Salasar, Rajasthan is a holy town in Churu district, renowned for the Salasar Balaji Temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Discovered in the 18th century, the temple is known for wish fulfillment, devotion, and miracles. Thousands of devotees visit during Chaitra Purnima, making it a powerful spiritual center in Rajasthan.

Here’s a detailed history of Shree Salasar, Rajasthan:

1. Introduction

Salasar, located in the Churu district of Rajasthan, is one of the most important religious towns in North India. It is world-famous for the Salasar Balaji Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman (revered here as Salasar Balaji Maharaj). The temple is known for fulfilling wishes, protecting devotees from evil, and granting strength and success.

Salasar is part of the Hanuman spiritual circuit of Rajasthan, which also includes Mehandipur Balaji (Dausa) and Khatushyamji (Sikar).

2. Ancient Background

The region of Salasar falls in the Shekhawati area, historically known for its brave Rajput rulers, trade routes, and temples.
Before the temple’s establishment, Salasar was a small, quiet village surrounded by sand dunes of the Thar Desert. It later transformed into a major pilgrimage site due to a miraculous event that revealed the idol of Lord Hanuman.

3. The Divine Discovery (Main Legend)

According to popular legend, around 1754 AD (Vikram Samvat 1811), a farmer from Asota village (Nagaur district) was ploughing his field when he discovered a unique idol of Lord Hanuman. The idol had a beard and mustache, unlike traditional Hanuman idols.

That very night, Thakur of Asota (local ruler) dreamed of Lord Hanuman, who told him to send the idol to Salasar—a small village 25 km away—where his divine seat was destined to be established.

When the idol was placed on a bullock cart, it miraculously stopped only at Salasar, confirming the divine instruction. The villagers then installed the idol at the site where the Salasar Balaji Temple now stands.

4. Establishment of the Temple

After the divine event, Mohan Das Ji Maharaj, a local saint and great devotee of Lord Hanuman, supervised the construction of the temple. With royal support and local devotion, the temple was built in traditional Rajasthani architectural style using stones and carvings.
The idol was formally consecrated, and from that day, Salasar Balaji Dham became a sacred site where devotees’ wishes were believed to be fulfilled.

5. Growth and Historical Development

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Salasar evolved from a small village into a major pilgrimage center.

• Traders traveling across Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi stopped here to seek blessings.
• Over time, roads, dharamshalas, and markets developed to serve the growing number of devotees.
• The Salasar Trust was later formed to manage temple operations and pilgrim facilities.

Today, the temple is part of a large religious complex that includes guesthouses, canteens, and administrative offices.

6. Architectural Significance

The Salasar Balaji Temple is constructed in a blend of Mughal and Rajput styles, using marble, silver, and gold plating.

• The sanctum (garbhagriha) houses the powerful idol of Lord Hanuman with a distinct beard and mustache.
• The temple interior is beautifully decorated with intricate carvings, silver panels, and oil lamps, representing both grandeur and devotion.
• A flagpole (Dhwajastambha) outside the temple is considered sacred and is changed annually during the Chaitra Purnima festival.

7. Religious and Cultural Importance

Salasar Balaji is believed to be the wish-fulfilling form of Lord Hanuman. Devotees visit from across India to seek blessings for:

• Protection from negative energies
• Fulfillment of wishes
• Success in career or business
• Relief from obstacles

Special rituals include offering coconut, oil, and sweets, symbolizing surrender and devotion to Balaji Maharaj.

The temple also promotes service (seva) and community feeding (bhandara), which are organized daily for thousands of visitors.

8. Festivals and Major Events

The two biggest festivals celebrated here are:

• Chaitra Purnima (April)
• Ashwin Purnima (October)

During these times, over 10–15 lakh devotees visit Salasar. The entire town glows with lights, devotional songs, and religious processions. Pilgrims walk barefoot for miles from nearby villages, displaying immense faith.

9. Nearby Religious Attractions

Salasar is often visited along with:

• Khatushyamji Temple (for Lord Shyam) – 35 km away
• Rani Sati Dadi Temple, Jhunjhunu
• Jeen Mata Temple, Sikar

Together, these form the Rajasthan Devotional Circuit, a must-visit route for spiritual travelers.

10. Modern Facilities and Pilgrimage Management

The temple is now maintained by the Shri Salasar Balaji Mandir Committee, ensuring smooth operations, accommodation, and sanitation for pilgrims.
Facilities include:

• Dharamshalas and guest houses
• Free meals (bhandara)
• Medical and emergency services
• Continuous Hanuman Chalisa recitation and Aarti

11. Beliefs and Miracles

Devotees strongly believe that:

• Lord Hanuman personally fulfills wishes made with a pure heart.
• Offering oil and coconuts removes bad luck.
• Many miraculous healings and blessings have been reported, strengthening faith across generations.

Salasar Balaji is often called the “Kalyankari Balaji”, meaning the one who blesses everyone with well-being.

12. Geographical Importance

• Location: Salasar town, Sujangarh Tehsil, Churu district, Rajasthan
• Nearest Railway Station: Sujangarh (about 27 km)
• Nearest Major Cities: Sikar (57 km), Jaipur (165 km), Bikaner (160 km)
  Salasar’s central position makes it accessible from all major Rajasthani pilgrimage routes.

Conclusion

The historical and spiritual legacy of Salasar, Rajasthan, reflects centuries of faith, miracles, and divine blessings.
From a small desert village to a renowned temple town, Salasar stands as a symbol of Lord Hanuman’s living presence and the unbreakable bond of devotion shared by millions of devotees.
Even today, chants of “Jai Salasar Balaji Maharaj Ki!” echo through the air, reminding the world that true belief can turn faith into miracles.