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kashitravel.live Kashi Vishwanath · काशी

Temples of Kashi

Sankat Mochan Hanuman

The “reliever of troubles”: a leafy Hanuman temple on the banks of the Assi stream, traditionally said to have been founded by the poet-saint Tulsidas where Hanuman appeared to him. It is one of the best-loved temples in Varanasi.

Deity
Hanuman, with Ram
Founded
16th century, by Tulsidas
Busiest
Tuesdays & Saturdays
Prasad
Besan laddoo

The legend

The story, first written down in Priyadas’s commentary on the Bhaktamal (around 1713), tells that Hanuman came to listen to Tulsidas’s recitations disguised as an old, sick man. Tulsidas recognised him and followed him into a wooded clearing — where Hanuman revealed himself. Tulsidas established a shrine at that spot. The stone image of Hanuman in the inner sanctum is believed to date from his time.

Hanuman here faces a shrine of Ram, so that the devotee forever looks upon his lord. Prayers at Sankat Mochan are said to remove obstacles — exams, illness, court cases and journeys are all brought to him.

What you will see

The shrine

A simple, much-loved sanctum with Hanuman in orange sindoor, and the Ram shrine opposite.

A green refuge

The temple sits in a semi-wild wooded enclosure of several acres, home to troops of monkeys.

Besan laddoo

The famous prasad, sold at shops inside the premises — buy it there to be sure it is genuine.

Hanuman Chalisa

On Tuesdays and Saturdays the courtyard fills with devotees reciting the Chalisa together.

Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh

Every April, around Hanuman Jayanti, the temple hosts one of India’s oldest classical music festivals — nearly a century old. For several nights, leading vocalists, instrumentalists and dancers perform through the night as an offering to Hanuman. Great names such as Pandit Jasraj and Pandit Birju Maharaj have performed here. Entry is free; come early for a place to sit.

Timings and rules

  • Mobile phones and cameras are not allowed inside; lockers are available at the entrance.
  • Keep food and glasses away from the monkeys.
Timing
Opens 4:30 AM
Afternoon closure 12:00 noon – 3:00 PM
Closes 10:30 PM (later on Tuesdays and Saturdays)

As published by the temple; may change on festivals.

Getting there

From Distance How
Godowlia / Kashi Vishwanath ~4 km E-rickshaw or cab, 20–30 min
Assi Ghat ~1.5 km E-rickshaw, 10 min
BHU main gate ~1 km E-rickshaw or walk

உள்ளூர் குறிப்பு. Visit with Durga Kund and Tulsi Manas, both within a few hundred metres.

அடிக்கடி கேட்கப்படும் கேள்விகள்

பக்தர்கள் கேட்கும் கேள்விகள்

What are Sankat Mochan temple timings?
Roughly 4:30 AM to 10:30 PM, closed from noon to 3 PM; open later on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Can I take my phone inside?
No. Deposit phones and cameras at the locker counter.
When is the music festival?
Every April, around Hanuman Jayanti. Check local announcements for the exact dates.