The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is one of the most visited and respected temples in the city, dedicated to Lord Hanuman. People come here with a simple belief—that their worries will ease and their minds will feel lighter after the visit.
The temple is closely linked to Goswami Tulsidas, and over time it has become an important spiritual stop for both locals and visitors in Varanasi.
In this guide, you’ll find all the important details you need before visiting—timings, aarti schedule, history, key festivals, and a few practical tips to help you plan your visit without any confusion.
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple Timings and Aarti Schedule
Below is the complete timetable for temple opening hours and daily aarti schedule for devotees visiting the holy Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple in Varanasi.
| Day | Temple Opening Time | Temple Closing Time | Aarti / Ritual | Aarti Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 5:00 AM | 10:00 PM | Mangala Aarti | 5:00 AM |
| Tuesday | 5:00 AM | 10:00 PM | Hanuman Chalisa & Bhajan | 8:00 AM |
| Wednesday | 5:00 AM | 10:00 PM | Sandhya Aarti | 8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 5:00 AM | 10:00 PM | Mangala Aarti | 5:00 AM |
| Friday | 5:00 AM | 10:00 PM | Hanuman Chalisa & Bhajan | 8:00 AM |
| Saturday | 5:00 AM | 10:00 PM | Sandhya Aarti | 8:30 PM |
| Sunday | 5:00 AM | 10:00 PM | Mangala Aarti | 5:00 AM |
Note: Timings may vary on special occasions, Hanuman Jayanti, and major festivals.
The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is open every day, usually from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. On busy days like Tuesdays and Saturdays, the temple may open a bit earlier and stay open longer to manage the crowd.
- Morning Darshan: Begins early in the day (around 5:00 AM), when the atmosphere is calm and less crowded
- Evening Darshan: Continues till night, with more visitors coming in during aarti time
- Visit early for a better experience: The morning hours (5:00 AM to 8:00 AM) are the most peaceful
- Evening is also a good time: If you want to feel the energy of the aarti, plan your visit before sunset
- Expect crowds on Tuesdays & Saturdays: These days are considered special for Lord Hanuman, so it gets busy
- Avoid midday in summer: The heat can make the visit uncomfortable
Planning your visit at the right time can make a big difference, especially if you want a calm and meaningful darshan experience in Varanasi.
Plan Your Visit
How to Reach Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
- By Air: The nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, about 20–25 km away. From there, taxis and autos are easily available to reach the temple.
- By Train: Varanasi Junction and Banaras Railway Station are the closest railway stations. Both are well connected, and you can take an auto or cab from outside the station.
- By Road: The temple is located in a well-connected part of Varanasi, so reaching by auto, cab, or local transport is straightforward from most areas.
- Dress appropriately: Simple, modest clothing is recommended
- No phones inside: Mobile phones and cameras are usually not allowed, so use the locker facility near the entrance
- Prasad: Laddus are the most common offering, available right outside the temple
- Be careful of monkeys: They are quite active around the temple area
- Facilities: Basic facilities like washrooms and assistance for elderly visitors are available
- Morning: Ideal if you want a quieter darshan with fewer people
- Evening: A good time to experience the aarti and a more lively atmosphere
- Avoid peak days: Tuesdays and Saturdays tend to be crowded, so weekdays are better for a relaxed visit
- Assi Ghat – A short distance away, known for its calm vibe and evening aarti
- Dashashwamedh Ghat – Famous for the grand Ganga Aarti
- Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum – A good place to explore art and history
- Durga Temple and Tulsi Manas Temple – Popular temples located nearby
Planning your visit with these details in mind makes it easier to explore the temple and nearby spots without confusion.
Practical Tips
Useful Tips for a Better Visit
- Plan your visit in advance: Check the aarti timings and try to reach early, especially during festivals when the crowd is much higher. It also helps to book your stay and transport beforehand if visiting during peak season in Varanasi
- Carry only what you need: A water bottle and comfortable footwear are enough for most visitors. If you prefer, you can also carry a small prayer book or mala
- Follow temple etiquette: Maintain silence during aarti, follow instructions inside the temple, and respect the overall atmosphere
- Explore beyond the temple: A visit to Ganges River for a morning boat ride or a walk along nearby ghats adds more depth to the experience
- Stay aware in crowded areas: Keep your belongings secure and be mindful of monkeys around the temple.
- Accommodation: From budget guesthouses near Assi Ghat to premium stays like Taj Ganges, there are plenty of options depending on your budget. Booking in advance is recommended during busy periods
- Food options: The area around the temple has several local eateries where you can try simple and popular dishes. Many places serve pure vegetarian food, which aligns with the spiritual nature of the visit
Planning a little ahead and keeping these practical tips in mind can make the overall experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Temple Layout
The architecture of Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is a reflection of spiritual simplicity and devotion. Unlike many lavish temples, this sacred space exudes a quiet, unpretentious charm that enhances its divine atmosphere. Set amidst the green serenity of the Lanka area in Varanasi, the temple is surrounded by ancient trees and is frequented by monkeys and langurs, creatures considered sacred due to their association with Lord Hanuman.
