About Sankat Mochan Temple
Sankat Mochan Temple is a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman located at Tara Devi on the Kalka-Shimla National Highway near Shimla. Established in 1950 by Neem Karoli Baba and inaugurated in 1966, it sits at an altitude of 1,975 meters amidst forested surroundings. It is Shimla's second most visited Hanuman temple after Jakhu Temple and features idols of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Shiva, and Ganesha alongside the main deity.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a spiritual atmosphere in a natural forested setting with views of Shimla city from the temple complex. The site includes shrines for multiple deities, a small temple dedicated to Neem Karoli Baba, and a community kitchen serving langar on Sundays. Facilities include a prasad shop, an Ayurvedic dispensary, a children's park, and marriage halls available for rent within the 18.8 bigha complex.
Key highlights
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Established in 1950 by Neem Karoli Baba and inaugurated in 1966
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Located at 1,975 meters altitude with views of Shimla city
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Community kitchen (Bhandara) organized every Sunday
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Contains idols of Hanuman, Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Shiva, and Ganesha
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Features a dedicated shrine to Neem Karoli Baba built in 1998
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Second most visited Hanuman temple in Shimla after Jakhu Temple
History of Sankat Mochan Temple
The temple was established in 1950 after Neem Karoli Baba meditated at the site and envisioned a Hanuman shrine. Construction began in 1962 under Lieutenant Governor Bajrang Bahadur Singh and the temple was inaugurated on June 21, 1966. A separate shrine for Neem Karoli Baba was added in 1998.
Culture & Context
It is a significant religious center where large gatherings occur on Tuesdays and Saturdays, with massive crowds on Sundays for the weekly Bhandara. Major festivals celebrated include Dussehra, Ramnavami, and Vinayaka Chaturthi, featuring traditional rituals like Ramlila performances and effigy burning.
Route
| By air |
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