Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is a prominent Hindu temple in southern Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, located near the Assi River in the Lanka area close to Banaras Hindu University. Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, it was founded in the 16th century by poet-saint Goswami Tulsidas. Known for its large resident monkey population, the temple attracts devotees year-round and is especially crowded during Hanuman Jayanti and on Tuesdays and Saturdays considered auspicious for Hanuman worship.

Visitors can expect a compact temple complex centered on the sanctum with an idol of Lord Hanuman, surrounded by open courtyards and verandas. The temple is situated in a busy residential area near the Assi River with shops selling prasad, flowers and offerings outside. The premises are often populated by monkeys. Visitors can attend daily aarti, offer prayers, receive besan laddoo prasad, and observe devotional activities in a crowded but orderly setting.