Sankat Mochan Temple of Varanasi
Varanasi is a city of spiritual beauty and deep-rooted tradition and culture. It is also known as the ‘city of temples’, and is one of the most sacred sites in India. The unique mix of ancient culture, deep spiritual beliefs and vibrant energy makes Varanasi a very special and renowned place to visit.
The city is believed to be home to the most prominent Hindu temples and one of them is Sankat Mochan Temple. The Sankat Mochan Temple, located in Varanasi is one of the most sacred Hindu temples, held in great reverence by Hindus all over the world. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, an avatar of Lord Shiva and worshipped for his unwavering devotion, courage and power. The god is known as “Sankat Mochan,” which translates as “healer of troubles.” He devoted his life to the service of Lord Rama. If you want to understand Hinduism better and feel more connected to India’s spirituality, a trip here is a necessity.
The Sankat Mochan Temple located in Varanasi is well known for its charm and divinity. As there are so many monkeys living in and around this sacred site, it is also known as the Monkey temple. When you walk into the temple, devotional songs and the smell of burning incense will greet you. Every Tuesday and Saturday, devotees visit the temple to pay homage to Lord Hanuman and seek his blessings of knowledge, strength, and courage. During festivals such as Hanuman Jayanti, the temple is filled with devotees. People offer “laddoos” to the Lord and place “Sindoor” on him. The worshippers are given the “Sindoor” from Lord Hanuman’s statue as an offering.
The devotees enjoy the particular sweet “besan ke ladoo” that is sold at the temple as Prasad. The statue is decorated with marigold flower garlands. One of the most notable features of this temple is that Hanuman is depicted facing Rama, the deity he worshiped with unwavering devotion.
The temple is said to have been built on the site where Tulsidas saw Hanuman. Tulsidas established a statue of Hanuman under a holy fig tree in the late 16th century and this location came to be known as Sankat Mochan Hanuman. He wrote the Ramacharitamanas, which is the best form of Lord Ram’s story written in the Avadhi language. Goswami Tulidas is believed to have written some of his Shri Ramcharitmanas here. The current temple was built by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, a freedom fighter and founder of BHU. The Sankat Mochan shrine was built with the intention of renewing the spirit of devotion and dedication among the general public and strengthening the nation’s willpower.
On March 7, 2006, one of three explosions hit the temple when many worshippers and wedding attendants were taking part, in the aarti. However, it didn’t harm the devotion of people towards the temple. Following the terrorist attack in 2006, a permanent police station was established within the temple.
The Sankat Mochan Temple has a beautiful design combining modern and traditional styles. The temple was established by Saint Tulsidas as it is believed that he had a direct vision of Lord Hanuman at this site. A big banyan with a twin trunk indicates the original place where the saint Tulsidas builds the temple of Lord Hanuman.
The temple is designed around a central temple room that houses a beautiful idol of Lord Hanuman. A very prominent feature of the temple is the statue of Lord Hanuman, installed in the central court facing the idol of his beloved Lord Rama. One side has statues of Rama and Sita, with Lakshman and the Vanara army showing reverence for Shiva.
Inside there is an elliptical area for worship of Hanuman with enough area for about 250 devotees. Many followers continue their prayers in the courtyard. Some of them wear a small bag on their wrist that holds their mala. Others sit under a veranda in orange clothes and sing mantras with dedication. These entire attractions make the Sankat Mochan Temple one of the most visited and revered Hindu temples in India.
The Sankat Mochan Temple is a place of worship for Lord Hanuman and is situated close to the banks of the Assi River. Many people believe that if they travel to the holy city of Varanasi, their desires would come true. Sankat Mochan is a place of immense spiritual power and a great destination to seek solace and inner peace. The elegant Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple stands for faith and not being afraid. When you walk into the temple, you can feel the positive energy.
It is said by astrologers that if someone worships Lord Hanuman, it will help prevent the bad effects of Mars and other planets from causing harm. People who visit this temple get an unusual and unforgettable experience. After worshiping, people gain a new level of strength and power to fight against all of their life’s problems and challenges.
