About Salasar Balaji Dham
Salasar Balaji Temple is one of the most revered Hanuman temples in India, located in the town of Salasar in Churu district of Rajasthan. The temple houses a self-manifested (swayambhu) idol of Lord Hanuman that was discovered by a farmer in the village of Asota in the 18th century. The murti is unique because it features a moustache on Lord Hanuman, which is rare among Hanuman temples across India. Millions of devotees visit Salasar Balaji every year, especially from Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. The temple is a symbol of faith, hope, and miracles.
How to Reach Salasar Balaji from Bikaner
Salasar is located approximately 180 km from Bikaner. There are several ways to make this pilgrimage journey:
By Taxi / Private Cab
The most convenient way to reach Salasar from Bikaner is by hiring a taxi. Luxury Tour & Travels Bikaner specializes in pilgrimage trips and offers comfortable AC vehicles for the Salasar Balaji route:
- Sedan (Swift Dzire) — Rs 2,200 (round trip)
- SUV (Innova / Ertiga) — Rs 3,200 (round trip)
- Tempo Traveller (12-17 seater) — Rs 4,500 (round trip, ideal for group pilgrimages)
The drive takes about 3 to 3.5 hours via Ratangarh and Sujangarh. Our experienced drivers know the exact temple parking, best dharamshalas, and can wait while you complete darshan. Book at +91-8949357492.
By Bus
RSRTC runs direct buses from Bikaner Bus Stand to Salasar. The journey takes 4-5 hours with stops. Fare is approximately Rs 180-250 depending on the bus type. Buses run frequently, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays (main darshan days).
By Train
The nearest railway station to Salasar is Sujangarh (35 km) or Degana Junction (50 km). You can take a train from Bikaner to Sujangarh and then a shared jeep or auto to Salasar. However, a direct taxi is far more convenient for a same-day trip.
Darshan Timings & Aarti Schedule
Salasar Balaji Temple is open throughout the day. The key timings are:
- Morning Aarti (Mangla Aarti) — 5:00 AM (winter) / 4:30 AM (summer)
- Shringar Aarti — 7:00 AM
- Bhog Aarti — 12:00 PM (Noon)
- Sandhya Aarti (Evening) — 6:30 PM (winter) / 7:30 PM (summer)
- Shayan Aarti — 9:00 PM (winter) / 10:00 PM (summer)
The temple remains open from early morning (around 4:30 AM) until late night (10:00 PM). Darshan queue can be 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the day and occasion.
Best Days to Visit
- Tuesday (Mangalvar) — Hanuman Ji's main worship day. Expect large crowds but very energetic atmosphere with bhajans and kirtans throughout the day.
- Saturday (Shanivar) — Second most important day. Many devotees believe Saturday darshan removes the ill effects of Shani (Saturn).
- Hanuman Jayanti — The biggest festival at Salasar. Lakhs of devotees gather. The entire town transforms into a massive fair (mela). Falls in Chaitra month (March-April).
- Purnima (Full Moon) — Another popular day for darshan.
- Weekdays (Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri) — Much less crowded. If you want peaceful darshan, visit on a weekday. You can complete darshan in 20-30 minutes.
Nearby Dharamshalas & Accommodation
Salasar has dozens of dharamshalas (pilgrim rest houses) offering free or very affordable accommodation:
- Salasar Balaji Temple Trust Dharamshala — Free rooms, basic facilities, near the temple
- Shri Hanuman Sewa Samiti Dharamshala — Clean rooms with fans, Rs 200-500 per night
- Private Dharamshalas — Multiple options on the main road with AC rooms (Rs 500-1,500)
- Hotels — A few budget hotels like Hotel Balaji Palace, Hotel Balaji Residency (Rs 800-2,000)
For same-day return trips from Bikaner, you won't need accommodation — just arrive early morning and return by evening.
Food Options in Salasar
Salasar has many restaurants and bhojanalayas around the temple area serving pure vegetarian food:
- Free bhandara (community meals) are organized daily by various sewa samitis, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
- Small restaurants near the temple serve thali meals (dal, roti, sabzi, rice) for Rs 60-100.
- Sweet shops sell prasad items like laddu, peda, and boondi.
- Carry water and light snacks for the road journey.
Salasar + Khatu Shyam Combo Trip
Many devotees combine Salasar Balaji with a visit to Khatu Shyam Ji Temple, which is only 65 km from Salasar. This is one of the most popular pilgrimage combos in Rajasthan. The ideal itinerary:
- 5:00 AM — Depart Bikaner by taxi
- 8:00-8:30 AM — Reach Salasar, complete darshan
- 10:30 AM — Depart for Khatu Shyam (1.5-hour drive)
- 12:00 PM — Darshan at Khatu Shyam Ji Temple
- 2:00 PM — Lunch at Khatu or on the way
- 5:30-6:00 PM — Return to Bikaner
Luxury Tour & Travels offers a dedicated Salasar + Khatu Shyam combo package starting at Rs 4,500 for a sedan (round trip from Bikaner). Call +91-8949357492 to book.
Temple History & Significance
According to legend, the murti of Salasar Balaji was discovered by a farmer named Mohandas in the village of Asota around 1754 AD. The idol emerged from the earth on its own (swayambhu). It was then brought to Salasar and installed by a devotee named Udayveer. The temple gained fame through the centuries due to the countless miracles and wish-fulfilments reported by devotees. People tie mauli (sacred thread) and offer chunni (cloth), oil, and laddus. When their wish is fulfilled, they return for a thanksgiving visit. The temple complex has grown significantly over the years and now includes a large courtyard, multiple halls, and a beautiful entrance gate.
What to Carry
- Comfortable footwear (you will need to remove shoes at the temple)
- Prasad items (laddu, coconut, chunni) — also available near the temple
- Water bottle and light snacks
- Cash for donations and prasad shopping
- A bag for your shoes (the temple area is large)
हिंदी में जानकारी
सालासर बालाजी मंदिर राजस्थान के चूरू जिले में स्थित है और यह बीकानेर से लगभग 180 किमी दूर है। बीकानेर से सालासर पहुँचने में टैक्सी से 3-3.5 घंटे लगते हैं। मंदिर सुबह 4:30 बजे से रात 10 बजे तक खुला रहता है। मंगला आरती सुबह 5 बजे, श्रृंगार आरती 7 बजे, भोग आरती दोपहर 12 बजे और संध्या आरती शाम 6:30 बजे होती है। मंगलवार और शनिवार मुख्य दर्शन के दिन हैं — इन दिनों भीड़ ज़्यादा होती है। सप्ताह के अन्य दिनों में शांतिपूर्ण दर्शन होता है। मंदिर के पास कई धर्मशालाएँ उपलब्ध हैं। सालासर से खाटू श्याम सिर्फ 65 किमी दूर है — दोनों एक दिन में दर्शन किए जा सकते हैं। बीकानेर से टैक्सी बुक करने के लिए Luxury Tour & Travels बीकानेर को कॉल करें — +91-8949357492।