Salasar Balaji Temple

Overview

The Salasar Balaji is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is located in the town of Salasar, on NH-65 near Sujangarh in Churu district, Rajasthan. It is located near the pilgrim centers of Rani Sati Temple and Khatushyamji. The temple of Balaji which is another name of Hanumana is situated in the middle of Salasar and attracts innumerable worshippers throughout the year specially on Chaitra Purnima and Ashvin Purnima. The temple of Salasar Balaji is now considered to be a Shakti Sthal (a place of power) and Swayambhu (self creation) by faith, belief, miracles and wish fulfillment for devotees.

This temple is a sprawling and sparkling property made of silver and gold walls. Inspirational verses and beautiful carvings depicting tales of “Ramayana” adorn the silver walls. This temple is well renowned. Even when the temperatures here are as high as 50 degrees and as low as 0 degree centigrade, one can see a long queue of devotees from all over the world. Especially during festivals (Chaitra Purnima, Ashwini Purnima and Hanuman Jayanti), the steady stream of devotees is remarkably high and the number extends in lakhs.

Salasar is presently situated in Churu, Tehsil Sujangarh, Rajasthan. Earlier Salasar came Bikaner State. Presently Salasar is a heavily visited by pilgrimage from not only the various parts of India, but abroad and thus the developments and the service availability at this destination/ pilgrimage is higher in comparison to close by villages or cities. With the blessings of Lord Balaji one can find 8-10 good hotels plus more than 100 Dharamsalas or Sarai for the pilgrimages.

Prasad shops on either sides of the temple with other related items like famous Achaar(pickles), spices from Rajasthan and other gift shops in this area. The place has its water supply through the municipal corporation yet not being adequate to match the high amount of pilgrimage at high seasons, this place also has water supply done by the locals through boring water today. The area has vast open lands which are lush green (opposite to the regular Rajasthan area) where lots of cows and buffaloes can be seen gazing in the fields in the day.

About the Temple

The initial temple was constructed using mud-stone in the samvat 1811 (1754 AD) by Mohandas Maharaj after getting inspired by the unusual appearance of Balaji in his dreams. The current building is made of bricks, stones, cement, lime mortar, and marble. The entire circulatory path, the Sabha Mandap (prayer hall) and the Sanctum Sanctorum is covered with artistic works of Gold and Silver. The vestibule, the doors and the utensils used in worshiping are made of silver. The main gate is made up of carving works of white marble. The temple shrine and the sanctum sanctorum are decorated with floral patterns and other kinds of mosaic works done in Gold and Silver to give the temple a rich look.

The temple area is electrifying almost every day and experiences crowds beyond normal at festivals. The market is congested with the temple walls joint with other private properties of others. A double lane street runs all the way to the other side of entry passing from in front of the temple with private residence and shops on either side. These shops are mainly, hotels, Prasad and gifts and spices shops. The temple is built in around 3000-4000 square meter area (this is only a visual estimate) which is congested within to accommodate a large pilgrimage. Though the general construction of the Salasar Balaji Temple is done with regular bricks and cement and marble, however within the central area, more and more are, specially the walls and ceiling is getting covered up with embossed silver plates of Shri Hanuman figures. Read about the complete construction and look of the Salasar Balaji temple and the market outside. There are various small temples around this main Lord Hanuman ji Temple however one of the most famous is Lord Hanumanji's mother, Mata Anjana Devi Temple. which is just a kilometer away.

Around the Temple

Mohandasji ki Dhuni

This dhuni has been inflame by Mohandasji himself in past. People say that this Dhuni is continuously aflame from then. Devotee takes calx (bhasm) of this Dhuni as a medicine for curing various diseases. Those who have faith in Hanumanji have got benefited from it.

Mohandasji’s Temple

This temple was constructed at the entrance of Salasar Balaji temple in the year 1850 by Udayramji, nephew of Mohandasji. This temple has foot print of Mohandasji and Kanhideviji. It is said that the visit of Salasar Balaji is completed only after devotee visit this temple. These temples also have detail of various successor of Kanhideviji (her son Udayramji and grandsons Ishardasji and Kanhiramji) along with their photographs.

