Salasar Balaji Temple, also popularly known as Salasar Balaji Dham is situated in the Churu district of Rajasthan. Devotees from all over the world visit this temple in hope of getting their wishes fulfilled. In Sanatan culture, human life aims to worship many gods and goddesses for the attainment of material happiness and spiritual bliss, in which Panchdev is the main one. Lord Hanuman is the brightest beam of the five gods. Due to being incomparably powerful, he has been given the name of Balaji. Faith in the heart, the red flag waving and the resonating praise of Lord Hanuman, such a grand, supernatural, spiritual view is seen in the temple of Salasar Balaji.
The 9th generation priest of the temple, Nitin Pujari ji shares interesting facts about Salasar Balaji Dham.
1. The Only Idol With Beard and Moustache:
This temple is the holy abode of all Hanuman devotees, encompassing the faith and belief of the people. Explaining about the idol, Nitin Pujari Ji says, “The grand idol of Shri Balaji is seated on a golden throne. In its upper part is Shri Ram’s court and in the lower part, Hanumanji is seated in the form of Shri Balaji, the only idol that is adorned with beard and moustache.”
2. The Shaligram Stone Statue:
Such a huge form of Shri Balaji is not to be seen anywhere else except here, that is why devotees also call him Bade Hanuman ji. Giving the details about the idol, Nitin Pujari Ji says, “The idol of Balaji is crafted of Shaligram stone, decorated with vermilion colour and gold.”
3. Balaji’s Dhuni (the fire pit):
Since the time of consecration, the Akhand Dhuni is lit inside the temple. Story-recitation, chanting and kirtan of Balaji Maharaj continue in the temple continuously. Nitin Pujari Ji says that it is believed, the dhuni was ignited 300 years back and is still burning even today. Homepage to this dhuni is considered to have miraculous effects of curing all types of diseases.
4. Samadhi Of Mohandas Ji Is Visited Before Balaji:
The samadhi of Mohandas ji, a great devotee of Balaji, is situated in this temple. Nitin Pujari ji says that it is the tradition and belief of this temple that devotees visit Balaji only after paying homage to the samadhi.
“In wake of the pandemic, Salasar Dham was shut down for visit during the lockdown. However, the temple is open again since 1st July 2021 and devotees interested in visiting the temple can do the online registration, get the token and visit Salasar Balaji Dham, following the guidelines issued by the temple trust,” says Nitin Pujari Ji.