Who is Sankat Mochan Hanuman
Sankat Mochan Hanuman is a revered form of Hanuman, the monkey god, enshrined at the Sankat Mochan Temple in Varanasi. The name literally means 'remover of troubles' (sankat = trouble, mochan = remover), reflecting Hanuman's role as a protector and alleviator of suffering. This temple was established by the saint-poet Tulsidas, author of the Ramcharitmanas, who is said to have had a vision of Hanuman at this site. According to the Ramcharitmanas, Hanuman is the embodiment of devotion, strength, and selfless service, and his worship is believed to dispel fears and obstacles.
The Skanda Purana mentions Hanuman as a chiranjivi (immortal) who continues to protect devotees in the Kali Yuga. Iconographically, Sankat Mochan Hanuman is depicted with a gada (mace) in one hand, symbolizing his might, and his body is smeared with sindoor (vermilion), a tradition explained in the Ramayana: when Hanuman applied sindoor to his body to ensure Rama's long life, Rama blessed him that devotees who offer sindoor to Hanuman would have their troubles removed. The deity's fierce yet compassionate expression conveys his readiness to combat evil and safeguard the faithful. The Sankat Mochan Stotram, attributed to Tulsidas, is a powerful hymn chanted for protection and relief from distress.
Regional worship is especially prominent in Varanasi and across North India, where Tuesday and Saturday are considered auspicious for Hanuman worship. The temple is a major pilgrimage site, and devotees offer laddoos, flowers, and recite the Hanuman Chalisa to seek his grace. In Hindu cosmology, Hanuman is a central figure in the Ramayana, where he plays a pivotal role in the rescue of Sita and the defeat of Ravana. As Sankat Mochan, he embodies the principle that sincere devotion to the divine can overcome all adversities.
The temple's establishment by Tulsidas links it to the Bhakti movement, emphasizing personal devotion and the accessibility of divine grace.
Names by which the divine is addressed
What they hold
Form, mudras, weapons & vahana
Hanuman with gada. Smeared with vermilion. Fierce, protective expression.