Quick answer: Sankat Mochan Temple is a Hanuman temple on the Kalka–Shimla highway, just as you enter Shimla near Tara Devi hill, about 5 km from the town centre according to Himachal Pradesh Tourism. It was founded in 1950 by the saint Neem Karoli Baba, and the main temple was inaugurated on 21 June 1966. There is no entry fee, and the temple holds a free community meal (bhandara) on Tuesdays and Sundays. We could not confirm opening hours on an official source, so check locally.
Sankat Mochan Temple at a glance
| Detail | What we verified (October 2026) |
|---|---|
| Location | On the Kalka–Shimla highway near Tara Devi hill, Shimla; about 5 km from the town centre (Himachal Pradesh Tourism) |
| Altitude | About 1,975 m |
| Main deity | Lord Hanuman, as Sankat Mochan, “the one who frees from trouble” |
| Other shrines | Rama, Sita and Lakshmana; Shiva; Ganesha |
| Founded | 1950, by Neem Karoli Baba |
| Inaugurated | 21 June 1966 |
| Entry fee | None |
| Community meal | Free lunch on Tuesdays and Sundays (Himachal Pradesh Tourism) |
| Timings | Not published on an official source; check locally |
An earlier version of this article gave opening hours of 6:30 am to 8 pm in summer and 7 am to 6:30 pm in winter. We could not find these on any official source, so they have been removed.
History of Sankat Mochan Temple
“Sankat Mochan” is a name for Hanuman, meaning the one who removes troubles. The temple traces its origin to 1950, when the saint Neem Karoli Baba (Baba Neeb Karori) stayed in the forest at this spot for about ten to twelve days and felt that a Hanuman temple should be built there.
Construction began in 1962, led by his followers, who included the then Lieutenant Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Bajrang Bahadur Singh. The temple was inaugurated on Tuesday, 21 June 1966. It began as a small shrine and has grown over the years. Images of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana, of Shiva and of Ganesha were also installed in the complex.
Published accounts describe Sankat Mochan as the second most visited Hanuman temple in Shimla after Jakhu Temple.
A correction: an earlier version of this article said in one place that the temple was “built in 1950” and in another that construction began in 1962. Both are partly right: 1950 is when Neem Karoli Baba chose the site and the temple was founded; construction of the present temple began in 1962, and it was inaugurated in 1966.
What to see and do
- The main Hanuman shrine, the heart of the complex.
- The other shrines to Rama, Sita and Lakshmana, Shiva and Ganesha.
- The community meal: Himachal Pradesh Tourism says a free community lunch is served on Tuesdays and Sundays. Sundays are especially busy.
- The views: the temple looks out over the surrounding valleys and the town.
Tuesdays and Saturdays, the days traditionally associated with Hanuman worship, and Sundays draw the biggest crowds.
How to reach Sankat Mochan Temple
- By road: the temple is on the Kalka–Shimla highway, just as the road enters Shimla. Taxis and local buses run along the highway from the town centre and the bus stands.
- By rail: Shimla station on the Kalka–Shimla toy train line is the main station; Taradevi station on the same line is also close to the temple. From either, continue by taxi.
- By air: Shimla Airport is at Jubbarhatti; Chandigarh is the nearest large airport.
Tips for visiting
- Leave your footwear outside the main temple.
- Carry warm clothes. Shimla’s weather can turn cold quickly, especially in the evenings and in winter.
- If you want to share the community meal, go on a Tuesday or Sunday around lunchtime.
- Combine the visit with Tara Devi Temple, a little further down the highway.
Places to visit nearby
Tara Devi Temple crowns the next hill along the highway towards Shoghi. In the town centre, Kali Bari Temple is close to the Mall, and the Mall Road and the Ridge are the heart of Shimla’s sightseeing.
Frequently asked questions
Who built Sankat Mochan Temple in Shimla?
It was founded in 1950 by Neem Karoli Baba. His followers began construction of the present temple in 1962, and it was inaugurated on 21 June 1966.
How far is Sankat Mochan Temple from Shimla?
About 5 km from the town centre, according to Himachal Pradesh Tourism.
Is there langar at Sankat Mochan Temple?
Yes. Himachal Pradesh Tourism says a free community lunch is held on Tuesdays and Sundays.
Is there an entry fee for Sankat Mochan Temple?
No. Entry is free.
Location, distance and the community meal were checked in October 2026 against Himachal Pradesh Tourism; the history against published accounts of the temple, including a 2016 Hindustan report. Confirm timings locally before visiting.
