Mehandipur Balaji Temple (Dausa)

Mehandipur Balaji is a famous temple of Lord Hanuman, worshipped here as Balaji, in the Dausa district of Rajasthan. It lies close to the Jaipur to Agra highway, about 100 km from Jaipur.

The belief

Three deities are worshipped here: Balaji, Pret Raj Sarkar and Bhairav Baba, who is called Kotwal Kaptan. Devotees believe that Balaji has the power to free people from troubles caused by evil spirits and black magic, and families bring those who are suffering from far away. Medical science does not accept such cures, yet the faith of the many thousands who come here every year is very strong.

Customs

The temple has customs that visitors are asked to follow. Prasad offered here is not taken home, and nothing is eaten or drunk inside the temple area. Many devotees also follow the custom of not looking back when they leave.

When to visit

The temple is open through the year. Tuesdays and Saturdays, the days of Hanuman ji, are the most crowded, and so are Hanuman Jayanti and Holi.

Reaching there

The nearest railway station is Bandikui. Buses and taxis run from Jaipur, Agra, Dausa and Alwar.