Sankat Mochan (Hanuman) Mandir, Nainital, Uttarakhand

Sankat Mochan (Hanuman) Mandir (also called Hanuman Garhi) in Nainital district, Uttrakhand is managed by ‘Bhakti Dham Trust’. The ‘larger-than-life’ Lord Hanuman statue in the temple is so giant that it is distinctly visible from the Bhimtal-Naukuchiatal main road. The temple is very beautiful having idols of ‘Lord Hanuman’, ‘Neem Karoli Baba’, ‘Bhakti Maa’, and ‘Cave of Mata Vaishno Devi’ in prominence. You can stay here for a night and enjoy the Lunch and Dinner Prasada. ‘Halwa Prasad’ is offered to all devotees visiting the temple on the lower floor. There are 2 big halls where one can sit as well as do prayers and meditation. Several books related to trust, Bhakti Maa, and other religious and spiritual topics are seen to be sold. you can do ‘Parikrama’ of the whole temple complex. There is a ‘Gaushala’ along with a beautiful small garden inside.

Attraction

Standing on the hillside this temple is pure bliss and divine. It’s a must-visit place if you are in Nainital. The temple of Hanuman Ji is located on a hilltop and consequently, it has a seemingly calm and unique air towards it. It’s very peaceful and away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
This Hanuman temple is associated with ‘Neem Karoli Baba’, whose divine presence is said to reside within the temple grounds. Devotees flock here together seeking the blessings of both Hanuman and Neem Karoli Baba. They truly believe in their power to alleviate suffering and dispel obstacles in life.
The temple itself exudes a sense of peacefulness and tranquility with its serene surroundings as well as simple yet elegant architecture. From the melodious bells to the fragrance through the air, every aspect of the temple serves to uplift the spirit that soothes the soul.
Beyond its religious significance, Sankat Mochan (Hanuman) Mandir also offers panoramic views of Nainital. For example, the surrounding Himalayan peaks make it a popular destination for spiritual seekers as well as nature enthusiasts.
Sankat Mochan (Hanuman) Mandir is also known for its splendid architecture. The temple houses idols of Lord Rama and Lord Shiva along with the Hanuman ji. The temple not only casts a spell on visitors with its divinity but reels them in with the majestic views it offers.

History

Built in 1950, Sankat Mochan (Hanuman) Mandir is not just a pilgrimage. It is a profound spiritual journey that nourishes the soul and truly deepens your connection to the divine. Whether you come seeking solace or blessings or simply a stolen moment of peace amidst the chaos of life, Hanuman Gadi welcomes you with spread arms, ready to bestow its grace and blessings upon those who seek refuge within its sacred walls.

Inside/Outside Views

The first visible thing about Sankat Mochan is that it has a majestic view of mountains in the background. It is so quiet that it provides solace to the soul. It is surprising how clean the temple premises are, despite it being the center of attraction for many tourists passing by the area over the years. This hillside Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and offers sunrise and sunset views as well.
The giant Hanuman statue is distinctly visible from the Bhimtal-Naukuchiatal main road. It’s pure bliss. One of the few temples where you can feel peace and hence close to the Gods. It’s very well-maintained, clean and tidy. The garden here is beautiful beyond words with catchy flowers in every color blooming. Besides the Hanuman temple, there are also temples of Ram, Bharata, and Mahadeva in the temple premises as well. We recommend visiting this place when you are in Nainital for some quiet time.

How to Reach

By road: It is situated in Nainital’s ‘Bhowali Range’ area. From the busy area of Nainital, Sankat Mochan (Hanuman) Mandir is 20 km away. Nainital is well connected with other major cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, etc. of the country. And from Nainital city, you will get local transport to reach the site.

By air: The closest airport, ‘PantNagar Airport’ (which is a domestic one), is almost 71 kilometers away from this area which is in Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. You can visit this place from India. Apart from that, there are airports in Delhi or Lucknow with direct flights to Pant Nagar. From the airport, you can easily get local transport to reach the site.

By train: The closest railway station from this holy temple is 37 km away at the ‘Kathgodam railway station’. This station is well connected with major areas of the country. From the station, you will get local transport so that you can reach the site.

Tips for Travellers

Please wear suitable and comfortable clothes according to both culture and seasons.
Don’t forget to follow the code of conduct.
If you are visiting Nainital for the first time, try to visit in a group for safety purposes.
Avoid theMonsoon, it’s better to avoid visiting during the monsoon season (from July to August) due to heavy rainfall, which can lead to landslides and difficult travel conditions.
Take off your shoes before entering.