Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple Varanasi – Timings, History, Aarti, Darshan & 1-Day Itinerary

If this is your first visit to Varanasi, then Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is one place that perhaps needs more time than can be provided in a mere sightseeing checklist.Situated near the Assi area and known for its close ties with Goswami Tulsidas, the temple happens to be one of the most revered places of worship to Lord Hanuman in the city.

It is certainly a different experience from the scale at which other temples in Varanasi are conceived. People walk into the temple, offer their prayers, recite Hanuman Chalisa, offer laddoos and sindoor and sit for a few minutes to regain focus of life. Tuesdays and Saturdays tend to be crowded and during festival times the crowds can be overwhelming.

This article gives every piece of information that a devotee needs to know prior to visiting Shri Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Varanasiincluding history, important facts, timings, how to reach, the darshan, nearby sightseeing options and even some travel tips.

Quick answer: Sankat Mochan Temple is a historic Hanuman temple in southern Varanasi, near Assi and Banaras Hindu University. It is traditionally associated with Goswami Tulsidas and is especially popular among devotees seeking the blessings of Lord Hanuman.

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple: Quick Facts

The official Kashi portal currently lists the temple’s daily visiting hours as 5:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Timings can change during festivals or special religious occasions, so checking current information before travelling is sensible.

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple Timings

Sankat Mochan Temple Opening Time

The Sankat Mochan Hanaman Temple generally opens just before dawn to the devotees, at approx. 4:30 AM. The morning darshan period will go on till around noon, from when the temple will reopen for visiting and offering in the afternoon for about 7 hrs. from 3:00 PM till 10:00 PM.

Note: Temple hours generally change on festivals, special religious days, and other important days. It is better to confirm the schedule beforehand to avoid a surprise.

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple Aarti Timings

Aarti is performed at Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple in the morning and evening. The timings of Aartis could be different on special occasions or depending on the day’s main puja, therefore visitors intending to see aarti should ask about the schedule from the temple itself on the day of their visit.

A few temple information sources currently list the morning aarti from around 4:00 AM and the evening aarti from about 9:00 PM. As per these sources, the aarti times are likely to vary from the ones mentioned, particularly on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and festival days.

Sankat Mochan Temple Opening & Aarti Time

• Temple Opening 4:30 AM
• Morning Aarti: 4:30 AM, 5:00 AM
• Morning Darshan: 4:30 AM, 12:00 PM
• Evening Darshan: 3:00 PM, 10:00 PM
• Evening Aarti: Around 9:00 PM, 9:30

Best tip: If the intention of a devotee is to participate in the morning aarti, it would be advisable for him/her to get there before 4:00 AM. With respect to the evening aarti, as a result of the substantial number of devotees the temple could become crowded therefore it is recommended to get there well before the designated time.

What Makes Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple So Special?

The meaning of the name Sankat Mochan can, to a considerable extent, be interpreted as the “reliever of troubles” or “the one who frees devotees from difficulties”, thereby making it a significant devotional place rather than merely a historical monument for Hanuman worshippers.

The Varanasi district administration describes the Sankat Mochan Temple of Varanasi as a well-known Lord Hanuman temple, which is the Assi area and its main association with Goswami Tulsidas.

The temple’s popularity depends on many factors such as:

• Its association with Goswami Tulsidas.
• It is connection with Lord Hanuman and the performance of Hanuman Chalisa there.
• It is very serene and peaceful ambiance in the southern part of Varanasi.
• A strong devotional feeling is experienced during a visit to the temple on a Tuesday or a Saturday.
• An annual classical music festival is organized at the temple.
• The temple is located near several of the most famous Varanasi attractions.

Visiting as a sightseeing activity is usually just taking a picture of the place and leaving, while this is not the case of this actively worshiped religious place. One will achieve the best experience of the temple by setting some time for prayers and following the customs of the place with respect.

Why do devotees visit Sankat Mochan Temple?

Most people go to see Lord Hanuman for his blessing of giving people strength and courage, and for offering them protection from dangers and removing difficulties from life, which are purely matters for one’s faith. Also, the place is of great significance for persons who have a particular bond with Hanuman or regularly recite Hanuman Chalisa.

