Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is a Hindu temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India and is dedicated to the Hindu God Hanuman. The temple was established by famous Hindu preacher and poet saint Sri Goswami Tulsidas in the early 16th century and is situated on the banks of the Assi river. The deity was named "Sankat Mochan" meaning the "reliever from troubles".[1]

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
संकट मोचन हनुमान मंदिर
Sankat Mochan temple entrance, Varanasi - IRCTC 2017 (1).jpg
The entrance to Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
Religion
Affiliation
Hinduism
Deity
Hanuman, Rama
Location
Location
Varanasi
State
Uttar Pradesh
Country
India
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is located in Varanasi districtSankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
Temple location on Varanasi district map
Geographic coordinates
25.2821062°N 82.9999769°E
Architecture
Type
Hindu architecture
Completed
18th century
In the temple, offerings to Lord Hanuman (called Prasad) are sold like the special sweet "besan ke ladoo", which the devotees relish; the idol is also decked with a pleasant marigold flower garland as well. This temple has the unique distinction of having Lord Hanuman facing his Lord, Rama, whom he worshipped with steadfast and selfless devotion.

It is believed that the temple has been built on the very spot where Tulsidas had a vision of Hanuman.^[2] Sankat Mochan Temple was founded by Tulsidas who was the author of the Ramacharitamanasa, which is the greatest version of lord Ram story written in Avadhi ("Most of the people having confusion that Ramacharitamanasa is a avadhi version of Valmiki Ramayana but Ramacharitamanasa is different from Sanskrit Ramayana written by rishi Valmiki as Baba Tulsidas Ji already told in Ramacharitamanasa that "Nana bhanti Ram avatara, Ramayan sat koti apara" means in each Kalp lord Ram takes Avatar & plays different-2 lilas(Act) so we have different stories of same lord Ram").Tradition promises that regular visitors to the temple will gain the special favor of Lord Hanuman. Every Tuesday and Saturday thousands of people queue up in front of the temple to offer prayers to Lord Hanuman. According to Vedic Astrology, Hanuman saves human beings from the anger of the planet Shani (Saturn), and especially people who have an ill-placed Saturn in their horoscopes visit this temple for astrological remedies. This is supposed to be the most effective way for appeasing Shani. While it is suggested that Hanuman did not hesitate to engulfs in his mouth the sun, the lord of all planets, which humbled all the gods and angels, making them worship him for the Sun's release. Some astrologers believe that worshiping Hanuman can neutralize the ill-effect of Mangal (Mars) and practically any planet that has an ill effect on human life.

Terrorist incidentEdit

Main article: 2006 Varanasi bombings

On 7 March 2006, one of three explosions hit the temple while the aarti was in progress in which numerous worshippers and wedding attendees were participating. The crowd helped each other in the rescue operation after the explosion. The next day a large number of devotees resumed their worship as usual.^[3]It is believed that the temple has been built on the very spot where Tulsidas had a vision of Hanuman.^[2] Sankat Mochan Temple was founded by Tulsidas who was the author of the Ramacharitamanasa, which is the greatest version of lord Ram story written in Avadhi ("Most of the people having confusion that Ramacharitamanasa is a avadhi version of Valmiki Ramayana but Ramacharitamanasa is different from Sanskrit Ramayana written by rishi Valmiki as Baba Tulsidas Ji already told in Ramacharitamanasa that "Nana bhanti Ram avatara, Ramayan sat koti apara" means in each Kalp lord Ram takes Avatar & plays different-2 lilas(Act) so we have different stories of same lord Ram").Tradition promises that regular visitors to the temple will gain the special favor of Lord Hanuman. Every Tuesday and Saturday thousands of people queue up in front of the temple to offer prayers to Lord Hanuman. According to Vedic Astrology, Hanuman saves human beings from the anger of the planet Shani (Saturn), and especially people who have an ill-placed Saturn in their horoscopes visit this temple for astrological remedies. This is supposed to be the most effective way for appeasing Shani. While it is suggested that Hanuman did not hesitate to engulfs in his mouth the sun, the lord of all planets, which humbled all the gods and angels, making them worship him for the Sun's release. Some astrologers believe that worshiping Hanuman can neutralize the ill-effect of Mangal (Mars) and practically any planet that has an ill effect on human life.

