Why is Sankat Mochan Temple famous?
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is one of Varanasi's most popular temples. Tradition credits its founding to the 16th-century poet-saint Goswami Tulsidas, author of the Ramcharitmanas. Devotees crowd it on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and it hosts a renowned annual classical music festival. It is about 5 km south of Kashi Vishwanath.
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
- Presiding deity
- Hanuman (Sankat Mochan, 'reliever of troubles')
- Location
- Sankat Mochan Road, near Durgakund and BHU, Varanasi
- From Kashi Vishwanath
- About 5 km (approximate)
On this page
Tradition
Sangeet Samaroh
The temple's annual music festival, the Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh, held around Hanuman Jayanti in spring, brings leading classical musicians and dancers to perform through the night as an offering. Check dates locally each year.
Visiting
- Tuesdays and Saturdays are the busiest days.
- Security is strict; mobile phones are commonly not permitted inside. Carry as little as possible.
- Besan laddu is a traditional offering.
- Monkeys are plentiful; keep food out of sight.
Getting there
About 5 km south of Kashi Vishwanath by auto, e-rickshaw or cab. Combine with the Durga Temple, a short distance away, and the BHU campus.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Sankat Mochan Temple?
Tradition credits Goswami Tulsidas, the 16th-century author of the Ramcharitmanas.
Are phones allowed at Sankat Mochan?
Mobile phones are commonly not permitted inside. Check at the entrance.
Sources and further reading
We link to primary and authoritative sources. External links open in a new tab.
- Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple (encyclopaedia entry with cited references) (opens in a new tab)
Wikipedia — Reference work, checked September 2026
- Uttar Pradesh Tourism — Varanasi (opens in a new tab)
Department of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh — Government source, checked September 2026
Written and maintained by the KashiVishwanathTemple.net Editorial Team. Last updated . Found an error? Tell us — see our editorial policy.
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