Shaping Up Rajasthan’s Spiritual Identity | Khatu Shyam Ji and Salasar Balaji Temples

The significance of spirituality in an individual’s life cannot be expressed in words. Spiritualism and religion are synonymous to a considerable extent. Rajasthan beautifully meets the quest of spiritual awakening through its amazing temples like Khatu Shyam Ji temple, Salasar Dham Balaji, and more. Although there is no dearth of prominent temples in the state of Maharajas, here we bring you details of the two most important places of devotion in Rajasthan.

Before embarking on the religious Rajasthan Tour, know more about these temples, the myths and fables surrounding them, their rich history, architectural highlights, and overall significance.

Khatu Shyam Ji Temple | The God Who Supports the Defeated

A complete surrender in front of God with humility produces a psychological effect that surrounds you with positive vibes. You feel lighter, more in control of your feelings, and have unshakable faith in God. A visit to Khatu Shyam Ji mandir evokes similar feelings and the person experiences the presence of the Almighty. The chants of, “hare ka sahara, baba Shyam humara” reverberate in the temple.

Interesting Facts About Khatu Shyam Temple

Located in the district Sikar, Rajasthan, Khatu Shyam Baba temple is known for its immense spiritual and religious significance. Here are special highlights of the temple which has made it popular not only in Rajasthan but also all over the world.

1. Khatu Shyam Ji Story

The story surrounding Khatu Shyam Mandir is quite interesting. As per Hindu Mythology, Khatu Shyam Ji is the incarnation of Barbarika, the son of Ghatotkach, grandson of Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers. During Mahabharata, Barbarik wanted to participate in the war. Since he always supported the defeated, Lord Krishna wanted him to stay away from the war. He asked for the head of Barbarik, the brave one, as a ritual to begin the great war. Barbarik agreed to this but requested Lord Krishna to allow him to witness the war as his last wish.

Lord Krishna placed Barbarik’s head on a hilltop so that he could see the war. When the war came to an end he was asked who won the war, he replied that Lord Krishna won the war. Impressed by his strengths, unwavering faith, and immense capabilities, Lord Krishna gave him a boon that in Kaliyuga, he would be known by his name. It is for this reason that he is called Shyam Baba. People love listening to Khatu Shyam ki Kahani.

2. The revelation of Barbarik’s Head

Lord Krishna himself offered Barbarik’s head to the Rupawati River which was later found buried in Khatu village near Sikar. It was discovered when the udders of a cow spontaneously spouted milk. When the place was dug by the villagers, Barbarik’s head was discovered.

3. Construction of Khatu Shyam Ji Temple

The first Khatu Shyam Temple was constructed in 1027 CE by Roop Singh Chauhan after he received divine orders to place Barbarik’s head in a temple. It was built on Ekadashi or the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha in the Phalgun month of the lunar calendar.

4. Architectural Delight

Khatu Shyam Temple is built in sparkling white marble and the temple structure is impressive in design and appearance. The temple walls are beautifully decorated with paintings of mythological scenes. The exit and entrance gates are also built with marble, featuring ornamental floral designs. The gates of sanctum sanctorum are covered with silver sheets adding to the charm and grandeur of the temple.

5. Holy Dip in Shyam Kund

It is believed that taking a holy dip in Shyam Kund, where Barbarik’s head was discovered, has immense religious and health significance. People suffering from various health ailments find a remarkable improvement in their health after taking a holy dip in Shyam Kund, especially during Phalguna Mela Festival.

6. Aartis

Five aartis are performed in Khatu Shyam Temple during the day. These are Mangala Aarti, Shringar Aarti, Bhog Aarti, Sandhya Aarti, and Shyan Aarti.

Temple Address. Khatu Shyam Ji Temple, District Sikar, Rajasthan

Temple Timings. Winter- 5:30 am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 9 pm.

Summer- 4:30 am to 12:30 pm and 4 pm to 10 pm.

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Salasar Balaji Temple | A Temple Dedicated to Lord Hanuman

One of the most prominent temples in Rajasthan, Salasar Dham Balaji is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Visited by thousands of devotees all through the year, the temple is also known for its unique idols that seem to have been created on its own. The temple has a lot of myths and fables surrounding it. Also referred to as Salasar Dham, this temple has a rare charisma that makes you immediately comfortable, at peace with yourself, and have an innate sense of oneness with God.    