Sankat Mochan Temple History and Connection With Tulsidas

The origin story of Shri Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is closely interwoven with Goswami Tulsidas, the well-known saint-poet of Hindu tradition and the writer of Ramcharitmanas. According to tradition, Goswami Tulsidas had a heavenly glimpse of Lord Hanuman in this place. Based on that sight, Tulsidas founded Hanuman temple around early fifteenth century.

A webpage of Kashi government states that Goswami Tulsidas is regarded to be the founder of Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple. A part from the structure of the temple, its importance is tied up with the wider religious and literary traditions about Tulsidas that are part of the cultural heritage of Varanasi.

The Tulsidas connection

Tulsidas is one of the most influential figures in North Indian devotional literature. His Ramcharitmanas, written in Awadhi, made the story of Lord Rama accessible to a much wider audience. His devotion to Lord Rama and Hanuman is deeply reflected in the traditions surrounding Sankat Mochan. For visitors interested in the literary side of Varanasi, this connection makes a visit even more meaningful.

Why is the temple associated with the name “Sankat Mochan”?

This temple is linked to the name “Sankat Mochan” because Lord Hanuman is considered one of the most effective forms of worship for someone looking for protection and removal of troubles and difficulties. There is also another reason, Sankat Mochan itself refers to the one who removes difficulties.

Therefore, followers of Lord Hanuman who want to get rid of their problems come here to pray. While some devotees choose to chant the Hanuman Chalisa, others may bring offerings like flowers, sindoor or sweets.

Sankat Mochan Temple Timings and Best Time for Darshan

It is always a clever idea to plan out your temple visits and know the timings of the temples beforehand. The Kashi temple website currently lists:

• Morning: 5:00 AM to 11:30 AM
• Evening: 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM

In some special occasions the temples may be closed early, therefore it is advisable for devotees to check timings and plans at the temple premises prior to their trip.

This way, they will be able to plan their trip properly and avoid disappointment or time wastages

What is the best time to visit Sankat Mochan Temple?

For a comparatively calmer experience, early morning is usually the better choice. A practical plan is to arrive soon after opening, complete darshan, and then continue towards nearby attractions such as Assi Ghat, Tulsi Manas Temple or Banaras Hindu University. If you visit on a Tuesday or Saturday, expect more devotees and longer queues. Varanasi’s Smart City information also notes that thousands of people can gather at the temple on these auspicious days.

Is Tuesday a good day to visit?

Tuesday is definitely an opportunity to witness one of the most fervent devotional gatherings at Sankat Mochan, but on the other hand for those who prefer to visit quietly and at their own pace, it is not the best day. Similarly for Saturday. For more tranquil sightseeing: a common weekday morning can be a good option. For a more energetic devotional experience: Tuesday or Saturday would be memorable days provided that you do not mind having to crowd in.

How to Reach Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple in Varanasi

• Sankat Mochan Mandir temple is in southern Varanasi area, not so far from Assi & Durga Kund area. Because of the location of it, visiting other places in southern Varanasi together would not be too hard.
• Incredible India describes the temple as being in southern Varanasi near Assi Ghat & Banarasi University area.

From Varanasi railway stations

• Autorickshaws, taxis, and even app-based cars are some of the best and most comfortable ways that one can choose to have from Varanasi Junction to Sankat Mochan Temple provided that these are available.
• It is almost given that the total distance one has to travel as well as the total time that one expects to take will have a considerable degree of variation due to the traffic in Varanasi, which can be a big problem especially during the busy periods and religious festivals.
• Rather than being precise about the amount of time which someone will need to visit a temple it is better to leave some extra space in one’s calendar to cater to the uncertainties and changes in travel time.

From Banaras Hindu University

• Since the Temple is located very close to BHU (Banaras Hindu University)’s side of the city, one can easily combine their BHU and Sankat Mochan Temple visits.
• This would be especially easy considering that both the BHU campus and Sankat Mochan Temple are part of the southern side of Kashi or Varanasi which is very different from the holy temples of Kashi such as the Gya Temple or Kashi Vishalnath, which are more to the north and central side and are often associated to the sacred bathing ghats etc.
• Also note that it is one of the popular routes in town, i.e., a BHU campus + visit to Sankat Mochan Temple.

