Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, founded by Goswami Tulsidas, is one of Varanasi’s most visited temples, particularly thronged on Tuesdays and Saturdays — days considered auspicious for worshipping Hanuman. The temple complex is also home to resident monkeys and hosts the annual Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh, a five-night classical music and dance festival that draws performers from across India. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple sits at an elevation of 80 m. The most favourable months to visit are February, November, December, and January, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include Sankat Mochan Aarti Platform, Ram Darbar, and Ancient Banyan Tree. Other notable highlights include morning aarti amidst ringing bells and chants, tulsidas’s original idol of Lord Hanuman, and tuesdays and Saturdays draw long, vibrant queues. For travellers planning the trip, the nearest railway station is Varanasi Junction (Varanasi Cantt), the closest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi, and local buses run via Kashi Gate Bus Stand. It falls within Uttar Pradesh.
State: Uttar Pradesh
Ideal Duration: 1 Hour
February, November, December, January
The temple is most crowded on Tuesdays and Saturdays, as these days are considered highly auspicious for Hanuman worship. To avoid long queues, visit early morning between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM, or late evening after 8:00 PM on weekdays. The temple remains open from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with a short break in the afternoon.
The temple has a flat entrance with a few steps leading to the main hall, and there is a wheelchair ramp available on the side. Staff members are generally helpful and can assist elderly visitors in bypassing the main queue, especially on less crowded days. However, the inner sanctum area can get crowded, so it is advisable to visit during early morning hours when it is easier to move around.
While there is no strict dress code, modest and traditional Indian attire is recommended, and both men and women should cover their shoulders and knees. You must remove your shoes before entering the temple premises, and there are designated shoe stands outside. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the main sanctum, and mobile phones should be kept on silent mode.
The temple is located about 6 kilometers from Varanasi Junction railway station, and a taxi or auto-rickshaw ride takes roughly 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. From Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, it is about 25 kilometers, requiring a 45-60 minute drive. You can also take a city bus or shared auto to the nearby BHU gate, from where the temple is a short walk.
The most common offering is a coconut, along with flowers, garlands, and sweets like laddoos, which are available from shops outside the temple. The main ritual is the evening aarti, which takes place at sunset and is a highly devotional experience with chanting and bell ringing. Visitors can participate in the aarti, but it is recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes early to secure a good spot, and you can also offer a small donation for the priest to perform a personal prayer on your behalf.