Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is one of the most beloved temples in Varanasi, dedicated to Lord Hanuman as the remover of all obstacles. According to tradition, the temple was established by the saint-poet Tulsidas, author of the Ramcharitmanas, at the spot where he had a vision of Lord Hanuman. The temple is set within a peaceful forest grove near the Assi Ghat area, offering a rare tranquil atmosphere within the dense urban fabric of Varanasi. Tuesdays and Saturdays see enormous crowds of devotees, and the Hanuman Jayanti celebrations here are among the most vibrant in North India. The temple gained global attention in 2006 when a bomb blast during a gathering killed several devotees, yet the community returned to worship within hours. Classical music performances are regularly organised here through the Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh festival, one of India's oldest classical music events.