Mehandipur Balaji Temple is a famous religious site located in the Karauli-Dausa region of Rajasthan. This temple is renowned for its natural beauty, sacred atmosphere, and unique idol. Here, Balaji Maharaj, Pret Raj Sarkar, and Bhairav Kotwal are worshipped.
Menhdipur Balaji: In India, Hanuman Ji is worshipped by various names, and one of the famous names among them is Balaji. Situated between the Karauli and Dausa districts of Rajasthan, Mehandipur Balaji Temple is a prominent religious site among them. This temple is famous throughout the country for its natural beauty, sacred atmosphere, and unique religious significance.
Historical and Religious Significance of the Temple
Mehandipur Balaji Temple appeared approximately 1008 years ago. Here, three deities are paramount—Shri Balaji Maharaj, Shri Pret Raj Sarkar, and Shri Bhairav Kotwal. Since their establishment, twelve Mahants have dedicated their lives to the service and worship of this temple. Currently, three Mahants—Sarv Shri Ganesh Puri Ji Maharaj, Shri Kishore Puri Ji Maharaj, and Shri Naresh Puri Ji Maharaj—are the servants of the temple.
During the time of the first Mahant, Shri Ganesh Puri Ji Maharaj, the form of the temple not only became religiously rich but also witnessed the construction of the town and Dharamshalas (rest houses). This period is called the golden era of the temple's history.
Natural Environment
Mehandipur Balaji Temple is situated between two hills, which makes it extremely attractive and delightful. The atmosphere here is pure and natural. The dense thickets and the greenery of the hills provide peace and contentment to the minds of the devotees. Initially, this place was a dense and rugged forest, inhabited by leopards, panthers, and other wild animals.
The Mystery of the Idol
The biggest feature of this temple is its unique idol. It was not created by any artist; rather, it is a natural part of the mountain itself. At the feet of this idol is a small Kund (reservoir), the water of which never runs out. Also, a continuous thin stream of water flows from below the chest on the left side of Balaji Maharaj, which never dries up under any circumstances. This natural miracle provides a wonderful experience for the devotees.
The Reputation of Balaji Maharaj and the Miracle of the Chola
In Vikram Samvat 1979, the Chola (sacred garment) of Shri Balaji Maharaj was changed. The old Chola was taken by devotees in carts to be immersed in the Ganges. At Mandawar railway station, railway officials wanted to weigh it, considering it as luggage, but the weight of the Chola repeatedly increased and decreased. Eventually, the officials gave up and the Chola was respectfully offered into the Ganges. On this occasion, Havan (sacrificial fire), Brahmin Bhojan (feeding of Brahmins), and recitation of religious texts were performed. A new light emerged in the new Chola, which spread the light of faith throughout India.
Rules for Darshan and Worship
Devotees need to follow some special rules to visit Mehandipur Balaji:
- One should abstain from meat, eggs, alcohol, and other tamasic (non-vegetarian) things at least one week before the visit.
- The visit should begin with Pret Raj Sarkar, and Pret Raj Chalisa should be recited.
- After this, visit Balaji Maharaj and recite Hanuman Chalisa.
- Finally, visit Bhairav Kotwal and recite Bhairav Chalisa.
- One should not take or give any item or Prasad (offering) from anyone in the temple complex.
- Never look back while coming and going.
- Entry into the temple is possible only with the permission of Baba.
Offerings and Significance of the Deities
- Balaji Maharaj: Balaji Maharaj is the king of Mehandipur and an incarnation of Lord Shiva. He is offered Laddoos (sweet balls).
- Bhairav Kotwal: Bhairav Baba is the commander of Balaji Maharaj's army and is also known as Kotwal Captain. He is fond of Dahi Bhalle (lentil fritters in yogurt), Jalebi (sweet pretzels), and Gulgule (sweet fritters) made from Urad Dal (black lentil).
- Pret Raj Sarkar: Pret Raj Sarkar is the magistrate of Balaji Maharaj's court. He has the authority to punish evil spirits. He is fond of cooked rice and Kheer (rice pudding).
Means of Reaching Mehandipur Balaji
Mehandipur Balaji is situated on the Delhi-Jaipur-Ajmer-Ahmedabad railway line. The nearest railway station is Bandikui Junction, which is approximately 30 kilometers away from the temple. Buses, jeeps, and taxis are available 24 hours from the station to the temple.
In addition, buses going from Agra, Mathura, Vrindavan, and Aligarh to Jaipur stop at the Mehdipur Balaji turn. Thus, it is easy to reach here from various parts of the country.
A Center of Faith and Belief
Mehandipur Balaji Temple is not just a religious site; it is a center of faith and belief. Devotees who come here not only get rid of the difficulties of their lives but also attain spiritual peace and mental satisfaction. The natural environment, greenery, and mountainous topography around the temple make this experience even more wonderful.
Devotees believe that by the grace of Balaji Maharaj, evil spirits are destroyed, and happiness and prosperity come into life. Every year, millions of devotees come here and pray wholeheartedly for the fulfillment of their wishes.
Cultural Significance of Mehandipur Balaji
The importance of the temple is not limited to the religious point of view. Its cultural and historical value is also immense. The architecture of the temple and the services of the Mahants are living symbols of local culture and traditions. During religious festivals and fairs, the atmosphere here becomes extremely lively and devotional.
Mehandipur Balaji Temple is a precious gem of the religious and cultural heritage of Rajasthan. The amazing natural scenery, sacred stream, and unique idol here provide a unique experience for the devotees. With the service and devotion of Balaji Maharaj, Pret Raj Sarkar, and Bhairav Kotwal, this place has become a center of spiritual energy.