Terrorist incidentEdit

Main article: 2006 Varanasi bombings

On 7 March 2006, one of three explosions hit the temple while the aarti was in progress in which numerous worshippers and wedding attendees were participating. The crowd helped each other in the rescue operation after the explosion. The next day a large number of devotees resumed their worship as usual.^[3]

ABOUT SHRI KASHI VISHWANATH TEMPLE

Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a major sacred attraction, dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of the city. The temple houses a Shivalinga, which is said to be one amongst the twelve Jyotirlinga, the fiery pillar of light, by which Lord Shiva beckoned his divine supremacy, broke through the earth’s crust and gleamed towards the heaven. The present temple was built by Rani Ahailya Bai Holkar of Indore in the year 1776, however, Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple was existent even before the present one. About 800 kg of gold being used to cap the spire by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, hence it is also known as the Golden Temple in Varanasi. The temple has been built and re-built several times over the past centuries. The temple derives its name from Kashi, another name for Varanasi. This tirth also finds mention in old religious texts like Skanda Purana. The devotional atmosphere here is almost palpable. For the pilgrim who may have travelled thousand miles, the sanctity of the temple is only heightened by the teeming crowds, chanting of mantras and the continuous ringing of bells. Within the courtyard stands many smaller shrines, and a 2.1 metre high figure of Shiva’s bull, Nandi. The aarti held here is one of the most overwhelming experiences you can have on your trip to Varanasi.

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a virtual tour of dalmandi of Banaras | the lesser known places of Banaras

No tourist or traveler visiting Banaras thinks of going to Dalmandi. Most of them have never heard about this bustling place but I am always a little curious about this old world market located in the heart of the city, quite hidden from the general visitor.

Dalmandi is a long winding gully that has a few tributary gullies interlinked with other old markets but the two main ends of dalmandi are located such that you would easily miss locating them while passing by.

May be Dalmandi was well camouflaged and hidden because of the Tawayafs or nautch girls it was known for about a century ago. If you look up the old buildings you will still see highly adorned low set windows, often painted in different bright colours. These low set windows were the show windows for the nautch girls and the Dalmandi bazar below must have been as bustling as ever.

One end of dalmandi is at the main Chowk market and the other end is in the mid of Nai Sarak. You would not be able to gauge what is awaiting you inside this gully called dalmandi. The hustle bustle of the shoppers and the shopkeepers, small shop doing big business and of course a deluge of bling all over. You would easily know that more women come to this market than men. But may be that's not true.

a tour of Dalmandi of Banaras

Dalmandi is known for the bling, the garish display of women's trinkets and loads of dresses and surplus fabric or leftover fabric from factories etc. These kind of stuff is available throughout the year but during a few festivals Dalmandi is adorned by different colours.

a tour of Dalmandi of Banaras

Dalmandi is also known as a market for kites, firecrackers and cheap glass utensils. On my last visit during Makar Sankranti I saw a deluge of Kites if all colours and sizes, patang and manjha or guddi-latayi as it is called in local parlance.

a tour of Dalmandi of Banaras

During Diwali you would find rows and rows of firecrackers being sold. Now probably the firecrackers will be lesser in numbers because the licensing for selling firecrackers has become strict.

a tour of Dalmandi of Banaras

Dalmandi is also famous for the thinnest possible Sewaiyyan and Feni. I always wonder what kind of machinery they use for making these.

These thin sewaiyyan are available in roasted version that can be mixed directly in sugar syrup, milk solids and nuts etc. to make sookhi sewaiyyan or sewaiyyon ka muzaffar.

a tour of Dalmandi of Banaras

And the white raw version that is valued by the home cooks who want precision in their recipes and prefer roasting the sewaiyyan slowly with ghee to get the best possible aroma in their sewaiyyon ka muzaffar.

a tour of Dalmandi of Banaras

The Feni available here in Dalmandi comes on many versions. Sweetened, unsweetened, white or saffron coloured, all the versions selling like hot cakes.

a tour of Dalmandi of Banaras

The other eatables which you find in Dalmandi and nowhere else in Banaras apart from Madanpura during Ramzan, are a few maida based deep fried pastry.

