The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple was established in the early 16th century by the poet-saint Tulsidas. It is believed to be built on the spot where Tulsidas had a vision of Hanuman. The temple attracts thousands of devotees, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays, who seek blessings from Lord Hanuman.
According to Vedic Astrology, Hanuman is believed to protect devotees from the negative effects of the planet Shani (Saturn). Many visit the temple for astrological remedies, believing that worshipping Hanuman can neutralise the ill effects of various planets.
In 2006, the temple was one of the sites of a terrorist attack during an aarti ceremony. Despite the incident, devotees returned the next day to continue their worship, demonstrating their unwavering faith.
| Pooja Name | Timings |
|---|---|
| Mangla Aarti | 5:00 AM |
| Sringar Aarti | 8:00 AM |
| Rajbhog Aarti | 12:00 PM |
| Sandhya Aarti | 7:00 PM |
Varanasi is well-connected by road to major towns and cities in Uttar Pradesh. State Transport Buses and private taxis operate regularly. The temple is located near Banaras Hindu University (BHU), making it easily accessible by local transport.
Nearest railway stations: Varanasi Junction and Manduadih Railway Station. From these stations, you can hire an auto-rickshaw, taxi, or take a local bus to reach the temple.
Nearest airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to reach the temple, which is located within the city.
The best time to visit is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring Varanasi. Avoid visiting during the peak summer months (April to June) due to high temperatures and humidity. Monsoon season (July to September) may also bring heavy rainfall, which could disrupt travel plans.