Sankat Mochan Mandir, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, IN

Deities: Lord Hanuman
Location: At Sankat Mochan Gali, Varanasi, UP, India
Significance: An Ancient Temple
Best time to visit: around whole year

Sankat Mochan temple is one of the sacred temples of Varanasi. It is located in the southern part of Varanasi, near the Banaras Hindu University. It is dedicated to the Hindu God, Hanuman. The word "Sankat Mochan" means one who helps in removing sufferings Lord Hanuman. Tulsidas, the author of the famous Hindu epic Ramacharitamanasa, founded the Sankat Mochan temple. According to Hindu mythology, one who visits the Sankat Mochan temple regularly, his wishes get fulfilled. Lord Hanuman at this temple brings good luck to the devotee.Every Tuesday and Saturday, thousands of devotees queue up in front of the Sankat Mochan temple to offer prayers to Lord Hanuman. According to Vedic Astrology, Hanuman protects human beings from the anger of planet Saturn and those who have ill placed Saturn in their horoscope visit the Sankat Mochan temple to get remedy. People put "Sindoor" on the statue and offer "laddoos" to Lord Hanuman. The "Sindoor", from the statue of Lord Hanuman is put on the foreheads of devotees.

On 7 March 2006, one of the three explosions hit the temple, while the aarti was in progress in which numerous worshippers and wedding attendees participated. The crowd helped each other in rescue operation after the explosion. These explosions did not shatter the faith of devotees as very next day a big number of devotees resumed their worship as usual. The mandir still continues to be attended by thousands of Rama and Hanuman devotees who chant Chalisa and Sundarkad (also provided in form of booklet in temple for free).

Sankat Mochan Temple was founded by Tulsidas who was the author of the Tulsi Ramayan, which is the Hindi version of the Hindu epic Ramayan originally written by Valmiki. Tradition promises that regular visitors to the temple will gain special favor of Hanuman. This is supposed to be the most effective way for appeasement of Shani. While it is suggested that Hanuman did not hesitate in engulfing in his mouth the sun, the lord of all planets, humbling all the gods and angel, making them to worship for sun's release. Some astrologers believe that worshiping hanuman can neutralize the ill-effect of Mangal (mars) ad practically any planet that ha ill effect on human life.

Legend:
Sankat Mochan Temple was established in 1950. The idea for constructing a religious temple was mooted by the noted religious figure-Baba Neeb Karori Ji Maharaj, who visited the site and was transfixed by the deep dark woods, emerald meadows, and the majestic Himalayas. He became so impressed that he stayed in a hut for ten days and took the momentous decision of establishing a Hindu temple on the location.

Festival:
Celebration of the birthday of Hindu God Hanuman, the festival takes place annually at the ancient Sankat Mochan Temple in Varanasi. Classical Indian music and drama performances carry on all night and into the following morning. Maestros from all around India usually play for free for this special occasion. Programs are organized over 5 days and are rehearsed extensively by the performers during the year leading up to the event. The temple is also known to have the most monkeys of any shrine in the city so don’t be alarmed if the patron next to you is not entirely human.

How to reach:
One can easily reach Sankat Mochan Temple by taking local Buses, Rickshaws or by hiring Taxis from Varanasi.

Visit www.eTirth.com for more information on Temples, Ashrams, Gurus, Festival and Daily Panchangam (Hindu ephemeris).

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