Salasar Balaji Chaitra Purnima Mela 2026: Complete Pilgrim Guide
Every year during Chaitra Purnima — the full moon of the Chaitra month (March–April) — Salasar Balaji temple in Churu district, Rajasthan witnesses one of the largest gatherings of Hanuman devotees in North India. Lakhs of pilgrims travel from Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh to seek blessings at this ancient temple.
If you are planning to attend the Salasar Balaji Chaitra Purnima Mela, this guide will help you plan every detail — from travel route to darshan timings to where to stay.
Chaitra Purnima 2026: Date and Significance
Chaitra Purnima in 2026 falls in April 2026. The mela celebrations typically begin 2–3 days before the Purnima and continue for 2–3 days after, making it a 5–7 day festival. Devotees come specifically for the Purnima darshan, which is considered the most auspicious time to visit Salasar Balaji.
The Chaitra Purnima mela is significant because it marks the day Salasar Balaji's idol was established — the temple's anniversary. This is the single biggest gathering at the temple every year.
Temple Darshan Timings During Mela
During the mela period, the temple extends its hours significantly. General darshan timings are:
- Morning: 5:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Evening: 3:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Note: Timings may vary. Always verify with the temple trust before travelling.
During peak mela days, queues can run 3–6 hours long. The best strategy is to arrive at the temple before 6 AM or after 8 PM to minimise waiting time.
How to Reach Salasar Balaji
By Road from Jaipur
Take NH52 from Jaipur towards Bikaner. Total distance: approximately 240–245 km. The key stop is Laxmangarh (Sikar district) at 165 km from Jaipur — ideal for a meal break or overnight stay. From Laxmangarh, Salasar Balaji is a further 80–90 km via Fatehpur.
By Road from Delhi
From Delhi, take NH48 to Rewari, then NH11 via Jhunjhunu or NH58 via Narnaul–Sikar. Total distance is approximately 350–380 km depending on your Delhi starting point. Journey time: 6–7 hours.
By Train
The nearest railway station is Sujangarh (15 km) or Ratangarh (45 km). From Jaipur, trains on the Bikaner route stop at Sikar (35 km from Laxmangarh). Local buses and shared vehicles are available from all these stations to Salasar Balaji.
Where to Stay: Beat the Crowd Strategy
Accommodation inside Salasar town — dharamshalas, budget hotels — books up weeks in advance for the Chaitra Purnima mela. Rates during the mela are 3–5x normal prices.
The smart strategy many repeat pilgrims use: stay at Laxmangarh (90 km before Salasar) the night before the mela, get a full night's rest, and drive to Salasar by 4:30 AM. This means you arrive before the rush, get a quick darshan, and drive back in daylight — all without the accommodation scramble.
Mangalam Hotel & Restaurant in Laxmangarh is open 24 hours with 10 AC rooms available at standard rates even during the mela season. The pure vegetarian kitchen serves dal baati, thali, and South Indian options through the night for pilgrims departing early.
What to Bring to the Mela
- Cash: ATMs are available in Salasar but queues are long during mela. Carry enough cash for offerings, prasad, and meals.
- Comfortable footwear: Shoes stay in your vehicle — the walk to the temple is on hot stone in summers.
- Prasad: Boondi ki laadu — available from vendors near the temple.
- Water bottle: Hydration is critical, especially in April heat.
- Modest clothing: Cover shoulders and legs inside the temple complex.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Book accommodation at least 3–4 weeks before Chaitra Purnima
- Park vehicles at the designated parking 1–2 km from the temple; walk or take local transport
- Keep your vehicle registration document handy — checkpoints are active during mela season
- The local prasad shops near the temple entrance are authentic; avoid overpriced vendors further away
- If combining with Khatu Shyam Ji, do Khatu the day before and Salasar on Purnima day
Salasar Balaji Quick Facts
- Location: Salasar, Churu district, Rajasthan
- Deity: Shri Balaji Maharaj (Hanuman ji)
- Nearest city: Sujangarh (15 km), Fatehpur (65 km)
- From Jaipur: ~245 km via NH52
- From Delhi: ~350–380 km
- Best darshan time during mela: Before 6 AM or after 8 PM
Jai Salasar Balaji! Plan well and your pilgrimage will be a memorable one.