Kashi Sankat Mochan Temple Open Close Timings Daily

Kashi Sankat Mochan Temple is one of the most spiritually significant and revered temples in the holy city of Varanasi, dedicated to Lord Hanuman — the “reliever of troubles.” Situated near the tranquil banks of the Assi River, this temple draws devotees and travellers year-round for darshan, aarti, and cultural immersion. Here you’ll find up-to-date information on daily open and close timings, entry details, travel tips, booking, how to reach, and more based on official sources and local travel data to help you plan a meaningful visit. For official information, visit Incredible India.

Quick Facts

Attribute	Details
Location	Saket Nagar Colony, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
Daily Open Hours	5:00 AM – 10:00 PM (approx., all days)
Morning Aarti	Starts around 4:00 AM – 5:00 AM depending on schedule
Evening Aarti	Typically 9:00 PM
Entry Fee	Free (no charge for darshan)
Best Days	Tuesdays & Saturdays (especially auspicious)
Contact / Official Site	Sankat Mochan Temple Official Visitor Info

About Kashi Sankat Mochan Temple

The Kashi Sankat Mochan Temple, also called Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir, is a sacred shrine founded in the early 16th century by the saint-poet Goswami Tulsidas. It is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, who is believed to remove obstacles and grant strength to disciples. The temple’s name “Sankat Mochan” literally means “remover of troubles.”

Daily Open And Close Timings

Understanding the temple’s schedule is essential for visitors, especially those looking to experience aarti or festive darshan. Most sources now list the open hours from early morning until night: the general schedule observed by visitors is from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. The sacred morning aarti often begins around 4:00 AM – 5:00 AM, before the main doors open, and evening aarti around 9:00 PM before closing for the night.

Also, while there are no standard entry charges, devotees must follow temple norms, such as depositing shoes and mobile phones at the gate before entering the inner sanctum.

How To Reach Kashi Sankat Mochan Temple

The Kashi Sankat Mochan Temple is located in the southern part of Varanasi and is easily accessible by road from major transit points in the city.

By Air

The nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) in Babatpur, about 23 km from the temple. From the airport you can book taxis or auto-rickshaws, or arrange a private car to take you directly to the temple.

By Train

Varanasi Junction Railway Station (also called Varanasi Cantt) is the closest major rail hub, roughly 11 km from Sankat Mochan Temple. You can hire a cab or auto-rickshaw from outside the station to reach the temple in around 30–40 minutes depending on traffic.

By Road

Varanasi is well connected to other cities and towns in Uttar Pradesh and neighboring states via national highways. Private cars, taxis, and state-run buses can bring you close to the area around Assi or Saket Nagar Colony, from which auto-rickshaws are available for the final stretch to the temple.

Booking And Entry Steps

While the temple does not usually require booking in advance, planning your visit around aarti timings ensures a more spiritual experience. Here’s what I personally did when I visited:

1. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your intended darshan time, especially on Tuesday or Saturday when crowds peak. I reached around 4:30 AM to catch the morning aarti, and the queue was already forming.
2. Deposit your shoes and electronic devices at the designated counters near the entrance. Security checks may include bag inspection.
3. Follow the designated path for devotees inside the temple, which leads to the inner sanctum for darshan and aarti participation.
4. If you want prasad or special offerings like besan laddoos, purchase them from vendors just outside the temple gate after darshan. I personally recommend trying the laddoos as prasadam — it felt special to offer them after the aarti.
5. If you plan a larger group visit, inform local tour services or hire a guide to assist with timing and crowd navigation.

Insider Tips From Personal Visit

When I visited Kashi Sankat Mochan Temple, several practical insights made my experience smoother. What surprised me most was the serene atmosphere early in the morning, before the crowds peaked. Arriving by 5 AM gave me a chance to participate in the morning aarti with fewer people around. The temple’s precinct is peaceful, and the chanting filled the space with energy that’s hard to describe.

On the other hand, i personally recommend visiting on a weekday if possible, because weekends and especially Tuesdays and Saturdays draw thicker crowds. Bring bottled water and sunscreen — while much of the temple is shaded, the area outside can get hot by late morning. Also, be prepared for steps and some walking if you explore nearby ghats and temples by foot.

Nearby Attractions And Distances

While you are in Varanasi, you can explore other sacred and cultural landmarks near the Sankat Mochan Temple:

• Assi Ghat – About 1.5 km: A beautiful and quieter ghat of the Ganges, perfect for sunrise views.
• Banaras Hindu University (BHU) – Around 3 km: A historic and sprawling university campus with serene lawns and temples.
• Tulsi Manas Mandir – Approx. 2.5 km: Dedicated to Lord Rama, this temple has inscriptions of the Ramcharitmanas on its walls.
• Durga Kund Temple – 2 km: A sacred water tank and temple dedicated to Goddess Durga.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Kashi Sankat Mochan Temple is during the cooler months between October and March, when temperatures are milder and early morning darshan is more comfortable. Visiting around sunrise (before 7 AM) lets you experience the spiritual freshness of the temple before crowds build up. Fast-moving monsoons (July-September) may bring occasional rain, which can affect travel plans.

Additionally, tuesdays and Saturdays are especially auspicious for devotees of Lord Hanuman and often see special rituals, extended hours, and larger crowds. Planning ahead for these days helps you make the most of your spiritual visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entry fee to visit the temple?

No, entry to the Kashi Sankat Mochan Temple is free for all visitors. �citeturn0search4

Can I attend aarti at the temple?

Yes, aartis are held daily, with early morning and evening aarti sessions that are open to devotees. Exact timing can vary slightly with local schedules.

Are mobile phones allowed inside?

Security norms usually require depositing mobile phones and cameras at the entrance before entering the sanctum sanctorum.

Is advance booking required?

Generally, no advance booking is required for darshan. If you plan group visits or special ceremonies, contacting local tour operators or temple offices ahead of time can help.

Is the temple crowded?

Yes, especially on Tuesday and Saturday evenings, as these are considered auspicious days for Hanuman worship. Visiting early in the morning is less crowded.

Useful External Links

For official and detailed temple information, visit the Sankat Mochan Temple Official Visitor Information. For historical and cultural context on the Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh, see the event’s listing on Wikipedia.