Darkhast, Arzi and Sawamani: Mehandipur Balaji Rituals Explained

First-time visitors to Mehandipur Balaji often hear three words: Darkhast, Arzi and Sawamani. Here is what each one means, in simple words.

Darkhast: your first prayer

Darkhast means "application". It is how a devotee presents himself to Balaji. You buy laddus from the shops outside and hand two plates to the priest at the shrine. Part of the offering goes into the sacred fire. Devotees eat a little of what comes back, circle the rest around their head seven times, and throw it away without looking back.

Arzi: a request for help

Arzi is a bigger offering, made when a family asks Balaji for help with a problem. A usual Arzi has 1.25 kg of laddus, 2.25 kg of urad dal and 4.25 kg of boiled rice. It is offered at the shrines of Pretraj Sarkar and Kotwal Bhairav Baba in separate portions. Shops near the temple sell ready Arzi sets.

Sawamani: thanks for a wish fulfilled

Sawamani is an offering of thanks. A devotee makes a promise to Balaji, and when the wish comes true, comes back to offer Sawamani. It is traditionally offered on a Tuesday or Saturday. The name comes from "sawa man", an old measure of about 50 kg, so it is usually a large bhog that feeds many people.

A few simple tips

• Buy offerings only from proper shops, and agree on the price first.
• Put money only in the temple's official donation box.
• If you are unsure about a step, ask the temple staff.

Planning a Sawamani or bhandara? Anjani Mahal has halls and can help you arrange sawamani prasad. Call or WhatsApp us.