Sankat Mochan Temple, Shimla

Sankat Mochan Temple
संकट मोचन मंदिर
Religion
Affiliation	Hinduism
District	Shimla
Deity	Hanuman
Location
Location	Shimla
State	Himachal Pradesh
Country	India
Architecture
Type	Hindu temple architecture
Founder	Neem Karoli Baba
Date established	1950
Groundbreaking	1962
Completed	1966
Elevation	1,975 m (6,480 ft)

Sankat Mochan Temple is a Hindu temple, dedicated to Hindu deity Hanuman in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India. The temple is Shimla's second most visited Hanuman temple after Jakhu Temple. It was established in 1950 by noted religious figure, Neem Karoli Baba.

History

The temple was established in 1950 by Neem Karoli Baba, after he spent 10–12 days in the forest area. While meditating, he got some instinct that Hanuman temple should be built on the site. Baba told his wish to his followers and eventually in the year of 1962 the then Lieutenant Governor Bajrang Bahadur Singh and other followers started the construction of the temple. The idols of Rama-Sita-Lakshmana, Shiva and Ganesha were also established in the temple. The temple was inaugurated on 21 June 1966 on the day of Tuesday. Gradually the temple gained a lot of popularity and faith.

Neem Karoli Baba sculpture in Ram Dass library

Present

At present the locals come here everyday, as well as tourists who visit Shimla. Because it is Lord Hanuman temple, every Tuesday and Saturday a lot of people visit, and on Sundays huge number of people visit the temple. On each Sunday a large Bhandara is also organised here. In the vicinity of the temple there is also the small temple dedicated to Neem Karoli Baba, which was made in 1998. The view of Shimla city is also seen from the temple.

Location

The temple is located at an altitude of 1,975 m above sea level on Kalka-Shimla highway. The natural forested environment attracts tourists. Views of Shimla city are also seen from the temple.

See also

• Jakhu Temple
• Kali Bari Temple
• Tara Devi Temple