From Assi Ghat

• Assi Ghat makes for a very convenient point of reference if you are planning to visit the temple. You might follow this path: Assi Ghat → Sankat Mochan Temple → Tulsi Manas Temple → Durga Temple → BHU
• Naturally, you should make allowances for traffic and time variations in temple timings to decide on the actual order of these places in a day tour plan, the above is just a recommendation.

From Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport

The taxi or private taxi is generally the most convenient airport transfer mode. As the travel times from the airport to the city depend on traffic and the peak hour, you should be ready for variations rather than assume a fixed time.

What is the procedure to get a Darshan of Sankat Mochan Temple?

Knowing what to expect makes visiting a new place much easier. This is an active temple rather than just a tourist attraction, so you should not be surprised by seeing devotees, religious offerings as well as crowds of people during various time slots.

Before entering

Take off your shoes as is required in some places and dress modestly. Choosing traditional or modest clothing would be the safest way to show respect when visiting a Hindu place of worship. Avoid wearing any clothes that can be seen as inappropriate at a sacred place.

When you bring elderly or children, make sure the whole family stays together as it is easy to get lost especially if the place is crowded.

Inside the temple

Lord Hanuman’s image is traditionally adorned with sindoor and flowers, and it is common for devotees to bring sweets and other things for the gods.

According to the temple’s own material, one of the ways for devotees to make offerings is to bring besan laddoos. In a temple, you are likely to come across:

• Devotees reciting Hanuman Chalisa
• Priests distributing flowers
• Devotees offering laddoos
• Some devotees applying to be indoors and some receiving it
• A group of people who have no distractions and are praying quietly
• Rituals performed by people taking part in them religiously

Do not feel hurried just because you are a tourist.

Are phones and cameras allowed?

There may be different policies in different temples regarding photography and you may not be able to take pictures near the main altar for instance. It is reported by some of the temple visitors that they have to switch off their camera and mobile phones or they find a way to get it done as there are restrictions, but the rest just go along and distinguish areas of the outer and internal parts of the temple.

The safest course of action is just to do the simplest things: follow the rules as indicated by the temple staff and in case there is photography, make a note to do as they say and in case doubt, take out your phone, rather than risk committing temple etiquette offense.

Sankat Mochan Temple Festivals and Cultural Importance

Religion is not the only aspect of life that Sankat Mochan is connected to. The temple also holds great significance in Indian classical music and culture.

Hanuman Jayanti

• Hanuman Jayanti is the holiest and the most attended festival of the temple. Devotees flock there to offer prayers, listen to recitations and attend various cultural programs. If you are going to come to a place with so much activity, make a note that there are going to be more people and you can be stuck in traffic.
• That will definitely add to your time and maybe be a problem for your access arrangements if you are bringing an old person, baby or just not a very strong person, for whom, darshan on a normal day maybe, would be a better choice, in order not to get tired.

Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh

• One of the temple’s unique cultural traditions is the Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh, an annual classical music and dance festival.
• As per the Kashi portal, it is the temple’s annual classical music and dance festival to which the event is directly linked which shows that Sankat Mochan is quite attractive for a person who primarily interested in Indian music and culture.

Tuesday & Saturday crowds

• These weekdays are sacred by Hanuman worshippers and as a result the place can get rather overcrowded. The Varanasi Smart City portal mentions that on days like these thousands of devotees flock the Temple.
• Therefore, if your visit coincides with one of these sacred days then it is recommended to reach before the Temple doors open and leave some rest time for the temple after you have gotten out otherwise it will get you packed and stressed.

Places to Visit Near Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

What is more Sankat Mochan is an ideal location for tourists because nearby you will find the temples of Varanasi along with some of its major tourist attractions and the ghats.