Maa Anjani Temple

This Temple is at Laxmangargh Salasar road around 1 kilometer away from Salasar Balaji Temple. It is said that visit to Salasar is completed only after devotee visits Maa Anajani along with Lord Hanuman. This Temple was constructed by Pandit Panaramji Pareek who was true devotee of Lord Hanuman. It is said that Pandit Panaramji wife died at younger age, post which he started living at Prayag on the banks of river Ganges and devoted himself to lord Hanuman. One night lord Hanuman came in his dream and ordered him to come to Salasar and help people. While helping people he worshipped Hanumanji (also known as Anjani nandan) and his mother Maa Anjani. In the year 1963 with the help of thakur of Sikar Maa Anjani temple was constructed.

Gudavadi Shyam temple

This temple is one kilometer from the main Salasar Dham Temple. Two bullock carts from the times of Mohandas are placed here.

Shayanan Mata Mandir

The place is situated about 15 km from the temple on a unique hillock in the desert area and is supposed to be about 1100 years old.

About the Deity

Lord Hanuman symbolizes the qualities of an ideal devotee of God. He is one of the seven Chiranjivis and the only learned scholar who knew the nine Vyakaranas. He learned the shastras from Suryadev, the sun god. He is well versed with the Vedas and other sacred books.He has exhibited astonishing physical strength and worked many miracles. His valour, wisdom, knowledge of the scriptures and superhuman strength attracted everybody who came near him. He had extraordinary skill in warfare. He is the chosen messenger of Lord Rama and the minister and messenger of Sugreeva. Lord Hanuman is fast - the most agile and oriented god.

Like Krishna, Rama is an incarnation of Vishnu whose elevated character and righteous actions are designed to inspire men to divine consciousness. In liberating his consort Sita from the demon Ravana (symbol of material illusion), Rama is greatly aided by the brave Hanuman.Hanuman was the chief of the armies of Sri Ramachandra and took a prominent part in the war against Ravana, the king of Lanka, in the Indian epic poem Ramayana. Hanuman helped restore Sita Devi back to Sri Rama. Recognizing Godhead beneath the human disguise, Hanuman consecrates himself wholly to service of Rama. He is generally depicted in kneeling pose of utter devotion and humility, he symbolized the strength and purity of the Perfect Servant.Hanumanji is known by many names as Anjaneya, Anjani Putra, Bajarangbali, Hanuman, Mahaveer, Marutinandan, Pavanputra etc. Hanuman, worshipped for his strength, valor, agility, is a man of great teaming.

Hanuman carried Sri Rama and Lakshmana on his shoulder to Sugreeva, the king of all Vanars (monkeys) in Kishkindha and helped them to find Sita. Prior to the war between Sri Rama and Ravana, Anjaneya visited Lanka, met Ravana, created havoc and burnt down the city of Lanka (Lanka Dahan). During the war, when Lakshmana was injured seriously, Sushena, the surgeon/physician of the monkey army, dispatched Marutinandan to bring herbal medicine, Sanjeevini, from the far-off Sumeru Mountain in the Himalayas, before sunrise. Flying over the Himalayas and unable to identify the particular herb fast, Hanuman uprooted and carried the entire mountain in time to save the life of Lakshmana along with the rest of the Vanar army. Hanuman was blessed by Sri Rama with immortality (chiranjeevi) at the end of the war.

Hanuman was a bachelor (brahamachari) and is worshipped in all the temples of India. Every temple of Sri Rama contains an icon of Hanuman. Worship of Sri Rama is complete only with the worship of Hanuman. There are various temples dedicated solely to Lord Hanuman also. Sant Tulsidas composed the 40 stanzas of Hanuman Chalisa in praise of Hanuman.The worship of Hanuman symbolizes the worship of the Supreme Lord, for acquiring knowledge, physical and mental strength, truthfulness, sincerity, selflessness, humility, loyalty, and profound devotion to the Lord. Students pray to him for intelligence and soldiers for strength. In olden days, there used to be temples of Hanumantha, at the gates of forts. The gymnasium of wrestlers invariably have his picture. Hanuman Jayanti is the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman. One cannot understand Hindu Dharma unless one knows Hanuman.

