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 |
స్థానిక సూచన. Visit with Durga Kund and Tulsi Manas, both within a few hundred metres.
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