A constellation of gods and sages
Sankat Mochan Temple isn't just a shrine to one deity; it's a constellation of divine light. Here, Lord Hanuman, the powerful Monkey God revered for dispelling worries, holds court. Yet, his presence isn't solitary. Sharing the sacred space are other venerated figures: Lord Shiva, the embodiment of peace; the Navgrahas, the celestial bodies influencing our lives; and Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. A unique architectural flourish adorns this temple, drawing inspiration from South Indian design traditions.
A legacy of devotion
The temple's fascinating history is intertwined with the life of Baba Neeb Karori Ji Maharaj, a sage who is believed to have received spiritual powers from Lord Hanuman after he did penance for years in his adolescence. Also known as Neem Karoli Baba, he had influenced many international celebrities like Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg and Julia Roberts, who have talked about Babaji’s influence in their lives even after he had passed away.
Once Baba ji visited this place. Drawn by the area's pristine beauty and tranquil ambiance in the late 1950s, he established a simple hut here. He loved the majestic mountains, fresh breezes, and lush green valleys and decided to make a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman here. His dream found willing disciples in Raja Bajrang Bahadur Bhandari, the then Lieutenant Governor, and Shri Bhagwan Sahai, who laid the foundation stone in 1962. Consecrated in 1966, the shrine has now grown from its humble beginnings into a sprawling complex encompassing 18.8 bighas.
