Salasar Balaji Temple: Order issued banning mobile phones and smartwatches for pilgrims

Authorities have imposed a fresh set of rules at the Salasar Balaji Temple in Rajasthan's Churu district, barring pilgrims from carrying mobile phones and smartwatches into the temple complex.

The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Sujangarh, Omprakash Verma, issued the order with immediate effect, stating that the devices had been contributing to overcrowding, security lapses and general disorder on the premises.

According to the order, pilgrims taking photographs and videos while offering prayers had been causing daily congestion and, on occasion, stampede-like conditions. It added that the practice of filming reels inside the temple grounds was compromising its sanctity and was also inadvisable from a security standpoint.

The order further noted that the temple complex had, in recent days, witnessed a number of incidents involving misbehaviour by pilgrims and other visitors, which had led to disruption on-site. To bring these issues under control, it stated, banning smartwatches and mobile phones within the temple premises had become necessary. The ban on both devices has therefore been enforced with immediate effect in the interest of security and orderly conduct at Salasar Dham.

About the temple

Located in Churu district, the Salasar Balaji Temple is one of India's most prominent Hanuman shrines. It is widely believed to be the only temple in the world where Balaji is depicted with a beard and moustache. Devotees hold that heartfelt prayers, tying coconuts as offerings, and presenting the "sawamani" offering at the temple bring blessings and fulfil wishes. Millions of pilgrims visit the site from across India each year, and its reputation is said to extend to devotees abroad as well.