Visit Salasar Balaji Temple in Salasar, Rajasthan (2024)

Located in the Salasar town in the Churu district of the Indian state of Rajasthan, the Salasar Balaji Temple is one such religious gem which you can visit. This temple is one of the most significant religious spots across India, especially for all the devotees of Lord Hanuman. Standing right in the heart of the small town of Salasar, this temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman who is worshipped here by the name of Balaji. If you are planning a trip to this beautiful temple but still wish to know more about it, then you have arrived at just the right place. In this article, we have gathered some important information about the temple for you. Continue reading to know more!

Overview of the Salasar Balaji Temple, Salasar

Also known by the name of Salasari Dham by the locals, which literally translates to the Place of Power, Salasar Balaji Templeattracts devotees from all parts of the country. It is a part of the religious circuit of centres of Rani Sati Dadiji in Jhunjhunu and Khatu Shyamji temple. All of these are prime religious spots to visit in Rajasthan and are located in close proximity to each other. The thing which makes this temple stand apart from the rest of the temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman throughout the country is its idol.

Of all of the idols of Lord Hanuman found in India, the one at Salasar Balaji is considered to be pretty unique because it is round in shape and has a bearded face along with a moustache. Apart from the physical appearance of the idol, this idol is deemed to be swayambhu which in simpler words mean that it was not handcrafted by any other person but was created of its own accord.

It is due to the self – manifestation of the holy idol of the primary deity that the Salasar Balaji Templeis believed to be a shakti sthal or a place of power. There is a wide belief among devotees that if one visits Salasar Balaji Templeand offers prayers with truth and sincerity in their hearts, then the almighty fulfils the wishes of its worshippers.

In fact, over the years, the temple is applauded for several miracles as well. There is another myth about Salasar Balaji Temple, according to which it is said that the drinking water in the wells of the Salasar town is there because of the grace and blessings of Lord Hanuman himself. Over the course of the year, a plethora of fairs are organised in the Salasar Balaji Templepremises on auspicious occasions. These fairs attract as many as 6 to 7 lakh devotees from all over the country, sometimes.

History and Legends of the Salasar Balaji Temple, Salasar

Talking about the history of the Salasar ji Temple, this top tourist place to visit in Rajasthan boasts of one interesting past. Though there are a plenty of stories behind the origin of the swayambhu or self – created Salasar Balaji idol, but according to one of the most popular legends, it is said that it was long back in the year 1811 that on a Saturday, Shraavana Shukla Navami Samvat, a jat farmer in a village of Asia was ploughing his field and a miracle occurred. While ploughing, the farmer suddenly struck a stone–like structure coincidently which created a resonating sound. As he went to further examine the source of the sound, he found a sand covered idol of a bearded and moustached Lord Hanuman. He showed the idol to his wife and soon the news of this miraculous discovery spread far and wide. It also reached the ears of Thakur of Asota and that very same night, Lord Balaji is believed to himself appear in Thakur’s dream. He demanded that the idol should be sent to Salasar. That same night, the lord appeared in the dreams of another devotee and asked him to consecrate at the place of the idol. 

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There is another slightly varying version of this story according to which when Thakur had this divine dream, he bought two bulls, built a cart and kept the idol safely in the cart. After that, he left the bulls to roam around anywhere and said that wherever they stopped will be the place where the temple for the idol will be constructed. It is said that the place where the bulls stopped is the place where you see the grand temple today. That place was then named Salasar and this magnificent temple was constructed long back in 1754 AD.

Architecture of the Salasar Balaji Temple, Salasar

Built after a divine dream in which Lord Balaji himself commanded the temple for this idol to be constructed by Mohandas Maharaj, the Salasar Balaji temple was initially built as a mud – stone temple with the help of Muslim artisans Noora and Dau. It was later that the temple was rebuilt in concrete structure with the help of successor of Sikar Jagirdar Rao Devi Singh. Later the temple was again renovated and given its current magnificent structure by the descendants of Mohandas, Kaniram and Ishwardas. It is said that it took 2 long years to construct this huge temple complex using bricks, cement, white marble, stones and lime mortar.

As you explore this popular temple of Rajasthan, you will notice that the wide prayer hall or the Sabha Mandap and the Sanctum Sanctorum or Garbha Griha are beautiful structures. Covered with beautiful artistic works made of gold and silver, the parikrama path of the temple is built from elegant white marble. The sanctum sanctorum sports a mesmerising floral decoration along with a stunning mosaic work done in gold and silver. The various utensils that are used in the pooja rituals, vestibule and the doors of the temple are also made up of pure silver. Currently the Salasar Balaji temple is maintained and administered by the trust ‘Hanuman Sewa Samiti’.

Opening hours of the Salasar Balaji Temple, Salasar

The Salasar Balaji Temple opens for public visitors right from early morning hours and remains open till late evening hours. You can visit the temple anytime from 4 AM till 10 PM. The temple is open on all days of the week, so you can visit it anytime. Though one can visit the temple anytime throughout the year, but it is on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti that the temple remains close for visitors. On an average, a visitor spends about 1 to 2 hours exploring the huge complex of the Salasar Balaji Temple. It is always better to have some extra time in hand to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and religious aura. 

Entry Fee of the Salasar Balaji Temple, Salasar

Apart from its religious significance, the best part about the Salasar Balaji Temple is that it allows its visitors to visit the temple, offer their prayers and seek blessings from the almighty all for free. In other words, all those who wish to visit the Salasar Balaji temple don’t have to pay any entry fee.

Best Time To Visit The Salasar Balaji Temple, Salasar

The temple remains open throughout the year and hence witnesses a huge flow of devotees and travellers always. Despite that, it is during the time of Chaitra Purnima and Ashvin Purnima that the crowd at the temple complex is just overwhelming. These days are considered to be extremely holy and hence many devotees visit the temple to pay their offerings to the primary deity. Other than that, when considering the climatic conditions, like the rest of the state, the place experiences a comparatively hot and dry summer season. It is best to avoid the scorching heat of the summer, thereby making the winter season the best time to visit Salasar Balaji Temple. Apart from the season, visiting the temple at the time of any festival or fair is also a good idea, especially if you wish the place to be at its peak beauty. 

How to Reach Salasar Balaji Temple, Salasar?

If you are worried about reaching the temple, then don’t be because the Churu district is well – connected with many nearby cities. You can easily reach the place through multiple means of transports including airways, railways and even roadways. Some of the best ways to reach Salasar Balaji Temple are as follows:

1. By Air: The nearest airport is the Jaipur Airport which is located at a distance of about 218 from the district. This airport offers flights connecting the place to many major cities of the country.
2. By Rail: The central railway station connecting the Churu district to the rest of the country is the Churu Junction. This railway station provides a plenty of trains from major cities like Jaipur, Bikaner, Delhi, etc. to Churu. Moreover, since it is located not far away from the temple, you can easily use any public means of transport available to reach the temple.
3. By Road: The temple is located about 165 km away from Jaipur. Since the road condition is excellent, you can travel by personal vehicle too.

Owing to its immense religious significance and an interesting history, this temple receives a vast number of devotees throughout the course of the year. Salasar Balaji Templeis one beautiful place and is rightly considered as one of the top tourist places to visit in Rajasthan.