Mehandipur Balaji Rules: Dos and Don'ts Every Devotee Should Know

Mehandipur Balaji has some rules you won't find at most temples. They come from long-held beliefs, and devotees follow them with great care. Here is a simple checklist.

Before you go

• Stop eating onion, garlic, meat and eggs, and avoid alcohol, for about a week before your visit. Many devotees keep this up for some days after they return too.
• Reach early, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays, when queues are long.
• Leave valuables at your room. The temple area gets very crowded.

Inside the temple

• Do not eat or drink anything inside the temple.
• Do not take photos or videos.
• Women may cover their head with a dupatta or scarf.
• Do not touch or chat with strangers, and never laugh at anyone. Many people here are going through a difficult time.
• Give money only in the official donation box, not to anyone offering special "help".

After darshan

• Do not take any prasad, food or offering home.
• Do not share temple prasad with anyone outside.
• Do not look back as you leave the temple.

Why these rules?

Devotees believe these rules keep negative energies away and keep their prayer pure. The belief about prasad is that offerings made here belong here. Whether you follow the rules out of faith or out of respect, they help everyone have a calm and peaceful darshan.

After darshan, rest at Anjani Mahal, just 2 minutes from the temple, with pure vegetarian food at our own Anjani Rasoi.