1. Assi Ghat

Assi Ghat is a major ghat and perhaps the most well-known one on the southern side of Varanasi. It is a top location to visit in combination with the temple on the day before sunrise. By spending some time relaxing by the Ganga, watching the early sunrise, and then proceeding to Sankat Mochan, one can make the most of these activities.

2. Tulsi Manas Temple

Maharshi Tulsi temple is closely associated with Tulsidas and the Ramcharitmanas (Holy of Rama story)

According to Varanasi District Administration, the temple is located at a place where Tulsidas composed and lived with his work related to Ramcharitmanasa. Hence, the temple would be a logical stopping point after visits to Sankat Mochan particularly for those who are interested in Tulsidas.

3. Durga Temple

Being a part of the rich religious heritage of Varanasi, the ancient Dourgupteshwar Temple attracts the attention of many visitors because besides being a sacred temple, it is an outstanding example of the typical red stone used in the old temples of India. The temple’s architecture and red color make it easily discernible.

4. Theological Education in BHU

The Banaras Hindu University is another major attraction in this part of town.

A visit to Sankat Mochan can naturally fit into a tour of south Varanasi but access to some parts of the may depend on the current campus regulations.

5. Other Varanasi attractions

If you get to Varanasi with sufficient amount of time, you might add a few more to your itinerary such as:

• Kashi Vishwanath Temple
• Dashashwamedh Ghat
• Ganga Aarti
• Bharat Mata Temple
• Sarnath

They are all not the same place as Sankat Mochan. Hence, if you plan to see as many as these tourist attractions, arrange them together geographically on the map, then your day will be much more relaxed.

Practical Tips for Visiting Sankat Mochan Temple

A few simple precautions can greatly enhance your visit.

1. Visit early if you dislike crowds

If you are averse to crowds, visiting early in the day is the way to go. Usually, morning is a far better time than when large crowds arrive.

2. Dress modestly

Select clothing that is modest yet still suitable for a hot climate and that is also comfortable. You should wear something that covers the shoulders and knees. If you are planning to visit multiple temples within one day, it is even more important to dress in this way. It is common that you are required to take off your shoes when visiting temples and therefore a good pair of footwear is a necessity.

3. Keep valuables secure

Similar to the case in a market or a railway station, you will want to have your wallet and phone secured at all times in such areas filled with people. Try to avoid wearing jewelry that could be easily noticed.

4. Be careful around monkeys

You will find monkeys around the temple premises which have been associated with them for ages. Do not show off food as this would invite trouble from them. Do not try to provoke or feed and approach them if they are not in the mood to please. It is smart to close the lids of the bags properly.

5. Don’t rush the darshan

When the place is packed, understand that the visit might take time. Avoid blocking pathways by standing there while the family member comes or goes.

6. Follow photography restrictions

It is not necessarily the permission of others to take photos that means you can take photos wherever you like. Read the signboards and listen to instructions from temple’s guides before taking photos.

7. Carry water, especially in summer

Bhairav Ghat can get really hot during the summertime. When visiting places on foot and planning breaks, carry bottles of cold drinks with you.

8. Keep festival days flexible

The number of devotees coming together to honor Hanuman Jayanti and other religious festivals in the temple might result in traffic and crowd conditions getting worse and different to usual. Do not schedule multiple places that require reservations in a row if you visit the temple during festival periods.

One Day Varanasi Itinerary: Best Places to Visit in 1 Day

If you have just one day in Varanasi, the best approach is to start early and group nearby attractions together. This saves travel time and gives you enough time for temples, ghats, local food and the evening Ganga Aarti.

Morning: Ghats & Sankat Mochan Temple

5:30 AM – Assi Ghat

• Start your day at Assi Ghat. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Ganga and, if available, attend the morning Subah-e-Banaras programmed.

6:30 AM – Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

• Head towards Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple for darshan. If you want to attend the morning aarti, arrive much earlier and check the day’s schedule.

8:00 AM – Breakfast

• Have breakfast around the Assi/BHU area. You can try traditional Banarasi breakfast options before continuing your sightseeing.

