Salasar Balaji Temple

Lord Hanuman is worshipped as an epitome of strength and devotion and as a watchful protector in India. The stories about the lord lifting an entire hill of the Dronagiri hills of the Himalayas may seem to be mythical stories to some, but it is undeniable that Lord Hanuman is the very basis of firm faith of the people of India in the greatness of the Lord. Salasar Balaji or Salasar Dham, situated in the Churu district of Rajasthan, is a temple dedicated to the lord of power knowledge and strength, Lord Hanuman. The temple attracts innumerable number of visitors throughout the year, especially on Chaitra Purnima an Ashwin Purnima, when large fairs are organized.

Certain stories revolve around the origin of the Salasar Balaji temple, but the most promising one is that one a farmer, while ploughing his land, found an idol which was buried in the ground. He took the idol to his wife. Upon cleaning the idol, they were amazed to find that the idol was of Lord Hanuman. The news spread and soon reached the ears of the Thakur of the village. That night, he saw Lord hanuman in his dream who instructed him to transport the idol to Salasar in Churu district. Accordingly, the idol was sent to Salasar and the temple came to be known as Salasar Balaji or Salasar Dham.

The temple flaunts its white marble dominated architecture and artistic works of gold and silver. In orde to give a rich look to the temple, exquisite floral and mosaic designs in gold and silver were made in the temple’s prayer hall. A number of fascinating rituals like the coconut tying and Savamani are a trademark of this temple. The prime motive of the Salasar Balaji is to promote the worship of Lord Hanuman, and henceforth, Lord Rama.

Tal Chhapar Sanctuary

The number of sanctuaries and national parks of Rajasthan seems almost unending; and yet every such diversified ecosystem has something new to offer. Set amidst a backdrop, which resembles a typical savanna, the Tal Chhapar Sanctuary is located in the Churu district of North-west Rajasthan, popularly known as the Shekhawati Region. The sanctuary plays host to one of the most elegant species of antelope, the Black Buck.

The sanctuary, like the Desert National Park, presents a lucid example of a desert ecosystem, situated right at the heart of the Thar Desert. The place attires itself in a habiliment of a tropical grassland or in other words, a typical savanna. The most common bird species found in the region are- Harriers, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Tawny Eagle, Short -ToedEagle, sparrow and many more.

Not only the Black Buck, the Mothiya grass is also a fascinating attraction of this sanctuary, which derives its name from its English translation of pearls. The region is characterized by dry and arid climatic conditions, with scarcity of rainfall.

The sanctuary treasures the most varied forms of avifauna and animal life as well. A visit to the sanctuary is undoubtedly a treat to the eyes.