Information of Sankat Mochan Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Sankat Mochan Temple is one of the most significant and holy temples in Varanasi which is situated in southern portion of the city. The temple is dedicated to god Hanuman. The term 'Sankat Mochan' signify the one who assist people by removing any kind of suffering. It is believed that Tulsidas who is regarded as the author of renowned Hindu epic Ramayan, constructed Sankat Mochan Temple.

Sankat Mochan Temple Religious Significance

In accordance with Hindu religious belief, lord hanuman protects people from malefic influence of astrological planet Saturn and those who have unfavourable place of Saturn in their horoscope. Hence, considerable number of devotees visit Sankat Mochan Temple for obtaining remedy for adverse place of planet Saturn who is believed to be the strongest among all astrological planets. People worship lord Hanuman in order to reduce any upcoming danger in life. As a part of worship, people give Sindoor as well as Laddoo to lord Hanuman.

One of the key festivals of Sankat Mochan Temple is Hanuman Jayanti, i.e. the birthday of god Hanuman. This festival is celebrated every year by arranging a parade from popular Durga Temple to Sankat Mochan Temple. On this occasion, the followers of god Hanuman give Indian ghee along with various sweets not to mention laddoos. Furthermore, the statue of lord hanuman is also decorated with flower in Hanuman Jayanti.

The other popular festival of Sankat Mochan Temple is Sangeet Samaroh. This occasion is characterised by classical music and dance performance which is celebrated during the month of April. On this festival, various popular musical groups and dance performers from all over the country come and participate. This festival appeals considerable crowd.

Sankat Mochan Temple Mythology & History

According to Hindu mythology, god Hanuman was a strong avatar of lord Shiv. He was also known as Rudra. Lord Hanuman was the son of Wind Lord and due to this reason his another name was Pavanputra. He was also a great saint. Lord Hanuman was the symbol of unselfishness who had no desires. Furthermore, he also had generous devotion towards god Ram and goddess Sita. This temple was created on behalf of the greatness of lord Hanuman.

Sankat Mochan Temple was constructed when Tulsidas had a dream regarding lord Hanuman. However, in the year 1960, the temple was cleared away by a massive flood where only the statue of lord Hanuman remained. As a consequence, a new plan have been allocated by the government for creation of Sankat Mochan Temple. The foundation of the new temple was initiated in the year 1982 by Bhadra Mishra who is the top priest of Sankat Mochan Temple. Furthermore, the United States as well as Swedish governments also provided financial support in order to create this temple.

Sankat Mochan Temple Architectural Significance

The architecture of Sankat Mochan Temple is quite attractive. There is statues of god Ram and goddess Sita on one corner and statues of lord Lakshman with the vanar army worshipping lord Shiv on the other side of the temple. Sankat Mochan Temple has an elliptical shaped worship gallery for lord hanuman with a sitting capacity of about 250 devotees. The statue of lord Hanuman is noticeable from every side of the gallery also from outside of the hall.

The architectural symbol of Sankat Mochan Temple is its hygiene which adds to its beauty. Sankat Mochan Temple similar to other loyal citizen has undertaken every activity which can ensure environmental cleanliness. Even the flower given on behalf of the god are put in specially created pits so that they can be transformed into fertiliser. The architecture of Sankat Mochan Temple is mixture of traditional design with the new design.