a tour guide in Varanasi, this makes a meaningful stop in the city’s tapestry of sacred spots.

How to Reach Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

By Air: The nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (Varanasi) which is about 25-30 km away. From here taxi or cab can take you to the temple.

•By Train: Varanasi Junction is the main station; from there it’s about 6–7 km by local transport to reach the temple road.

•By Road/Local Travel: Within Varanasi city you can use auto-rickshaw, taxi or app-cab to Durga Kund Road, Sigra. Once you arrive, follow signage to the temple gate. Because this location is slightly off the main ghats, using a local guide or asking your driver to wait around is sensible in peak traffic.

For those making a full city-tour with a tour guide in Varanasi, this temple fits in a half-day itinerary along with other southern-Varanasi spots.

By Air: The nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (Varanasi) which is about 25-30 km away. From here taxi or cab can take you to the temple.

•By Train: Varanasi Junction is the main station; from there it’s about 6–7 km by local transport to reach the temple road.

For those making a full city-tour with a tour guide in Varanasi, this temple fits in a half-day itinerary along with other southern-Varanasi spots.

Nearby Places to Visit

When you plan a visit to Sankat Mochan, you can include several varanasi visit places nearby:

•Durga Mandir (just north of Sankat Mochan, built in Nagara style).

•Banaras Hindu University (BHU) campus – about 3 km away and worth a stroll for architecture and gardens.

•The Assi Ghat on the Ganges – just a short drive away, offering a serene riverside setting.

•Several local craft and bookstore areas in Sigra and Bhelupur for local flavour.

Combining these stops enriches your explorations of famous places in Varanasi beyond the central ghats and gives a quieter, less-crowded break.

Best Time to Visit & Travel Tips

Best Time: October to March offers pleasant weather for temple visits; early morning visits can give you calm ambience before crowds swell. Viewing the temple on special auspicious days like Tuesdays & Saturdays provides a unique experience— but expect larger crowds.

Tips:

•Arrive early for darshan and to avoid waiting in long queues.

•Dress modestly; cover shoulders and knees; remove footwear.

•Lockers may be available for belongings and mobile phones may be restricted inside the main sanctum. Visiting sources note these restrictions.

•If you plan to incorporate this temple in your tour of Varanasi visit places, hiring a tour guide in Varanasi can help coordinate timings and local transport.

•On festival days (Hanuman Jayanti, music festival), crowds are bigger—plan accordingly and allow extra time to leave the area.

Suggested Itinerary

Morning: Start early (around 4:30 AM) for darshan at Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple → breakfast in local café near Sigra.

Mid-Morning: Visit Durga Mandir and then proceed to BHU campus for a stroll and quiet time.

Afternoon: Lunch break → rest. Then head to the Assi Ghat for a riverside walk or boating.

Evening: Return to the temple area for evening aarti (around 9 PM) at Sankat Mochan if you wish to experience the temple lighting & bhajans. Finish with dinner nearby.

Alternate Option: If you’re doing a full-day tour of famous places in Varanasi, integrate this with central ghats (e.g., Dashashwamedh), the city’s old lanes and maybe a sunset boat ride on the Ganga. A tour guide in Varanasi can craft this flow effectively.

FAQ – Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Varanasi

Q1. Is there an entry fee to the temple?

A: No. Entry to the temple is free of charge.

Q2. What are the opening and closing times of the temple?

A: The temple opens early in the morning (around 4:30-5:00 AM) and closes around 10:00 PM on most days. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, the timings may extend later into the night.

Q3. When are the Aarti / prayer times?

A: There are multiple Aarti times. For example, morning Aarti may be around 5:00 AM, and the evening/Sandhya Aarti around 8:30-9:00 PM. On special days the schedule may vary.

Q4. Are mobiles, cameras or large bags allowed inside the temple?

A: Many visitors report that mobile phones, cameras and large bags are either restricted or must be deposited at a locker outside before entering the sanctum.

Q5. Why is this temple especially crowded on Tuesdays and Saturdays?

A: These days are considered particularly auspicious for worship of Lord Hanuman, and many devotees visit on these days to seek relief from troubles (as the temple’s name “Sankat Mochan” indicates – “reliever of troubles”).

Q6. How far is the temple from major landmarks in Varanasi?

A: The temple is located near the Assi river & the BHU campus in Varanasi. According to visitor info it’s approximately 3 km from Banaras Hindu University.

Q7. Are foreigners / non-Hindus allowed to visit?

A: Yes, the temple is open to all visitors. There is no indication that non-Hindus are barred from visiting the temple premises.

Q8. What special festivals or events are held at the temple?

A: The temple celebrates major festivals such as Hanuman Jayanti with great devotion. It is also the venue for the annual classical music & dance festival, the “Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh”.

Q9. Are there any ritual / belief-based practices specific to this temple?

A: Yes. Many devotees believe that visiting this temple helps relieve troubles and difficulties in life. The recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa here is particularly emphasized.

Q10. What accessibility or visitor facilities are available?

A: According to official visitor info, the temple has a parking lot (paid, first-come first-served) and provides wheelchair facilities for those in need.

Conclusion

The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is far more than a stop on your Varanasi travel list—it’s a dynamic place of faith, culture and relief from worldly worries. Nestled away from the busiest ghats and yet pulsating with devotion, it offers a calm counter-point to the city’s more frenetic spiritual spots. Whether you are here for a deep spiritual moment or simply exploring varanasi visit places, this temple invites you in with open arms, resonant chants and a living tradition. Make sure you include it in your next trip to Varanasi, and consider a tour guide in Varanasi to help weave this experience seamlessly into your travel story.