Shri Hanuman was born of Anjani and Maruti with the blessing of 'Vayu', the wind god. Because of this he is also known as Anjaneya and Marutinandan. According to the Dravidian system, his birth was in the Dhanu month on Amavasya at the time of the Mool Nakshatra star. However the Aryans believe him to be born at 4 o'clock in the morning on the 8th of the Lunar month Chaitra on a Tuesday, considered to an auspicious day.

From his birth onwards, he exhibited extraordinary physical strength and worked many miracles. There are various instances in the scriptures about his childhood.Once as a child, looking at the sun Anjaneya thought it was a fruit. He flew up to eat it, and swallowed the sun. The universe plunged into darkness. Angered by his action, Lord Indra attacked Anjaneya with his 'Vajrayudha' (dangerous weapon). Anjaneya was hurt on his chin (known as 'Hanu' in sanskrit). This is how he got the name Hanuman, which is his most commonly used name. Seeing his son hurt, the wind god Pavan was very upset and threatened to withdraw 'Pranvayu' (life giving air - oxygen) from the Universe. Terrified by this threat the gods came to appease 'Vayu'. They each conferred a boon upon the little Hanumanta. He was blessed with courage, superhuman strength and valour. Another fable related to Hanumantha's childhood relates to his strength. As a child, Hanumantha was mischievous and this resulted in a Rishi putting a curse on him. The curse was that even though Hanumanji had superhuman strength, he would not remember this until another individual reminded him of it. It was hence that when the time for crossing Lanka arose, only when Hanumanji was reminded of his ability to fly across the ocean that he remembered the same.

Main idol of Salasar balaji Temple: The principal deity of the temple is Hanuman who receives veneration of millions of devotees here along with other deities. The idol of Balaji here is different from all other idols of Hanuman. Unlike other projections and idols of Hanuman, Balaji possess round face with moustache and beard,tilak on forehead, beautiful eyes and knotty eyebrows. it the most unique idol among the other idols of Hanuman all over the world.

Legend and Stories

310 years ago, Thakur “Banwaridasji” was living in a village name as Naurangsar of Churu District (Rajasthan). His son “Tulsiramji” had four sons, out of which “Salam Singh” was the eldest. All the four brothers use to live in different villages named Naurangsar, Tidaki, Jiluliyasar and Salamsar respectively. The place where Salam Singh started residing was renamed as “Salamsar” which is now known as Salasar. In the same village there was a saint whose name was Pandit Sukhramji who uses to do agricultural work for Thakurs of Ravasa and also various other religious works. Pandit Sukhramji got married to Kanhi Deviji who was daughter of Pandit Lachhiramji, residence of Rulyani village.

Within a few years Pandit Sukhramji earned lots of respect and money. He also became father of a son. He was living happily with his family, but unfortunately he died when his son was only 5 year old. After her husband death, Kanhi deviji shifted to her in laws place at Rulyani village along with her son Uday. Pandit Lachiramji Patodia had 6 sons and 1 daughter. His youngest son Mohandasji was devotee of Hanumanji from childhood. At Mohandasji naming ceremony (Naamkaran) astrologers had predicted that he will become a great saint, who’ll be known for his deeds worldwide. Since childhood, he use to spend most of his time doing meditation as a result, he started departing from his family and the world.Mohandasji Shifted to Salasar:After few years, Kanhi deviji decided to settle down at Salasar where her husband used to live. All 5 brother of Kanhi deviji refused to stay at Salasar saying that they had their families and moreover they cannot eat anything at their sister’s place. At that moment Mohandasji with intention of helping her sister till his son attain adulthood also left Rulyani village and started staying with his sister at Salasar.

Soon with his efforts he made his sister’s agricultural field extremely fertile. After few years his nephew Uday got married with a pleasant daughter of a bhrahmin of Ratau village (Distt. Nagaur). After marriage, with the advent of newly-wed daughter in law, money started flowing to Kanhi devi’s residence. They use help people by giving foods to needy, water to thirsty, place for rest to traveler etc. No beggar was returned empty handed from their home. They received blessings from all, as the donation done with the thought of charity, gives quadrupled results.

