Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is one of the sacred temples of Varanasi. It is one of the sacred temples of the Hindus. Literally, the word `Sankat Mochan` means `deliverer from troubles`. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The temple is situated by the Assi River and falls on the way to the Durga temple and New Vishwanath temple. It is within the Banaras Hindu University campus. The temple structure was built b y the educationist and freedom fighter, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya in the early 1900s. He was the founder Banaras Hindu University

History of Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
According to history, the founder of the Sankat Mochan Temple was Tulsidas, the writer of Tulsi Ramayana, the Hindi version of Valmiki`s Ramayana. It is said that the temple of Sankan Mochan was built in the place where Tulsidas had a vision of Hanuman. Lord Hanuman, follower of Lord Rama is worshipped here. Vedic astrology states that only Hanuman saves man from the anger of the planet Saturn or Shani. Those people who have ill placed Saturn in their horoscopes need to visit the temple to get rid of it. According to some astrologers, Hanuman not only saves one from the anger of the planet Saturn but also neutralizes the ill effect of the planet Mars. It generally curtails the ill effect of any other planet in someone`s life.

Temple of Sankat Mochan
The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple dates back to the ancient times. In the early phase of its establishment, it was a very small temple. In due course of time, the Mahants collected and donated funds to upgrade the structure. Presently it is a fairly big temple. It is regarded that regular worship of Lord Hanuman at this temple, brings good luck to the devotee. People visit this temple in large numbers on Tuesdays and Saturdays to pay their homage to the Lord Hanuman. Devotees in huge numbers flock the temple come here to seek the blessings of the Lord. People apply "Sindoor" (vermilion) on the statue of Lord Hanuman and offer "Laddoos" in the offering. Devotees recite hymns of "Hanuman Chalisa ", "Kishkindha" and "Sundar Kand" as a due part of their prayers. The "Sindoor", from the statue of Lord Hanuman is put on the foreheads of devotees.

The festival of Hanuman Jayanti i.e. the birthday of Lord Hanuman is celebrated on a grand scale. During the festival a special shobha yatra is carried out. The procession takes place from Durga kund adjacent to the historic Durga temple to Sankat Mochan. The festival too, attracts plenty of visitors to Sankat Mochan Temple. The idol of the lord is adorned with marigold flower garland. In the temple the idol of Hanuman faces the image of Lord Rama, whom he worshiped with selfless devotion.

Every year the temple organizes a classic music and dance concert festival in the month of April. It is known as "Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh." The festival is participated by many famous musicians from different parts of India. The first festival was organized 88 years ago, and since then it was attract numerous stalwarts of Indian classical music and dance world.