Salasar Dham or Salasar Balaji is located in the Churu district of Rajasthan. The temple is one of the most respected and admired Hindu temples. The temple is dedicated to Balaji, another name for lord Hanuman. Many visitors come to take blessings from this sacred temple every year. The temple was built in 1754 and from that time till today, visitors’ faith has only been increasing.
The story behind the temple’s creation is quite interesting. It began with the miraculous discovery of Hanuman’s idol. People call this place Shakti Sthal. It means the place of power. The Dham represents its rich culture and spiritual power most beautifully.
Many devotees come to Balaji Dham to perform religious ceremonies like Savamani and many other rituals according to their wishes. Moreover, the architecture, powerful and spiritual aura, and the majestic idol in the temple attract visitors worldwide.
History of Salasar Dham
Salasar Dham is a well-known Hanuman temple located in Churu. The temple has a very mysterious past. Once a farmer of Asota named Mohandas Ji was working in his field. While cultivating the field, he found an idol of lord Hanuman. This incident happened in 1754 AD and became very famous and miraculous for everyone.
This news spread among people very fast. Above that, the news also reached the Thakur of Asota. The Thakur told everyone he had a dream in which Balaji himself appeared and asked him to send the idol to Salasar. Moreover, another person from the village had the same dream. So, the idol was sent to Salasar. Later, a temple was built for the idol, and became very famous among people.
The temple has become very large and majestic over time. It has happened with the help of donations from devotees worldwide. During Hanuman Jayanti, the temple is crowded with devotees. The Salasar Dham has been a faith of millions of people since 1754.
Rituals at Salasar Dham
Salasar Balaji is one of the most worshipped temples of Hanuman Ji. The spiritual and positive atmosphere of the temple is very peaceful. The temple attracts many devotees who come to take blessings as well as perform the rituals. A few of the rituals performed at Salasar Dham are:
- Mangla and Sandhya Aarti –
The morning at Salasar Dham begins with the morning aarti called mangla aarti. It has been a ritual for the longest time. Around 4 AM the aarti begins. Also, during the evening the sandhya aarti starts. Also, the diyas and lamps are lit with chants of prayer during sunset.
Moreover, the food is first offered to lord hanuman and then to devotees as the blessed food.
- Savamani –
Savamani is a very famous ritual at Salasar Dham. In this ritual, people offer 50 kg of food or prashad to lord hanuman to show respect and regard. Devotees complete the ritual of Savamani once their wishes come true.
The food is first offered to lord Hanuman’s idol and then distributed among the devotees or poor. People offer the favorite foods of Hanuman Ji like boondi , choorma, and laddu.
This ritual creates a very spiritual connection among devotees. Many people come to do this ritual to take blessings.
Furthermore Rituals
- Akhand Ramayan path –
Akhand Ramayan path is another important ritual at Salasar dham. The devotees continuously chant the Ramayan in this ritual. They do it without any break as it is believed the path brings peace and positivity. The whole place becomes even more spiritual and divine during the path.
- Parikrama-
Parikrama is a straightforward yet important ritual at Salasar Dham. In this, people walk in circles around the temple. This process shows the respect of devotees to lord hanuman. The devotees chant prayers or hanuman chalisa while walking. It helps in creating a sacred connection with god.
- The coconut tying –
A famous activity among devotees is tying coconuts with the red thread. This ritual helps in fulfilling the wishes of devotees. The story behind this tradition is once a landlord of Sikar tied a coconut at Salasar Dham wishing for a son. And 10 months later, his wish came true. That is why, people have been performing this ritual since then.
- Langar –
The visitors or devotees are provided the service of free food at the temple. The food is first offered to lord hanuman then to the devotees as a prashad.
- Applying sindoor –
Devotees also apply a good amount of sindoor, a colored powder on the idol of lord Hanuman. People do this ritual to get protected from evil eyes.
Arcitecture of Salasar Dham
It is believed that Balaji himself asked Mohandas Ji to build a temple for the idol in his dream. He found the idol while working in his field. First, there was only a small mudstone temple for the idol. But later on, the temple was built from concrete with the help of Sikar’s Rao Devi Singh.
Later the temple became very huge and complex using beautiful white marble, stones, and bricks. After that, the sanctum sanctorum of the temple is made with gold and silver. The architecture is simply stunning with so much positive aura.
Anjani Mata Mandir
This temple of Salasar was built for Mata Anjani. She is the mother of lord hanuman. Those who visit Salasar Dham must visit Anjani Mata temple too. The devotees visit this temple to seek blessings, protection, and strength.
The aura of the temple is very peaceful and warm. The Rajasthani architecture of the temple is very beautiful. There are many decorations and carvings inside the temple, which makes it more beautiful. So, the temple is another must-visit spot in Salasar, Rajasthan.
Winding up
- One of the most amazing facts about Salasar Dham is that a farmer found the idol of lord Hanuman while working in his field.
- The idol of Hanuman Ji of Salasar is very different from the idols of Hanuman Ji we normally see. This idol has a beard and moustache which makes the idol unique.
- Many devotees visit the temple during March – April (Chaitra) and September – October ( Ashwin)
- The devotees apply sindoor on the idol of Hanuman ji as it brings good luck and happiness.
- Salasar Dham is close to other main temples of Rajasthan like Khatu Shyam temple. Visitors often visit Salasar Dham and then Khatu Shyam temple to seek blessings.
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