Interesting Facts About Salasar Balaji Dham

Located in the Churu district of Rajasthan, Shree Salasar Balaji Mandir is famous for ardent devotees of Lord Hanuman. The temple enjoys a lot of religious significance. The footfall to the temple increases during fairs and festivals like Hanuman Jayanti, Poornima, Bhadrapad Sukla Chaturdashi, and more. It is considered a Shakti Stahl and Swayambhoo shrine by the devotees, making it distinctive from other temples in the area. Here are special highlights of the temple which has made it popular not only in Rajasthan but also all over the world.

1. Salasar Dham Story

There are many stories and myths revolving around Shree Balaji Dham. It is believed that a Ginthala Jat farmer, a resident of Asota village found the stone idol of Balaji when ploughing his land. It was Saturday of Shravan Shukla in Navami Samvat. As soon as the idol was discovered, the news spread like wildfire in the entire region and reached the ears of Asota Thakur. It is said that Balaji appeared in Thakur’s dream and asked him to send the idol to Salasar, a small place in the Churu district. Simultaneously, Mohandas Maharaj, a devotee of Lord Hanuman also saw Balaji in his dream. He was surprised to know about the details of Balaji’s idol without even visiting Asota. The idol was finally consecrated at a place that we know today as Salasar Dham.

2. Temple Construction

After Thakur of Asota decided to move the idol from Asota to Salasar Ji, a cart pulled by two bulls was purchased. It was decided that at the place where bulls will stop, a temple would be constructed. Bulls pulling the cart with Lord Balaji’s idol stopped in Salasar; hence the temple was constructed here. A lot of houses were constructed around the temple and gradually Salasar town took shape.

3. Temple Architecture

It is believed that the temple was constructed by two able craftsmen Nora and Dau. Initially, it was a mudstone structure that was later constructed in materials using marble, stone, mortar, cement, lime, and bricks. The temple as we see it today is covered in white marble and has a sabha mandap, the sanctum sanctorum, a circulatory path, walls and ceilings decorated in floral patterns, and mosaic works in gold and silver. The main entrance of the temple is carved out of white marble.

4. Rituals

Another major highlight of Shree Salasar Balaji Temple is the popular rituals like offering savamani to the deity. A lot of fairs and festivals are also organised here.

5. Aartis

The devotees visiting the temple can attend Mangal Aarti at 5 am, Dhoop and Mohandas ji ki Aarti at 6 pm, Balaji ki Aarti at 7:30 pm, and Shayan aarti at 10 pm. Every Tuesday, there is Rajbhog and aarti at 11 am.

Temple Address. Salasar Balaji Dham Mandir, Ishardas Ji Ka Trust, Balaji Temple Road, Salasar, Churu District, Rajasthan

Temple Timings. The temple stays open on all seven days from 5:30 am to 8:45 pm

Check out the detailed 2 days Itinerary - Rajasthan Tour Package mentioned below:

01N/02D Rajasthan Temple Tour | Khatu Shyam Ji - Salasar Dham Balaji 

Day 01:

• After your arrival at Delhi Airport/ Railway Station, you would be received by our representative.
• You will proceed to Khatu Shyam Ji Temple located in Khatu Village of Sikar District in Rajasthan.
• Upon arrival, you can check-in at a hotel.
• Visit the temple as per Aarti's timings.
• Overnight stay in a hotel near Khatu Shyam Ji Temple.

Day 02:

• After breakfast, embark on a journey to Salasar Balaji Dham which is 102 km away and takes approximately 2 hours drive.
• Enroute, you can visit the famous Rani Sati Mata Mandir.
• Visit Salasar Balaji Dham, and pay your respect to the deity.
• You may have to stand in a queue for the darshan of Lord Hanuman.
• Return journey to Delhi, right after darshan.
• Take lunch midway.
• Now proceed to Delhi Railway Station or Delhi Airport (Departure) for an onward journey the way back home. 

We are delighted to serve you again with yet another promising itinerary.

Visit Adotrip.com and get in touch with our representatives to get end-to-end travel assistance for Travel Itinerary for Rajasthan Temple Tour with price and relevant details. Check our website to know more about these glorious temples, related information about nearby travel Destinations, festivals, events, and more in India and abroad. 

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