These super crisp biscuits called as khaste are just too rich for anyone like me but a great favourite of some. I saw people buying them in kilos.

a tour of Dalmandi of Banaras

This version of shakkarparey is huge and lightly coated with sugar syrup. You wouldn't find these anywhere else in the city.

a tour of Dalmandi of Banaras

The sohan halwa, made with loads of ghee, maida and sugar with nuts is a Muslim specialty and can be seen only in Dalmandi.

a tour of Dalmandi of Banaras

These mithai shops in Dalmandi sell other popular mithais too, such as Rasgullas, Gulabjamuns, Boondi, Son Papdi and Imartis but the quality of the specialty of this place is the Muslim food.

There used to be a few shops selling classic kabab paratha and gosht ki tikia, Biryani, keema paratha etc. But now you see the shops have changed a bit and have started selling the usual gajar ka halwa, Mung ka halwa, chiwda matar and chaat etc which was not so common to find in Dalmandi.

a tour of Dalmandi of Banaras

The gajar ka halwa in one of the places looked like this.

a tour of Dalmandi of Banaras

They had rich Mewe ka halwa too which is basically a mixed nuts halwa made rich with some dehydrated milk as well.

a tour of Dalmandi of Banaras

We found a very interesting Lassi shop that had thick and heavy Shahi tukdas loaded with malai (clotted cream).

a tour of Dalmandi of Banaras

The amount of clotted cream on the shahi tukda can make you feel sick if you don't like cream or malai, but if you like it you will be in a blissful state.

a tour of Dalmandi of Banaras

Look at the size of this platter. Bigger than a regular sized coffee table in fact.

a tour of Dalmandi of Banaras

This shop had sakoras (earthen bowls) of clotted cream as well, served with or without sugar.

a tour of Dalmandi of Banaras

The kabab paratha and keema paratha shops have now adapted themselves to serve chicken tikka and seekh kabab, the restaurant style 'Mughlai food' which was never found in these traditional Awadhi style Muslim eateries.

This shop owner said they still make bade ke gosht ki tikia (buffalo meat kababs) in the evenings but the chicken tikka and seekh kabab sells more now.

a tour of Dalmandi of Banaras

Thankfully rumali roti is made the same way.

a tour of Dalmandi of Banaras

I am not sure what all had changed in Dalmandi since the last 30 years or so I have known this place. It looks similar and even smells and sounds similar when you trudge along, but the trends have definitely started creeping in. We could feel it in the food being sold and the kites being made out of plastic and not paper like older days.

Dalmandi is still a well preserved slice of old world.

Varanasi assi ghat

Assi Ghat on the Ganga is the southern-most ghat of Varanasi. Assi is known to be the Haridwar area of Kashi. Assi Ghat has immense religious and historical significance. Assi Ghat finds mention in Matsya Purana, Kurma Purana, Agni Purana and Padma Purana. The road of Panchkosi Parikrama breaks away from the Ganges at Assi. There are several temples, “akharas” and monasteries in the area adjoining Assi Ghat. Just above Assi Ghat, there is a temple of Lord Jagannath. In the enclosure of Jagannath Temple, there are spacious courtyards, blocks of buildings and a temple. The whole place has rather a dilapidated look. It is most frequented during a Mela, a religious fair or gathering. The Assi River turns into a water stream of some volume during the rains but remains almost dry for the greater part of the year. As per legend, goddess Durga after achieving a victory over demons Shumbha & Nishumbha, rested at Durga Kund, close to Assi Ghat, and let fall her sword (assi means sword). The sword cut out in the ground, where it fell, created the river Assi. Where a water stream, i.e., a river meets with the Ganges, acquires great virtue and thus religious importance in Hindu way of life. Assi is regarded as one of the five pilgrimages (Panchatirtha) in Varanasi - Assi, Dasashwamedh, Varuna-Sangam, Panchganga and Manikarnika. To successively bathe in these five places/ ghats on the same day is a religious ritual or tradition to realize the cherished merit. A confluence (sangam) of a stream with the Ganges is often regarded as a spot of special sanctity. The most reputed ‘sangam’ is in Prayagraj or Allahabad. Sangam in Prayag is called as Triveni (Tri means three & veni means streams in Sanskrit language) where three rivers Ganga, Yamuna & invisible Saraswati mingle together.

