Sankat Mochan Temple
Sankat Mochan Temple is a Hindu temple in Varanasi which is dedicated to the Hindu God Hanuman. The temple was founded by famous Hindu saint and poet Goswami Tulsidas in the early 16th century. It is situated in the southern part of Varanasi, on the way to the Durga Mandir and New Vishwanath temple BHU.
The meaning of the Sankat Mochan is relief from all the troubles. In the temple, people offer basil leaf and special sweet “besan ke ladoo” to Lord Hanuman (called Prasad) are sold here, The idol is also decorated with a pleasant marigold flower garland. In this temple Lord Hanuman facing his Lord, Rama, whom he worshipped with constant selfless devotion.
History
It is believed that the Sankat Mochan Temple has been built on the same place where Tulsidas had a vision(dream) of Hanuman. This Temple was founded by saint Tulsidas who was the author of the Ramacharitamanasa. Ramacharitamanasa is the greatest version of lord Ram story written in Avadhi. It is a little different from Sanskrit Ramayana written by Rishi Valmiki.
Every Tuesday and Saturday thousands of people come to this temple to offer prayers to Lord Hanuman. We believe that Hanuman saves human beings from the anger of the planet Shani (Saturn). Some people’s horoscope has an ill-placed Saturn visit this temple for astrological remedies.
Some people also believe that worshipping Hanuman can neutralize the ill-effects of Mangal (Mars) or any planet that has an ill effect on human life. Once Lord Hanuman swallow 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.