Millions of devotees from all across the world have common belief that if they offer pooja at this holy temple (Sankat Mochan Temple), they will get their desire fulfilled as well as relief from all kind of Sankat means problems. They will find the way of progress, success and prosperity in their daily life. Two days of the week (Tuesday and Saturday) is considered as the best day to offer pooja to the Lord Hanuman.
The devotees come in thousand numbers to the temple on every Tuesday and Saturday in order to offer prayers to the Lord Hanuman and chant Hanuman Chalisa and Sundarkand. According to the Vedic Astrology, Lord Hanuman saves their followers from the Shani Grah (the planet Saturn) which is the indication of the occurrence of variety of problems. Worshipping the Lord Hanuman is the most effective way for appeasing the Shani. According to the astrology, it is also considered that worshiping Lord Hanuman will also counteract the opposite effect of the Mangal Grah (Mars) as well as any planet.
There is no definite best time to visit the Sankat Mochan Temple. The temple is open throughout the year and visitors from all over the world may visit it anytime. However, the Sankat Mochan is also popular for its various festivals, which attract thousands of devotees.
The temple hosts the annual Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh each April. There will be performances of classical dance and music by musicians and artists from all around the country. To mark the birth of the Hindu god Hanuman (Hanuman Jayanti), a parade known as a Shobha Yatra is held annually, beginning from the Durga temple (Durga Kund) and ending at the Sankat Mochan Temple. To make more of their journey, devotees can visit the temple during these festivals.
The Sankat Mochan temple in Varanasi is open every day of the week. Anyone can go to the temple on any day between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. The morning aarti begins at 4 a.m., and the evening aarti starts at 9 p.m. People who want to visit the temple don’t have to pay anything to get in. Prasad is totally optional, people can take it as per their devotion.
The Sankat Mochan Temple is situated in Saket Nagar Colony, which is in the city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. It is easily accessible by various means of transportation such as cars, buses, or trains. You can easily use the city’s public transportation to get to any part of it. Transportation in the area, like cars, taxis, and auto rickshaws, always keep going. Around this temple, there are a lot of places to eat where tourists and guests can get a taste of the best food in Varanasi. Also it has many hotels and guest rooms for the comfort of tourists.
By Airways: If you are interested in taking a flight, the closest airport will be the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, which is in Babatpur. The temple is about 23 kilometers from the Airport. After departing you can book a cab or other transport to reach the temple.
By Roadways: Varanasi is well linked to nearby towns and cities by bus. The temple is about 11 km from Chaudhary Charan Singh International Bus stop, and 3 kilometers from BHU.
By Railways: Sankat Mochan Temple is 10 km from Varanasi railway station. It is nearly 5-6 km from the Banaras Railway Station. From railway station, one can easily get a taxi or auto rickshaw to reach the temple.
Places to visit near Sankat Mochan Temple
Assi Ghat: Assi Ghat in Varanasi is a mesmerizing site and is truly representative of the beauty of India. Assi Ghat is also renowned for its beautiful sunrise and sunset views. It is a popular spot for a holy dip, meditation, yoga, and religious rituals. A visit to Assi Ghat is an experience one can remember for a lifetime. It is located 2 km from the Sankat Mochan temple.
Durga kund: Durga kund is less than a meter from Sankat Mochan Temple. Set on the banks of the holy River Ganges, Durga Kund or Durga Temple of Varanasi is one of the most popular tourist spots in India. The temple’s idol, according to mythology has appeared on its own and is not manmade.
Tulsi manas mandir: Tulsi manas mandir is also less than a meter from this temple. This is one of the most famous and recognizable temples located in Varanasi. Ramcharitmanas have been written on the temple walls. It is a well-liked tourist attraction in Varanasi and offers visitors peace and comfort on a spiritual level. The temple is open every day. But the location is accessible to the general public from 5:30 am to 12:00 pm and 3:30 pm to 9:00 pm.
BHU: Sankat Mochan Temple is about 2 km from BHU campus. Banaras Hindu University, situated in the sacred city of Varanasi, is a widely respected center of education all over the world. Shri Vishwanath Mandir is a well-known Shiva temple on the campus of BHU. This New Kashi Vishwanath Temple gets open at 5 a.m. till 8 a.m. from Monday to Sunday.
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