There are many temples and buildings above Assi Ghat. There is a small but pretty recognizable ‘akhara’ or monastery belonging to the Nanak-Panthis (believers of the preaching of Guru Nanak). With an inconsistency, by no means unusual, there is on the platform a small temple containing an image of Mahadeva. Another temple of importance is Laxmi Narayan Temple, a classical example of Panchayatan style of Nagar temple architecture. Also called “Panch-Mandir” – five temples are grouped together. Next to this, a new temple has been erected. Three temples are dedicated to Vishnu-Lakshmi, Lord Shiva and Krishna-Radha. Other two temples are dedicated to Ram, Sita & Laxman. It is a very beautiful temple in a narrow alley leading from the Sankat Mochan Temple to Assi Ghat. Adjoining the Assi Ghat is a dainty building built by the Maharani of Benares. This building is not regularly occupied, but is kept for use at special festivals & occasions. Assisangameshwar Temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva), Nrisingh Temple, Baneshwar Temple and Mayureshwar Temple are other famous temples at Assi Ghat.

Assi Ghat holds immense importance for Hindus. Great saint Tulsi Das meditated, wrote Ramcharitmanas and left for heavenly abode at Assi Ghat. Subah-e-Benares, a cultural fiesta, is organized every morning on Assi Ghat. Ganga Pujan (Ganges Worship), cultural presentations, ‘hawan’- the ‘ahuti’, sun-rise, boat ride, classical music, yoga etc take place as routine features. The larger chunk of visitors constitutes of students of BHU, long-term researchers & foreigners. It is an ideal place to delve into the real culture and essence of Varanasi

Sarnath, varanasi

Sarnath

Sarnath is a Buddhist pilgrim spot located near Varanasi. The city is famous for being the first place where Lord Buddha preached for the first time after gaining enlightenment. Later, kings who followed Buddhism like King Ashoka built a lot of stupas and structures here that are focused on Buddhism. Buddhist pilgrims from various parts of the world visit Sarnath every year. Sarnath is also famous for the Ashoka pillar, which is now the country’s national emblem. It is also a pilgrimage spot for Jains.

Sarnath History

Sarnath was an important spot in ancient India where holy men lived. After attaining enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, Lord Buddha visited Sarnath to get back to his fellow monks in Sarnath. Buddha and preached five of his companions. This was his first ever sermon. Lord Buddha spend the next rainy season in Sarnath where the number of holy men gathering grew to 60. After Buddha, many elite monks lived in Sarnath. About 500 monks studied in Hinayana, a learning center in Sarnath.

In 389 BC, King Ashoka visited Sarnath where he built many stupas. He built a pillar which holds the emblem of the country. By the end of 3 AD, Sarnath became a center for art, culture and learning. By the end of 12th century, Turkish invaders ransacked the place, took away the building materials and destroyed many monuments.

Sarnath is also the birthplace of many Jain monks and 11th teerthankar. A 2200-year-old pillar stands in the place of kalyanak of Shri Shreyansnath Bhagwan.

Why Sarnath is so famous?

This structure houses numerous sculptures of Buddha. The stupa is surrounded by lawns and gardens that are beautiful to enjoy during winter. Strolling along the garden is an important activity. From the stupa, one can get a good view of Buddha Statue in Thai Monastery. This is the first monument you would find when you enter Sarnath from Varanasi. Thus, this monument is called as the gateway to Buddhist pilgrimage. The stupa was built in 4th century by brick. The octagonal structure on top of the stupa was built in 16th century.

1. Thai Temple

Thai temple is a monastery that is built in Thai architecture style. The Buddha statue in the Thai temple is the most predominant attraction. This statue is the one that you can spot from Chaukhandi Stupa. A lush garden is located outside the temple. It is know for its calm surrounding.

2. Archeological museum of Sarnath

This museum holds Artifacts from 3rd century to 12th century. The museum was inaugurated in 1910. The museum is open from 9 in the morning until 5 in the evening.

3. Ashoka Pillar

Ashoka Pillar marks the visit of King Ashoka to Sarnath. This 50m long pillar has four lions on top of it. This is the emblem of the country. Below the lions, there are four animals; bull, lion, elephant and horse. These four represent the phases of Lord Buddha’s life. There is another pre-Ashokan pillar which marks the spot of the first sermon of Lord Buddha.

4. Tibetan Temple

This shrine is built in Tibetan style. The temple has a statue of Shakyamuni, a form of Buddha. Prayer wheels are found outside the temple. On rotating the wheel, you can find paper scrolls releasing from the wheels. The scrolls contain the prayers.

