About Mehandipur Balaji Temple
Mehandipur Balaji Temple is a well-known Hanuman temple in Dausa district, Rajasthan, near the border with Karauli district and about 100 km from Jaipur. Lord Hanuman is worshipped here as Balaji, alongside Pretraj Sarkar (the king of spirits) and Bhairav, known here as Kotwal Kaptan. The temple is famous among devotees who come seeking relief from what they believe are negative spiritual influences (sankat or bhoot-pret badha). It draws thousands of visitors daily, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
The image of Balaji is believed by devotees to be self-manifested (swayambhu), emerging from the rock of the Aravalli hills. Local tradition holds that the deity revealed itself in a dream to an ancestor of the temple's priestly family, who then began worship here. Over the centuries the shrine grew into an important centre of faith. The temple's prayers and rituals for those in distress make it unique among Hanuman temples.
The temple sits in a narrow valley between hills, with the shrines of Balaji, Pretraj Sarkar and Bhairav inside. The atmosphere can be intense, as you may see people in distress taking part in rituals. Offerings are commonly made as 'darkhast' and 'arzi', and many visitors stay for several days for prayers.
Mehandipur Balaji Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from early morning (around 6:00 AM) to night (around 9:00 PM), with closures around aarti and bhog times. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning Aarti | Early morning |
| Evening Aarti | Around sunset |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Mehandipur Balaji Temple
By air
Jaipur International Airport, about 100–110 km away.
By train
Bandikui Junction is about 35–40 km away.
By road
The temple is reached from the Jaipur–Agra highway (NH21); buses and taxis run from Jaipur, Dausa and Bandikui.
Festivals at Mehandipur Balaji Temple
- Hanuman JayantiMar/Apr
- HoliMar
- DussehraSep/Oct
- DiwaliOct/Nov
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing recommended.
- Entry
- Open to all with no entry fee. Devotees follow well-known customs: prasad offered here is not eaten or taken home, visitors avoid looking back when leaving, and many avoid onion, garlic and non-vegetarian food during the visit.
- Do not eat the prasad offered at the temple or carry it home, as per local custom.
- Avoid talking to or touching people undergoing rituals, and respect their privacy.
- Photography is not appropriate inside; keep your phone away.
- Tuesdays and Saturdays are very crowded.
Places to visit near Mehandipur Balaji Temple
- Abhaneri Chand BaoriSpectacular ancient stepwell, about 40–50 km away
- Bhangarh FortRuined 17th-century fort, about 70–80 km away
- Dausa TownDistrict headquarters, about 50 km away
- Kaila Devi TempleMajor goddess temple in Karauli district, about 100 km away
Frequently asked questions
What are the Mehandipur Balaji timings?
The temple usually opens around 6:00 AM and closes around 9:00 PM, with short breaks around aarti and bhog. Check locally.
What are the rules at Mehandipur Balaji?
By tradition, visitors do not eat or take home the prasad offered there, avoid looking back when leaving, and many avoid onion, garlic and non-vegetarian food during the visit.
Which deities are worshipped at Mehandipur Balaji?
Balaji (Hanuman), Pretraj Sarkar and Bhairav (Kotwal Kaptan).
How far is Mehandipur Balaji from Jaipur?
It is about 100 km from Jaipur by road.
What is the aarti time at Mehandipur Balaji Temple?
Morning Aarti: Early morning; Evening Aarti: Around sunset. Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Mehandipur Balaji Temple?
Modest traditional clothing recommended.
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