At the heart of the temple is the main sanctum, which houses the idol of Lord Hanuman in a peaceful, meditative form. Notably, the deity is positioned facing Lord Rama, who is enshrined in a separate sanctum along with Sita and Lakshman. This architectural choice highlights the eternal bond of devotion and servitude between Hanuman and Rama. Between these two shrines lies a sacred well, symbolising purity and spiritual unity.
Unlike many grandiose temples, Sankat Mochan Mandir Varanasi is marked by simplicity and understated elegance. It is this very humility in its architecture that enhances its spiritual appeal. The temple complex features:
Three Entrances:
The Grand Main Entrance welcomes the majority of visitors.
A Traditional Side Door is often used by regular devotees seeking quietude.
A Reserved Entry Pathway is allocated for VIP visitors and residents.
Twin Sanctums:
One housing the idol of Lord Hanuman, facing the sanctum of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshman.
This unique alignment represents Hanuman's eternal devotion and servitude to Rama.
A Sacred Well:
Located between the two sanctums, it symbolises spiritual unity and purity.
Inside the sanctum, the idol of Hanuman is usually covered in bright sindoor (vermilion) and draped in sacred cloth. The air is constantly filled with devotional chants, ringing bells, and the fragrance of incense, creating an immersive spiritual environment that reflects both the devotion of the devotees and the timeless energy of the deity.
Festivals and Celebrations at Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple Varanasi
The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is especially lively during festivals, when the number of devotees increases and the atmosphere feels much more energetic than usual.
Major Festivals
- Hanuman Jayanti is the biggest celebration here. It marks the birth of Lord Hanuman and draws large crowds throughout the day. Devotees gather for continuous chanting, bhajans, and aarti, creating a strong devotional environment.
- During Ram Navami, special prayers and recitations related to Lord Rama are held inside the temple.
- Tulsi Jayanti is observed in memory of Goswami Tulsidas, with readings from the Ramcharitmanas.
- On festivals like Diwali and Dussehra, the temple is decorated with lights and sees a steady flow of visitors.
Daily Rituals
On regular days, the temple follows a simple routine of worship:
- Morning aarti to begin the day
- Evening aarti with devotees gathering after sunset
- Recitation of Sundarkand and the Hanuman Chalisa, which many visitors also take part in
Festival days are more crowded and intense, while regular days offer a calmer experience. Both give a different way to experience the spiritual side of Varanasi.
Classical Music at Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple Varanasi
One thing that makes the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple stand out is its strong connection with classical music. It’s not just a place for pooja and darshan—there’s a cultural side to it that many people don’t expect.
Every year, the temple hosts the Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh, a well-known classical music and dance festival. It usually takes place around April and runs for several days.
What’s different here is the intention behind the performances. Artists don’t come here for commercial shows—they perform as an offering to Lord Hanuman. The setting is simple, the audience is deeply attentive, and the focus is entirely on the art and devotion.
Over the years, many respected artists like Pandit Jasraj, Ustad Bismillah Khan, Shivkumar Sharma, and Birju Maharaj have performed here. For many musicians, performing at this festival is considered special.
The event is open to everyone and free to attend. Performances usually start in the evening and continue late into the night, sometimes even till morning.
In a city like Varanasi, where tradition is part of everyday life, this festival adds another layer to the experience—bringing together music, devotion, and a sense of continuity with the past.
Nearby Attractions: Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple Varanasi
Visitors can explore other spiritual sites close to Sankat Mochan Mandir Varanasi, including:
Durga Kund Temple
Tulsi Manas Temple
Assi Ghat
Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
History of Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple Varanasi
The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is believed to date back to the 16th century and is closely connected to Goswami Tulsidas, the author of the Ramcharitmanas. A devoted follower of Lord Rama and Hanuman, Tulsidas is said to have had a divine vision of Hanuman near the Assi River, which led him to establish this temple at the same spot.
He placed the idol under a sacred tree and named the temple “Sankat Mochan,” meaning the one who removes troubles. Over time, it became a place where people come with faith, seeking relief and inner peace.
There is also a popular belief that Tulsidas once encountered Lord Hanuman in human form while narrating Ram Katha in the city. This moment is often linked to the spiritual importance of the temple and the presence of the deity here.
The present structure of the temple was developed in the early 20th century with the support of Madan Mohan Malaviya, and later contributions by Swami Karpatri helped expand it further.
Today, the temple continues to be a deeply respected place of worship in Varanasi, known for its spiritual atmosphere and long-standing traditions.
FAQs
1. What are the visiting timings of Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple?
The temple is usually open from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM every day. During major occasions like Hanuman Jayanti, timings may be extended to manage the large number of devotees.
2. Which days are best to visit Sankat Mochan Temple?
Tuesdays and Saturdays are considered the most important days for Lord Hanuman, so the temple sees the highest footfall. If someone prefers a quieter visit, weekdays are a better option.
3. How much time is needed for darshan at the temple?
On a normal day, darshan usually takes 30 minutes to 1 hour. However, during peak days or festivals, the waiting time can increase due to long queues.
4. Is there any entry fee to visit the temple?
No, there is no entry fee to visit the temple. It is open to everyone, although visitors can choose to make voluntary donations.
5. Is photography allowed inside the temple?
Photography is generally not allowed inside the main sanctum to maintain the temple’s sanctity. However, in some outer areas, it may be permitted depending on the rules at the time of visit.