4. Mulagandhakuti Vihara

This is the main attraction of Sarnath. It is a large tower temple which is 110 ft tall. This is the place where Lord Buddha lived when he visits Sarnath. A Buddha Walk made with blue stone and a small lake that borders a park are some of the attractions near this temple. A small zoo is also found near the temple.

5. Bodhi tree

This tree is grown from a cut taken from the original Bodhi tree of Bodh Gaya. There is a Sri Lankan monastery near the tree.

Where Sarnath is Located?

Sarnath is a city that is located around 13 km from Varanasi. It is located in the Northeast direction from Varanasi. Sarnath comes under the border of Uttar Pradesh. Sarnath was also called as Isipatana.

Best Time to Visit Sarnath

Sarnath is interesting throughout the year. During winter (October to March), the climate will be mild and suits sightseeing.

Best eating point Near Sarnath

There are numerous restaurants to enjoy Chinese, Indian, Tibetan and other cuisines here. Best dish to enjoy here is Tibetan dumplings.

New Vishwanath temple, Varanasi

We all know Varanasi is one of the oldest-living cities in India and has been in existence for thousands of years. On account of the presence of hundreds of temples and pilgrimage sites, it is also sometimes referred to as the spiritual capital of India. On an average, Varanasi is frequented by tourists and Hindu devotees in thousands every day. Well, that is certainly a big number. After all, it is related to several Hindu gods and mythological characters. Today, it has become a popular destination for travellers across the globe and is visited by people from each and every country. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which is one of the oldest Hindu temples in the world, is a prominent attraction here.

But do you know there is another Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi which is also one of the prime spots in the city? If not, then you must read this article. Following are the major surprising facts about New Vishwanath Mandir which will assuredly compel you to plan a trip to Varanasi now.

Tallest Tower

PC- Anuragohri

Did you ever wonder which temple has the tallest tower in the world? If not, then let us tell you that New Vishwanath Mandir in Varanasi has the tallest temple tower on the planet. The total height of the temple is more than 250 feet, and hence it is also considered as an architectural masterpiece. So, don't you think this marvel deserves to explored by every traveller? Located inside the main campus of Benaras Hindu University, the temple is easily accessible by road.

Took 35 Years To Complete

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If you get stunned by the fact that the construction of the Taj Mahal took an approximate time of 20 years, you will certainly be awestruck by how long it took to build New Vishwanath Mandir.

To your surprise, the building of this marvellous temple commenced in the year 1931 and was completed in the year 1966, thereby, taking a long time of 35 years. Isn't it surprising? Certainly, it is. The temple was built by the Birla Construction Group, and hence it is also sometimes known as Birla Temple.

The Replica Of Kashi Vishwanath

PC- Kuber Patel

Unknown to many, New Vishwanath Mandir is inspired by Kashi Vishwanath Mandir, which was destroyed and renovated several times since its formation. It was Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya who put up the idea of building a replica of Kashi Vishwanath Mandir so that the glory and the fame of the temple remain intact.

Soon after his proposal, the foundation of the temple was laid by the Birla family. Today, New Vishwanath Mandir is one of the most beautiful and popular temples in Varanasi.

A Complex Of Nine Temples

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Even though the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the supreme being amongst Hindus, one can find several other shrines within the boundaries of the temple. New Vishwanath Mandir is a complex of 9 temples which are dedicated to Lakshmi Narayan, Goddess Durga, Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman, Goddess Saraswati, Lord Nataraj and several other gods and goddesses.

Do you know that these temples are visited by people from all castes, creeds and religions? Well, this is something which makes it a secular place.

Gita Inscriptions On Walls

The Bhagavad Gita is the holiest text for the Hindus, and hence it can be found in every temple across the globe. But how many of us have seen it inscribed on the walls of the temples? If you haven't, then you must plan a trip to New Vishwanath Mandir in Varanasi. All the verses related to the Bhagavad Gita can be found on the walls of the temple. You can also find several lines from other Hindu texts on the walls here.

One Of The Most Visited Temples

How can a temple with so many surprising facts remain unexplored and unknown? New Vishwanath Mandir is one of the most visited temples in Uttar Pradesh and is frequented by millions of tourists every year from all over the country.

Being a Shiva temple, it is a prominent site amongst Shaivites. During the festivals of Maha Shivratri and Nag Panchami, the temple compound remains flooded with devotees and tourists