The temple's origins are traced to the early 20th century when a local sadhu discovered an idol of Hanuman buried in the earth near Mehandipur. The exorcism traditions are not documented in ancient scriptures but developed organically based on local beliefs. The shrine's reputation for dealing with spirit possession grew through the twentieth century and is the reason most first-time visitors come here.
Sacred Heritage
Mehandipur Balaji Temple
Mehandipur, Dausa, Rajasthan
State:Rajasthan
District:Mehandipur, Dausa
Why This Temple Matters
Key Takeaways
- Dedicated to Lord Hanuman (Balaji)
- Rajasthani architecture
- Located in Mehandipur, Dausa, Rajasthan
- Temple timings: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. Main aarti timings: Mangala Aarti at 5:00 AM, Rajbhog at 12:00 PM, Sandhya Aarti at 7:00 PM.
- Best visited: October to March. Tuesdays and Saturdays are considered especially significant for Hanuman worship.
Quick Facts
- Location
- Mehandipur, Dausa
- Presiding Deity
- Lord Hanuman (Balaji)
- Architecture
- Rajasthani
- Period
- Modern
- Timings
- 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. Main aarti timings: Mangala Aarti at 5:00 AM, Rajbhog at 12:00 PM, Sandhya Aarti at 7:00 PM.
- Entry Fee
- Free
- Best Time
- October to March. Tuesdays and Saturdays are considered especially significant for Hanuman worship.
Overview
Mehandipur Balaji Temple in Rajasthan is a unique temple in India, known worldwide for its exorcism rituals and the unwavering belief that the deity of Hanuman drives away evil spirits from possessed devotees.
History & Legacy
Architecture
Key Features
Built in traditional Rajasthani style with a relatively modest structure. The main shrine houses a black stone idol of Hanuman, standing about 3 feet tall.
Religious & Cultural Significance
Mehandipur Balaji is India's most famous temple for exorcism. It is one of the three 'Balaji' temples in North India, the others being Salasar Balaji (Rajasthan) and Chitrakoot Balaji (Madhya Pradesh). Three shrines share the main complex: Balaji in the centre, with Pret Raj Sarkar and Kotwal Bhairav in separate enclosures on either side.
The standard arzi offering is made up of two and a quarter kilograms of urad dal, one and a quarter kilograms of laddus and four and a quarter kilograms of boiled rice. The laddus from the arzi are thrown into the fire pit in front of each deity, and the remaining food is distributed to devotees as prasad.
Devotees call this presentation the peshi, the moment when each person states the affliction that has brought them to the temple, in front of the assembled priests.
Interesting Facts
World-famous exorcism (bhoot-nivaran) rituals, one of three major Balaji temples in North India.
Nearby Attractions
Salasar Balaji Temple (150 km), Abhaneri Stepwell / Chand Baori (60 km), Jaipur (180 km), Keoladeo National Park (120 km). Mehandipur lies on the Jaipur-Agra highway in Dausa district, within the Aravalli range and about fifty kilometres from the district headquarters. Abhaneri and its stepwell at Chand Baori lie about sixty kilometres from Mehandipur, and Salasar Balaji is a further ninety kilometres north-west.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during the exorcism rituals?
A.
The rituals involve continuous chanting of Hanuman Chalisa by priests. Possessed individuals are brought to a designated area where specific rituals are performed.
Is there an entry fee?
A.
No, entry to the temple is free. Donations are accepted but not required.
Can anyone visit the temple?
A.
Anyone can visit the temple. While many visitors come for exorcism, the temple is also a place of regular Hanuman worship.
Is the treatment recognized by medical science?
A.
The temple's practices are faith-based and not scientifically validated as medical treatment.
What does the word arzi mean for a visitor joining the offering rituals at Mehandipur?
A.
Arzi is the name for the personal offering a devotee brings, traditionally weighed out as dal, laddus and boiled rice before it is presented at the shrines.
Answers are based on verified information. Site rules may change — verify locally before visiting.
Sources & References
Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
"Ministry of Tourism — official destination information"
View SourceLinks Last Checked
30 September 2026
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Visiting as an International Traveller
Foreign visitor information is being researched
Please verify with the official authority for this site before planning your visit.
Entry Status
Foreign Visitors
Verify Before VisitingVisitor Information
Entry policies are set by each site — confirm before travelling.
Entry rules for international visitorsWho can enter, permits, and what to expect at the gate.Dress Code
Modest clothing is expected — a sign of respect, not a restriction.
Shoulders covered
Knees covered
Shoes removed before entry
Head covering (women)
Rain gear available
Warm layers (winter)
Photography Guide
Outside
Inside
Flash
Drone
Tripod
Commercial
Best Time to Visit
Peak Season
October to March. Tuesdays and Saturdays are considered especially significant for Hanuman worship.
Moderate to High — comfortable weather
Summer
April — June
Low — hot plains, pleasant hills
Monsoon
July — September
Low — lush landscape, travel delays possible
Language & Communication
Understanding Temple Traditions
These short explanations help make sense of what you see and experience.
Tips for International Visitors
Temple vocabulary and ritualsDarshan, pradakshina, prasadam, aarti, hundi and mandapa.Currency, donations and queuesCash, UPI, donation etiquette and how long entry queues take.Photography etiquetteSignage, flash, selfie sticks and photographing other visitors.Festival crowds and safetyAdvance booking, road closures, belongings and offline maps.
Essential Contacts
Police / Ambulance / Fire: 112 (National Emergency Number)
Tourist Helpline: 1800-111-363 (Multi-lingual, Ministry of Tourism)
Women's Helpline: 1091
Travel Preparation Checklist
Packing Checklist for Mehandipur Balaji Temple
Continue Reading
Rules change — confirm current policies with the site's authority before you travel.
Site-verified visitor data pending. See our sources and methodology.
By Naveen singh negi
Rajasthan
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