Sankat Mochan

Varanasi’s Sankat Mochan Temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. This temple is also called the monkey temple owing to the presence of countless monkeys who live inside the premises. Stated to be one of the holiest temples of Lord Hanuman this temple is certainly one of the main locations for Hindus for religious as well as cultural festivals. The temple was constructed by educationist and freedom fighter Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, the founder of Benaras Hindu University or BHU on the southern fringes of the city on the way to Durga Mandir and the New Vishwanath temple at BHU. Lord Hanuman is held to be the deliverer from all problems according to Hindu beliefs and as such is the name of the temple. Sankat means problem and Mochan means deliverance. Thus Lord Hanuman who delivers from trouble is Sankat Mochan. Hanuman Jayanti or the birthday of Lord Hanuman is celebrated with great fervour here every year through a special Shobha Yatra or parade that traverses from Durga temple at Durga Kund and culminates at the Sankat Mochan Temple itself. It is interesting to note that here in this temple the idol of Lord Hanuman is always in front of Lord Rama signifying his complete dedication to his master. It is also believed that Tulsidas, the author of Ramcharitamanas experienced a vision of Lord Hanuman here which eventually led to the construction of the temple. In very recent times the temple was the scene of a number of bomb attacks in 2007 leading to fatalities. This explains the permanent police postings that can be seen today. The temple is also the stage for the annual Sangeet Samaroh wherein musicians and performers from all across the country take part. The temple stays opens from 5:00 in the morning and closes at 10:00 in the night.