Salasar Balaji Templeसालासर बालाजी मंदिर

About Salasar Balaji Temple

The Salasar Balaji Temple stands at the heart of the small town of Salasar in Churu district, in the sandy Shekhawati country of northern Rajasthan. The town lies close to Sujangarh, on the highway that links Jaipur and Bikaner. Here Lord Hanuman is worshipped as Balaji, and the temple has grown into one of the busiest Hanuman shrines in north India. Families come throughout the year to pray for health, success and protection, and to make offerings in fulfilment of vows. During the two great annual fairs the town fills with lakhs of pilgrims, many of whom arrive on foot carrying flags.

According to tradition, a farmer of Asota village was ploughing his field when the plough struck a stone image of Hanuman. His wife had brought him a lunch of bajra churma, and the farmer offered it to the newly found image; offering churma to Balaji has remained a custom ever since. That same night, the story goes, Hanuman appeared in dreams to the local landlord and to Mohandas, a devotee living in Salasar, asking that the image be taken to Salasar. The installation is remembered as having taken place on a Tuesday, the ninth day of the bright half of Shravan, and the temple dates its founding to 1754. Devotees believe Mohandas had seen Hanuman with a beard and moustache, and the image is worshipped in that form.

The present temple is a large, much-extended complex that has grown around the original shrine over the centuries. Visitors pass through busy lanes of shops selling prasad, coconuts and red flags before reaching the main hall, where the deity sits with a round face framed by a beard and moustache, richly dressed and covered in sindoor. Long queues are common, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The memory of the founder is still honoured with an evening aarti in the name of Mohandas, and a separate temple to Anjani Mata, the mother of Hanuman, lies a short distance away in the same town.

Salasar Balaji Temple timings & aarti

Usually open from about 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with a very early Mangala aarti. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.

Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.

How to reach Salasar Balaji Temple

Festivals at Salasar Balaji Temple

• Chaitra Purnima fair (Hanuman Jayanti)Mar/Apr
• Ashwin Purnima fairSep/Oct
• Ram NavamiMar/Apr
• Foundation day (Shravan Shukla Navami)Jul/Aug

Visitor tips

Dress code

Modest traditional or simple clothing is advised; cover shoulders and knees.

Entry

Free. Prasad such as churma and coconuts can be bought from shops outside.

• Tuesdays, Saturdays and the two Purnima fairs draw very large crowds; arrive early in the morning.
• Churma is the traditional offering to Balaji here.
• Carry water and sun protection in summer, as the region gets extremely hot.
• Visit the Anjani Mata temple in Salasar on the same trip.

Places to visit near Salasar Balaji Temple

• Anjani Mata TempleTemple to Hanuman's mother in Salasar, about 2 km away
• SujangarhNearest town and railway station, about 27 km away
• ChuruDistrict town known for its painted havelis, about 79 km away

Frequently asked questions