Salasar Balaji Temple is a sacred Hanuman temple located in the Churu district of Rajasthan. Here, Hanuman Ji is offered 'Churma' (a sweet dish). Large fairs are organized every year in the months of Chaitra and Ashwin. The temple is significant from a religious, cultural, and social perspective. Devotees come for special prayers on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Salazar Balaji: A prominent Hindu temple located near Sujangarh in the Churu district of Rajasthan, it is considered an extremely sacred place for devotees of Lord Hanuman. This temple is situated in the center of Salasar town, and thousands of devotees visit it every year for worship and darshan (holy viewing). The temple is famous for its historical, religious, and cultural significance.
In the temple, devotees especially offer Chuda and Churma to Hanuman Ji. The reverence for Salasar Balaji Temple is so deep that people come from far and wide to visit it every Tuesday and Saturday. Additionally, two large fairs are organized in Salasar every year. The first fair is in the month of Chaitra (March–April) and the second fair is in the month of Ashwin (September–October). These fairs are a major part of the temple's devotion, cultural programs, and religious events.
Location and Accessibility of the Temple
Salasar Balaji Temple is located near the town of Sujangarh in the state of Rajasthan. This temple is easily accessible by road as it is located on the Jaipur-Bikaner Highway. Salasar town is situated in the western part of Rajasthan, and local bus service, taxis, and private vehicles are available to get here.
There are also small markets and charitable facilities around the temple, which makes this area very convenient for devotees coming from far and wide. Salasar Balaji Temple is not only religiously significant but also holds an important place from a tourism and cultural perspective.
History of Salasar Balaji Temple
The history of Salasar Balaji Temple is very interesting and religiously significant. According to local folklore and religious texts, this temple was established due to an extraordinary event.
According to the story, a Ginthala Jat farmer in Asota village, Rajasthan, was plowing his field a long time ago. As he was plowing, the plow struck something and stopped. When the farmer looked, he saw a stone.
With great curiosity, the farmer dug up the soil and found that the stone was actually an idol of Hanuman Ji, whom people know as Balaji. At the same time, the farmer's wife brought food for her husband. She had made Bajre ka Churma (millet sweet), which the farmer offered to Hanuman Ji as a prasad (offering). Since this incident, offering Churma at Salasar Balaji Temple has become a mandatory and traditional ritual.
This incident happened on the Navami (9th day) of the month of Shravan. That day was Tuesday, which is considered a special day for Hanuman Ji. After this incident, the farmer told everyone in the village about this amazing event.
Divine Message and Dream
The story has an even more interesting twist. It is said that on the same day, the landlord of that area also had a divine dream. In the dream, Hanuman Ji instructed him to install the idol in a temple in Salasar.
In the dream, Mohandas, a resident of Salasar, also had a vision of Hanuman Ji, who told him to bring the idol from Asota to Salasar and install it here. Thus, according to both divine messages, the idol was brought to Salasar and installed, and this temple was built.
Architecture and Key Features of the Temple
The architecture of Salasar Balaji Temple is built in the traditional Rajasthani style. The temple is constructed of stone and brick. The idol of Hanuman Ji is installed in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. The idol is red in color, and a special expression of devotion is visible on its face.
Devotees who come to the temple especially get to see and experience two things:
- Grand Sanctum Sanctorum: Where the idol of Hanuman Ji is installed.
- Organization of Religious and Cultural Fairs: Fairs held during the months of Chaitra and Ashwin.
In the main hall of the temple, many small religious symbols and pictures related to the life of Lord Hanuman are installed. Besides this, devotional music and Kirtan (devotional songs) are organized regularly in the temple.
Major Festivals of Salasar Balaji Temple
Two major religious fairs are organized every year at Salasar Balaji Temple. Devotees from all over the country and abroad come to these fairs.
- Chaitra Fair (March–April): Grand religious events are organized around the temple in this fair. Devotees organize Bhajans (devotional songs), Kirtans, and Hanuman Chalisa recitations.
- Ashwin Fair (September–October): In this fair, special worship and Prasad distribution of Hanuman Ji are done. Many cultural programs are also organized here.
Apart from this, devotees of Hanuman Ji come for special prayers and Aarti (prayer ritual) on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Importance of Worship at Salasar Balaji Temple
Worship of Hanuman Ji has special significance in the temple. Devotees believe that the worship and offerings here are very dear to Hanuman Ji. The Churma offered to Hanuman Ji has especially become the identity of this temple.
Devotees say that by worshiping at Salasar Balaji Temple, health, wealth, and mental peace are attained. Besides this, this place is also considered a source of spiritual power for the devotees.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
There are many tourist attractions near Salasar Balaji Temple as well. These include traditional villages of Rajasthan, desert views, and local markets. Tourists visiting the surrounding area can also experience the culture and folk life of Rajasthan along with their religious journey.
Modern Facilities and Guidance for Tourists
Modern facilities are also available for devotees and tourists visiting Salasar Balaji Temple. Facilities for eating and drinking, lodges, and Dharamshalas (charitable rest houses) are available in the temple complex. Besides this, the temple management takes full care of the safety and convenience of the devotees.
Devotees traveling by road can reach Salasar via the Jaipur-Bikaner Highway. Apart from this, local taxi and bus services are also available.
Religious and Social Significance
Salasar Balaji Temple is not just a religious place but also a social and cultural center. People who come here attain mental peace through devotion. Besides, the fairs and religious events organized in the temple also strengthen the local economy and cultural life.
Devotees believe that worshiping Hanuman Ji at Salasar Balaji Temple increases positive energy, courage, and confidence in life. This is the reason why people travel to this holy place from far and wide.
Salasar Balaji Temple is an important religious site in Rajasthan, which is extremely sacred for Hanuman devotees. The history, divine event, and folklore of this temple make it special. Salasar Balaji Temple holds an important place not only religiously but also culturally and socially. This temple provides spiritual peace, devotion, and positive energy to the devotees. The fairs and religious programs organized here every year make it even more attractive. Salasar Balaji Temple is indeed a precious gem of Rajasthan, which is a symbol of Indian culture and religion.
