The Sankat Mochan Mandir is the most loved Hanuman temple in Varanasi and one of the three most important temples for people of Kashi, after Kashi Vishwanath and Annapurna. Devotees go here to ask Hanuman Ji to remove their troubles, which is exactly what "Sankat Mochan" means. The temple sits in the southern part of the city near Assi and Durgakund, in the green Lanka area.
This guide covers Sankat Mochan temple timings, the aarti schedule, history, festivals, prasad, how to reach it and a simple way to plan your visit. If you only want the numbers, jump straight to the timings and the visiting tips.
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Deity | Lord Hanuman, facing Lord Ram |
| Location | Lanka area, near Assi Ghat and Durgakund, southern Varanasi |
| Founded by | Goswami Tulsidas, in the 16th century |
| Present structure | Built in the early 1900s under Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya |
| Busiest days | Tuesday and Saturday |
| Famous prasad | Besan laddu |
| Best festival to visit | Hanuman Jayanti and the music festival around it |
History of Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
The temple is linked to Goswami Tulsidas, the poet-saint who wrote the Ramcharitmanas. Tradition says Tulsidas had a vision of Hanuman at this very spot, and that he later set up an image of Hanuman here. According to a popular story, Hanuman came to Tulsidas's katha in the form of an old leper, then led him to a wooded clearing where he revealed his true form. The name Sankat Mochan comes from this belief that Hanuman removes the troubles of anyone who remembers him with devotion.
One special feature of the temple is that the idol of Hanuman faces the shrine of Lord Ram, a symbol of Hanuman's lifelong devotion. The inner shrine is said to hold a stone image from Tulsidas's period, and the temple has long been tied to Ramcharitmanas readings in its courtyard.
The building you see today dates from the early 20th century and is associated with Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, the founder of Banaras Hindu University. The temple also supports the famous Tulsi Ghat Ramlila, an 18-day performance staged at Dussehra time. In March 2006, a series of blasts struck Varanasi, including this temple, yet it reopened and devotees returned, which is part of why it holds a special place in the city's memory.
Sankat Mochan Temple Timings
Timings can vary a little by season and festival, and different sources list slightly different hours. Use the table below as a planning guide and confirm on the day.
| Day | Approximate timing |
|---|---|
| Daily opening | Around 4:30 to 5:00 AM |
| Daily closing | Around 10:00 to 10:30 PM |
| Tuesday and Saturday | Stays open later, often until midnight |
| Hanuman Jayanti and festival days | Extended hours and heavy crowds |
The temple is open every day of the week. For a calmer visit, go early on a weekday, since evenings on Tuesday and Saturday can be very crowded. If you are planning other temples the same day, our Varanasi temple timings guide helps you avoid closed gates.
Sankat Mochan Mandir Aarti Timings
The temple holds aarti several times a day, and the evening aarti is the most popular. Listed times vary between sources, so treat these as approximate.
| Aarti | Approximate time |
|---|---|
| Morning aarti | Around 5:00 AM |
| Evening (Sandhya) aarti | Early evening, often around 7:00 to 8:30 PM |
| Night aarti | Around 10:00 PM |
The atmosphere during aarti is the main reason to visit. Lamps are lit, bells ring and the crowd recites the Hanuman Chalisa together. Many devotees also chant Sundarkand, and a free booklet of the text is often available inside the temple.
Best Days and Festivals to Visit
Tuesday and Saturday are the two days most associated with Hanuman worship, so thousands of devotees come in the morning and evening. If you want a deeper devotional atmosphere, these are the days to choose. If you want space and quiet, pick another weekday.
Hanuman Jayanti
Hanuman Jayanti, in the Chaitra month around March or April, is the biggest festival here. Groups sing the epic through the night, and a procession moves from the Durga Mandir area to the temple.
Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh
Around Hanuman Jayanti, the temple hosts a multi-night classical music festival in its compound. Leading musicians perform, and the event has been part of Varanasi's cultural calendar for decades. If you love music, plan your trip around it, and book your stay early.
Ram Navami and Dussehra season
The temple is also busy during Ram Navami and the Ramlila season, as it has strong links with Lord Ram and Tulsidas.
What to Offer and Prasad
Devotees usually offer sindoor, marigold garlands, flowers, tulsi leaves and laddus. The temple is famous for its besan laddu prasad, which many people buy from the shops in the approach lane and take home. Some visitors also mention ghee besan laddu and lal peda. Buy from the shops close to the entrance, ask the price first and keep small change handy.
How to Reach Sankat Mochan Mandir from Varanasi
The temple lies in southern Varanasi, a short distance from Assi Ghat and the BHU area. It is roughly 10 to 12 km from Varanasi Junction and about 25 km from the airport, depending on the route and traffic.
- By car or taxi: The easiest option, especially for families. Allow 30 to 45 minutes from the city center in normal traffic.
- By auto or e-rickshaw: Plentiful and cheap. Agree on the fare before you start.
- From Assi Ghat: A short ride or a pleasant walk, which makes it easy to combine with the morning Ganga Aarti or a boat ride.
- From BHU: Very close, so pair it with the New Vishwanath Temple.
Places to Visit Near Sankat Mochan Mandir
You can cover several places in one half day because they sit on the same side of the city.
- The Durga Mandir in Varanasi, about 1 km away
- The Tulsi Manas Temple, also on the Durgakund side
- The New Vishwanath Temple at BHU
- Assi Ghat, for the evening atmosphere
For a larger list of shrines to plan around, our guide to the temples in Varanasi shows what else deserves a place on your itinerary.
Tips for Visiting Sankat Mochan Temple
- Go early in the morning or on a weekday for a quiet darshan.
- Avoid Tuesday and Saturday evenings if you dislike crowds.
- Wear light, modest clothes and shoes that are easy to remove.
- Bags and phones may be restricted near the sanctum, so keep valuables to a minimum and use any cloakroom provided.
- Keep an eye on your belongings, as monkeys around the temple can snatch food and small items.
- Carry small cash for prasad and offerings.
- Check the time of the evening aarti before you leave, and arrive 20 to 30 minutes early for a good spot.
Add Sankat Mochan to Your Varanasi Plan
Most travelers visit Sankat Mochan on a morning or late afternoon, then continue to Assi or BHU. If you only have two days, our 2 days Varanasi tour package can include this stop with a driver and a plan around darshan timings. With three days, the 3 days Varanasi tour package gives you more time for the south side of the city. If you are still choosing dates, read the best time to visit Varanasi before you book.
Conclusion
The Sankat Mochan Mandir is a place where faith, music and the story of Tulsidas come together in one calm, green corner of Varanasi. Go early or in the evening aarti, try the besan laddu and pair it with nearby Durga Mandir and Tulsi Manas for a satisfying half day.
If you want the car, timings and temple stops planned for you, contact our team and we will fit Sankat Mochan into your Varanasi stay.
