Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir (Naya Ghat)
Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh · temple
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir at Naya Ghat is one of Ayodhya's many beloved shrines to Lord Hanuman, tucked into the busy pilgrim quarter that fringes the Sarayu river. The name Sankat Mochan — literally "remover of troubles" (sankat = distress, mochan = release) — is one of Hanuman's most-loved epithets, and shrines carrying it dot temple towns across northern India. This one should not be confused with the celebrated Sankat Mochan temple of Varanasi founded by Goswami Tulsidas; here in Ayodhya it is a neighbourhood devotional anchor, drawing a steady stream of local worshippers and passing pilgrims who fold a quick Hanuman darshan into their riverfront rounds. In the Ramayana tradition that saturates Ayodhya, Hanuman is the ever-present devotee of Lord Ram, and offering respects to him before Ram darshan is a cherished local custom.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Kachori-sabzi and jalebi stalls around Naya Ghat and Ram Ki Paidi — pure-vegetarian pilgrim breakfast, freshly fried; pick a busy counter and confirm on arrival.
- ✦Ayodhya's khurchan and pedas from the Naya Ghat bazaar sweet shops — pure-veg; the whole holy city is meat- and alcohol-free.
- ✦Pure-vegetarian bhojnalayas (thali houses) along the Naya Ghat and Ram Path stretch — simple sattvic thalis; confirm the specific outlet locally.
- ✦Free sattvic bhandara / Ram Rasoi meals offered to pilgrims in the temple quarter — timings vary, confirm on the day.
About
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir at Naya Ghat is one of Ayodhya's many beloved shrines to Lord Hanuman, tucked into the busy pilgrim quarter that fringes the Sarayu river.
- The name Sankat Mochan — literally "remover of troubles" (sankat = distress, mochan = release) — is one of Hanuman's most-loved epithets, and shrines carrying it dot temple towns across northern India.
- This one should not be confused with the celebrated Sankat Mochan temple of Varanasi founded by Goswami Tulsidas; here in Ayodhya it is a neighbourhood devotional anchor, drawing a steady stream of local worshippers and passing pilgrims who fold a quick Hanuman darshan into their riverfront rounds.
- In the Ramayana tradition that saturates Ayodhya, Hanuman is the ever-present devotee of Lord Ram, and offering respects to him before Ram darshan is a cherished local custom.
- The setting is the heart of what makes the visit memorable.
- Naya Ghat sits beside Ram Ki Paidi, the great sweep of stone steps descending to the Sarayu, and the lanes here throb with the rhythm of a living pilgrim town — flower and garland sellers, vermilion and coconut stalls, the clang of temple bells, and the murmured chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa.
- Tuesdays and Saturdays, traditionally sacred to Hanuman, bring the largest crowds, and the shrine glows especially bright during Hanuman Jayanti and through the festival weeks around Ram Navami and Deepotsav, when the whole riverfront is illuminated.
- For every visitor, the shrine follows the simple etiquette of an active Hindu temple: remove footwear before entering, dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, keep phones silent during aarti, and ask before photographing the sanctum.
- It pairs naturally with the Sarayu aarti at dusk and a walk along Ram Ki Paidi.
- Ayodhya is a strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free holy city, so the food around the shrine is entirely pure-veg: hot kachori-sabzi and jalebi at dawn, Ayodhya's famous khurchan and pedas from the bazaar sweet shops, and simple sattvic thalis at pilgrim bhojnalayas along the Naya Ghat stretch.
- Many pilgrims also partake of the free sattvic bhandara meals offered in the temple quarter — a gentle, welcoming close to a morning of darshan.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Naya Ghat, near Ram Ki Paidi and the Sarayu riverfront, Ayodhya Dham, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, 224123
How to Reach: In the Naya Ghat pilgrim quarter beside Ram Ki Paidi on the Sarayu riverfront. From Ayodhya Dham Junction railway station it is about 2 km — an auto-rickshaw or e-rickshaw costs roughly 30 to 60 rupees. From the Ram Path and the Ram Janmabhoomi temple area it is a short e-rickshaw hop or a pleasant walk along the ghats. The narrow lanes are best covered on foot; e-rickshaws are the standard local ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same as the Sankat Mochan temple in Varanasi?
No. This is a Hanuman shrine in Ayodhya's Naya Ghat pilgrim quarter. The famous Sankat Mochan temple founded by Goswami Tulsidas is in Varanasi. They share the popular epithet Sankat Mochan — "remover of troubles" — but are different temples in different cities.
What are the timings of Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir at Naya Ghat?
It is reported to open roughly from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily, with morning and evening aarti. Timings can shift on festival days and during peak pilgrim seasons, so it is best to confirm locally on the day of your visit.
Is there an entry fee?
No, entry is free. Like most Ayodhya temples it is an active community shrine open to all, with no admission ticket. You may make a voluntary offering if you wish, but none is required.
How do I reach the temple?
It sits in the Naya Ghat quarter beside Ram Ki Paidi on the Sarayu riverfront, about 2 km from Ayodhya Dham Junction railway station. An auto or e-rickshaw costs roughly 30 to 60 rupees; from the Ram Path and Ram Janmabhoomi area it is a short e-rickshaw hop or a walk along the ghats.
When is the best time to visit?
Tuesdays and Saturdays are traditionally sacred to Hanuman and draw the most devotees, while Hanuman Jayanti and the festival weeks around Ram Navami and Deepotsav are the most vibrant. Early morning or the dusk hour near the Sarayu aarti is especially atmospheric; October to March offers the most pleasant weather.
Where can I eat vegetarian food nearby?
Ayodhya is a strictly vegetarian, alcohol-free holy city, so everything around Naya Ghat is pure-veg. Try hot kachori-sabzi and jalebi at dawn, Ayodhya's famous khurchan and pedas from the bazaar sweet shops, and simple sattvic thalis at pilgrim bhojnalayas along the Naya Ghat stretch. Free bhandara meals are also offered to pilgrims in the temple quarter.
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