Sankat Mochan Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman located in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India. It is the second most visited Hanuman temple in Shimla, after Jakhu Temple.
The temple was established in 1950 by Neem Karoli Baba, a prominent religious figure who was mesmerized by the beauty of Shimla during his 10-12 day stay in the forest area. While practicing Yoga and meditation, he had a vision of building a Hanuman temple at this site. Upon sharing his wish with his followers, construction of the temple began in 1962, with the then Lieutenant Governor Raja Bajrang Bahadur Singh and other followers taking part. In addition to the idol of Lord Hanuman, the temple also houses idols of Lord Rama-Sita-Lakshmana, Lord Shiva, and Lord Ganesha. The temple was inaugurated on 21 June 1966, a Tuesday, and quickly gained popularity among locals and tourists.
Today, the temple is visited daily by both locals and tourists, with Tuesdays and Saturdays being particularly busy due to its association with Lord Hanuman. On Sundays, a large Bhandara (community meal) is organized here. Additionally, there is a small temple dedicated to Neem Karoli Baba in the temple vicinity, built-in 1998. Visitors to the temple can also enjoy a panoramic view of Shimla city.
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple celebrates several fairs and festivals throughout the year, which draw large crowds of devotees from all over India. Some of the prominent festivals celebrated at the temple are:
Apart from these festivals, several other events and programs, such as musical concerts, discourses, and cultural programs, are also organized at the temple throughout the year.
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is a popular Hindu temple located in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India. It is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, who is known as the “Sankat Mochan” or the remover of obstacles. Here are some things you can do when visiting the temple:
In summary, visiting Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple can be a spiritual and enriching experience for anyone who is seeking peace, serenity, and blessings from Lord Hanuman.
The best time to visit Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is during the months of March to June and September to November, which are the spring and autumn seasons in Shimla. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the temperature remains between 15°C to 25°C, making it comfortable for visitors to explore the temple and its surroundings.
In addition to comfortable weather, these months are also ideal because the temple hosts various festivals during this time, such as Hanuman Jayanti, which is celebrated in April, and Navratri, which is celebrated in October. These festivals attract a large number of devotees, and the temple is decorated beautifully with lights and flowers, adding to the festive atmosphere.
It is advisable to avoid visiting the temple during the monsoon season, which is between July and August, as the heavy rains can cause landslides and disrupt travel plans. The winter season, which is from December to February, can also be avoided as the temperature drops drastically, and there is heavy snowfall, which can make it difficult to reach the temple.
In summary, the best time to visit Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is during the spring and autumn seasons when the weather is pleasant, and the temple hosts various festivals, making it an ideal time for visitors to explore the temple and its surroundings.
There are several attractions near Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple that visitors can explore. Here are some of the popular ones:
In summary, visitors to Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple can explore many attractions nearby, including other temples, churches, hill stations, waterfalls, and shopping areas. These attractions offer visitors a chance to explore the scenic beauty of Shimla and its surroundings and make their visit a memorable one.
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is located in the city of Shimla, which is well-connected to other major cities in India. Here’s how to get there:
Shimla is well-connected by road to major cities in North India. Visitors can take a bus or hire a taxi from cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Amritsar to reach Shimla. There are also several private and state-run buses that operate between Shimla and other cities in North India.
The nearest railway station to Shimla is Kalka Railway Station, which is located about 90 km from Shimla. It is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. From the railway station, visitors can take a toy train, which is a popular tourist attraction, or hire a taxi to reach Shimla.
The nearest airport to Shimla is the Jubbarhatti Airport, which is located about 23 km from the city center. Airlines such as Air India and SpiceJet operate regular flights to Shimla from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. From the airport, visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple.
Once visitors reach Shimla, they can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, which is located about 7 km from the city center. The temple is located on a hill and is accessible by road, and visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of Shimla during their journey to the temple.