Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is one of the best-loved temples among the places to visit in Varanasi. This guide covers hours, history, the phone and camera rule and the busiest days.

The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple sits beside the Assi river in the south of Varanasi. Wikipedia says the saint-poet Tulsidas founded it in the early 16th century, and tradition holds that he composed parts of the Ramcharitmanas at this shrine. It is dedicated to Hanuman and set in an eight-and-a-half-acre preserve where troops of monkeys roam. Devotees traditionally offer besan laddus, which are sold at shops outside.

The temple was hit by an explosion during aarti on 7 March 2006; worship resumed the next day and a permanent police post was set up inside. Opening hours reported by Wikipedia are 4:30 am to 10:30 pm, extended to midnight on Tuesdays and Saturdays, with a break for darshan between noon and 3 pm. Mobile phones and cameras are not allowed inside, and the temple provides lockers for them. Tuesdays and Saturdays draw the biggest crowds, so a weekday visit is easier.

There is no ticket. Hold food offerings carefully, as monkeys may snatch them, and keep bags zipped. The temple is close to the Assi Ghat and Durga Temple, so it combines easily with them.