One day during monsoons, when Mohandasji was doing agricultural work at that time Hanumanji himself appeared and restrained Mohandasji from doing this activity and direct him to start devoting his life toward meditation. However Mohandasji still tried to concentrate and do his agricultural work but Hanumanji ensured that Mohandasji failed every time. Udayramji was watching all this from far he was surprised by what his uncle was doing. He then went to his uncle and asked if his health was not fine he should take rest. At this Mohandasji said that there’s some god hounding him and not letting him work. When Udayramji went to home in evening he told his mother about the incident.

At this Kanhideviji decided to get Mohandasji married, as she thought marriage will bind him to the world, else he will become a celibate. Whenever Kanhideviji use to discuss about marriage with MohandasJi, she got only refusal. But she thought her brother is refusing due to hesitation, so she kept on searching for a good life partner. After much effort engagement got fixed. By selling grains at cheap price, gold jewelries were made for the engagement, and the mediator was sent to the girl’s house for marriage rituals. But before the mediator could reach the girl’s house, the girl died. Mohandasji had predicted this earlier. Everyone was shocked with his knowledge. After this incident, Kanhideviji dropped the thought of her brother’s marriage, and devoted herself to The Almighty. Mohandasji remained bachelor throughout his life became a passionate almighty follower.Lord Hanuman visit to Kanhidevi’s house:Just as devotees wish to see god, similarly God also desire to meet his devotees. After few years, Hanumanji visited Kanhideviji’s residence disguised as monk and asked for alms. At that time, Kanhideviji was making food for her son and brother. Hence she got delayed in giving the alms. As she went to her door for donation, she could not see anyone. She returned inside her home but had a feeling of the same sage inside. At that moment, Mohandasji told her that the monk was Hanumanji himself, who came to meet us. So Kanhideviji urged to her brother to meet God. After about two months, again the same episode repeated. God Hanumanji disguised as monk came to their place and remarked – “Narayan Hari, Narayan Hari”.

Kanhideviji told Mohandaasji that there’s a saint standing outside our home. At this, when Mohandasji went to meet the saint, he saw Hanumanji retreating.Mohandasji followed Hanumanji, and after a long run, he took hold of Hanuman’s feet firmly. At this Hanumanji said, don’t follow me son, I am pleased with your selfless devotion, tell me your wish. At this Mohandasji demanded that Hanumanji must come to her sister’s place and stay there with them. Hanumanji said that I’ll definitely come along with you provided I am given a sacred place to sit and only Kheer (sweet made with milk and rice) and churma (sweet made with chapatti ) mixed with sugar to eat. When Mohandasji assured all, Hanumanji followed him to his sister’s place, sat and had Kheer and Churma. After satisfying his tasting buds, he rested on a bed specially prepared for him. After experiencing this brother & sister love, he told Kanhideviji and Mohandasji – “No one will ever try to win me with money. I’ll accept whatever is given to me with love, and also bestow the required wishes to all my devotees as and when asked for.” After saying all this, Hanumanji disappeared. After this incident Mohandasji left his sister’s home and started residing in a cottage made on top of a sand dune outside the village. There he engrossed himself in Hanumanji.Mohandasji’s Miracles

God’s true devotee isolates himself from worldly illusion and practice meditation. Thought hurdles do occur due to mundane activities of world, yet his heart’s cord with god never breaks. They become isolated by nature, as they realize devotion is only possible in isolation. As they transform into a secluded person, worldly people mistake them as “Mad”. This is the reason why Mohandasji was also known as “Baavaliya“(Rajasthani word for mad). To avoid conflicts of all worldly thirst, Mohandasji use to sit in a secluded area under a Shami tree and meditate.

Once when Mohandasji was meditating under this tree flourished with fruits, one boy climbed the tree and started to pluck the fruits. But during this process few fruits dropped on Mohandasji, and he got afraid that it might be some bird who was trying to pluck the fruits got hurt. So, he opened his eyes and saw the boy standing in front of him. He inquired why the boy was here. Boy replied it was his father’s wish to have the fruits of this tree. Despite her mother’s refusal, his father sent him to pluck the fruits stating that the “Mad” saint was no harm to them. Mohandasji thereby warned the boy that his father would die if he had these fruits. As his father ignored saintly words, he died. Hence he got the punishment of his contempt.

