Banaras Emporium

Sankatmochan Temple

Sankat Mochan temple is one of the important and sacred temples of Varanasi located in the southern part of teh city. It is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The word "Sankat Mochan" means one who helps alleviate suffering. Tulsidas, the author of the famous Hindu epic Ramacharitamanasa, founded the Sankat Mochan temple. Every Tuesday and Saturday, thousands of devotees queue up in front of the Sankat Mochan temple to offer prayers to Lord Hanuman. According to Vedic Astrology, Hanuman protects human beings from the malefic effects of planet Saturn and those who have ill placed Saturn in their horoscope visit the Sankat Mochan temple for remedy. People place "Sindoor" on the Lord and offer "laddoos". The "Sindoor", from the statue of Lord Hanuman is given as offering to the devotees.