9:00 AM – Tulsi Manas Temple

• Visit Tulsi Manas Temple, associated with Goswami Tulsidas and the Ramcharitmanas tradition.

10:00 AM – Durga Temple

• Continue to the nearby Durga Temple, another important religious site in this part of Varanasi.

11:00 AM – Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

• Spend some time around the BHU campus and visit New Vishwanath Temple (Birla Temple) if it fits your schedule and current visitor-access rules.

Afternoon: Old Varanasi

12:30 PM – Lunch

• Have lunch and take a short break before heading towards the old city.

1:30 PM – Kashi Vishwanath Temple

• Visit the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Keep extra time for security checks, queues and darshan, particularly during busy days.

3:30 PM – Vishwanath Gali & Local Markets

• Walk through the lanes around the temple and explore Vishwanath Gali for Banarasi products, sweets, souvenirs, and local snacks.

Evening: Ghat Experience & Ganga Aarti

5:00 PM – Dashashwamedh Ghat

• Reach Dashashwamedh Ghat and spend some time along the Ganga. Arriving early is advisable if you want an advantageous position for the evening ceremony.

6:30–7:30 PM – Ganga Aarti

• Attend the famous evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. The exact start time changes throughout the year with sunset and the local ritual schedule.

8:00 PM – Dinner

• Finish your day with dinner and, if you still have energy, take a short evening walk through the illuminated lanes of Varanasi.

One-Day Varanasi Route at a Glance

Assi Ghat → Sankat Mochan Temple → Breakfast → Tulsi Manas Temple → Durga Temple → BHU → Lunch → Kashi Vishwanath Temple → Vishwanath Gali → Dashashwamedh Ghat → Ganga Aarti

Travel tip: Do not make the itinerary too tight. Varanasi’s narrow lanes, traffic, temple queues, and security checks can add unexpected time. If you are travelling with elderly family members or children, reducing the number of stops will make the day much more comfortable.

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Nearby Places to Visit

• Ram Ki Paidi, just next to Nageshwarnath Temple, Ram Ki Paidi consists of a series of ghats along the Sarayu River. It is among the most accessible spots to visit right after a temple darshan.
• Saryu Ghat, you can have some peaceful time sitting by the Sarayu. If your schedule allows, you may take it back in the evening for the riverfront atmosphere and aarti.
• Kanak Bhawan is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Rama and Devi Sita. According to the Uttar Pradesh government’s Ayodhya tourism site Kanak Bhawan should be mentioned as one of the city’s most important historic and religious temples.
• The temple of Hanuman Garhi Hanuman, is one of the most important Hanuman temples in Ayodhya and a natural extension of the central Ayodhya temple circuit.
• Dashrath Mahal Ayodhya, Dashrath Mahal Ayodhya is a traditional religious site in the central Ayodhya area and is also a place one must go to when exploring the surrounding temples.
• Ram Birthplace Temple, it is one of the most important temples to visit in Ayodhya, and the major site of pilgrimage. Visitors should allow enough time for security clearance, walking, and for arrangements of darshan.
• Vein Statue, Vein Statue is at Naya Ghat/Ram Katha Park area which is not far from Nageshwarnath Temple and is a place to take a short break if you want the possibility of getting photos after visiting the Sarayu riverfront.

Conclusion

A trip to the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple provides a much greater spiritual journey as compared to just being another item on your checklist for Varanasi. This temple’s links with Tulsidas, the worship of Lord Hanuman, a quiet and pleasant southern city location as well as the continuation of the traditions make it unique from other places of worship in Kashi.

To make the day very pleasant for you, please plan your arrival time in advance, wear proper clothes, put your valuables in safe places, and do not forget to comply with the rules of the temple. Also, If you travel on Tuesday, Saturday, or a major festival day, it is better that you allocate some extra time.

If it is your intention to travel to Varanasi, why not think about combining Sankat Mochan with Assi Ghat, Tulsi Manas Temple and Durga Temple before heading towards the old city? For a more complete understanding of the town, conduct a separate tour of Varanasi temples and Ganga ghats along with a sightseeing plan so that your schedule will be neither hectic nor rushed.
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