Salasar Village was under Bikaner state at that time and it was run by Thakurs. Salasar and nearby village called Shobhasar was ruled by Dheeraj Singh.Out of nowhere, a unknown dacoit accompanied by hundreds of riders came in close proximity with Salasar. At dawn the dacoit decided to camp nearby Salasar and ordered some of his riders to get the food and beverages from Salasar and if the people refuse to provide, he ordered to kill them. As the Thakur came to know about it, they got extremely scared and went to Mohandasji for help. Mohandasji assured them about their safety, and asked them to blow the enemy’s flag before they enter the village. Thakur’s did exactly what he said and they were saved by god’s grace. After this incident Thakur Salam Singh’s devotion towards Hanumanji increased manifold and so did his trust in Mohandasji. In this way Mohandasji saved life of villagers several times from epidemics in miraculous way by his truthfulness and god’s grace.Foundation stone of Salasar Temple:In year 1811 Mohandasji decided and pledged to construct a temple for Hanumanji. To accomplish the same he asked Thakur Salam Singh to get the idol from his father in law, who was Asota’s Thakur.

After few days in the morning during sunrise, a Jat farmer in Asota while plowing his field suddenly got his plow stuck and heard a hitting sound. So he digged that area and saw a statue, but due to disregard he neglected that statue. In few minutes he started suffering from an awful abdominal pain, and due to this pain he had to lie down and soon went asleep. During mid-day he explained the story to his wife, who was very wise. So she cleans the stone statue with her saree. After cleaning she saw that the stone statue was divine and was graved with Ram –Lakshman on Hanumanji’s shoulder. So with great faith and devotion she took the idol near the root of the tree and installed it there. After this she offered the churma and prayed to the idol. Then a miracle happened. The farmer who was suffering from abdominal pain suddenly became absolutely fine and started doing his regular farm work.

This incident became extremely popular. And so listening to all the philosophies Thakur of Asota desired to worship the idol, and after worshipping the idol he brought the idol in his palace.

While sleeping, at midnight, in his dream Hanumanji himself appeared and asked him to immediately send the idol to Salasar. When the day dawned, Thakur sent the idol of Hanumanji in his personal bull cart with security while chanting Hanumanji’s name, at Salasar. At the same night Mohandasji dreamt of Hanumanji, and in his dream Hanumanji told him that to fulfill the promise given to you I am coming as a self statuesque black stone, which Thakur of Asota will be sending in his security. You establish the idol on this sand dune in presence of Thakur Salam Singh. As he got the order in his dream, he got up early next morning, and after doing his daily routine activity he went in the village to tell all the villagers about it. And then taking all the villagers he started walking to Asota chanting Hanumanji’s name, to welcome his idol. All villagers followed him chanting the name and dancing. After few miles, near Pavalok pond, the devotee and The God met. Followed by this meeting, the bull cart went on to the way towards Salasar on its own.

After reaching Salasar a problem occurred as people could not decide where the idol should get established. At this Mohandasji said – let the cart find its own way. And then cart after walking few steps stopped at a place on the sand dune, and that is where the idol was established and small temple for Hanumanji was constructed.

In 1811, Mohandasji while meditating got so connected with god that tears started pouring from his eyes. In this state of bliss, he started to adorn Hanumanji’s Idol with vermillion (sindoor) and ghee. Among the various rituals which are performed today at the temple are Aarti once at morning 4 am which is known as Mangala Aarti, once at evening 10pm which is known as Sandhya Aarti. The timing of these aarti gets changed to 5 am and 9 pm during winters. During afternoon Hanumanji is given dry fruits as bhoog which is then distributed among the various devotees presented there at that time.

Festivals And Fairs

Fairs

1.Sri Hanuman Jayanti / Chaitra shukla Chaturdashi and Purnima: Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated on the 9th day of the bright half of Shrawan. It's the day of foundation of the idol.

2.Ashvin Shukla Chaturdashi and Purnima: The fair is also witnessed by millions of devotees.

3.Bhaadra Shukla Chaturdashi and Purnima: This fair is as attractive as the rest fairs. Free food and sweet drinks are distributed to all.

Festivals

1.Baba Mohan Das Shradh

2.Stapana Divas of Balaji Mandir

3.Gangore Mela

4.Rewadi Ekadashi

5.Janmasthmi

6.Maha Shivratri

Rituals

1.Coconut Tying: Of many rituals and traditions performed at the temple, the most widely followed is the tying of coconuts with moli (sacred red threads) in the temple premises by a large number of devotees. It is widely believed that such practice helps them to fulfill their wishes, if done with sincere faith. The practice was originated by the Jagirdar of Sikar, Rao Raja Devi Singh. Devi Singh did not have a son. He heard about Balaji and came to this place and tied a coconut on a tree to fulfill his wish of having a son. He was later blessed with a handicapped son Rao Raja Laxman Singh after ten months. Thus the custom of tying coconuts to fulfill wishes continues at the temple from that time on wards.

2.Also, an interesting ceremony known as ‘Jadula’ (also done at Khatu Shyam temple) in which a child’s hair is shaven for the first time takes place here.

Timings

The temple is open to devotees from early morning 4:00 am till 10:00 pm in the night. However, the temple is not closed at all on some special occasions such as Hanuman Jayanti, as the number of pilgrims visiting the place reaches millions on one single day.

Prasad & Offering

The other widely followed practice is the offering of food (weighing up to 50 kg) by the devotees to their deity, referred to as Savamani. The term "Savamani" is derived from the word "Sava" meaning one and a quarter in Hindi and the word "Mun" or "Maund", a mass unit weighing about 40 kg; thus adding the total up to 50 kg. Though the food is mostly prepared by the cooks of the temple kitchens, the process is now being outsourced to several independent shopkeepers & food-caterers due to the increasing number of offerings every day. Several delicacies like Dal, Baati, Churma, Boondi, Peda & Laddu is chosen for Savamani. The food after first being offered to the deity, is later used as part of family celebrations, distributed over to family and relatives or donated to the needy. Chirawa Peda is offered as Prasad to Balaji at Balaji Mandir, Salasar.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit is on Hamuman Jayanti. Other options include every Sunday, and in terms of months, Jan, Feb, Mar, Sep, Oct, Nov and Dec. A visit takes about an hour in all.

Rare Facts

It is believed that drinking water of the wells of the Salasar is due to the blessings of the Balaji. One of the noteworthy attribute of this temple is the “Hari kirtan” (continuous chanting of name of Lord Rama) which goes on 24/7 since 20 years. Dhunia (holy fire lit by him) of Mohandasji still continues to burn inside the temple. The devotees consider it sacred and eating a bit of it is believed to cure all diseases. Some take it back home as it brings good luck and prosperity.The devotees consider it sacred and eating a bit of it is believed to cure all diseases. Some take it back home as it brings good luck and prosperity. Witnessing the “Shri Hari phal” (Coconut tying) tree is a thrilling experience in itself and strengthens one’s belief in the magical power of Lord Salasar Balaji. The idol of Balaji here is different from all other idols of Lord Hanumana. Hanumana possess round face with moustache and beard making it the most unique idol among the other idols of Hanumana all over the world.

Others

Entry Fee:No entry fee.
Photography Charges: Not allowed in prayer hall.
Languages:Rajasthani, English, Hindi

Accessibility

One can either land at Delhi or Jaipur from any part of the country by Rail / Road / Air and from there, one can reach Salasar Balaji.Location:Salasar is in district Churu (Rajasthan) It is situated on the Jaipur - Bikaner highway, and is 57 kilometres from Sikar and 24 kilometers from Sujangarh. Salasar is in Sujangarh Panchayat Samity. Indian Airlines and Jet Air are having flights up to Jaipur, from where it is 3.5 hours drive in Taxi or Bus. Daily bus services from Delhi - Jaipur - Delhi are operated by DTC, Haryana Roadways and Rajasthan Roadways. Jaipur is the nearest railhead to Salasar Balaji.

Address

Shri Balaji Ki Dhani,
Juliasar, Salasar Laxmangarh Road,
District Sikar,
Rajasthan 331506,
India