Shri Krishna Bhagwan is one of the most prominent spiritual figures from the Dwapar Yug. In this day and age, the teachings of Lord Krishna that have been condensed in the form of Bhagavad Gita, act as a beacon of light for people who are traversing through the modern times (Kalyug).
Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna and the town of Vrindavan in this state is a sacred site for pilgrims from all over the world. Shri Banke Bihari is said to be the king of this holy land and in this blog, we shall go through the sands of time and explore the glorious history of Shri Banke Bihari’s abode which is the Banke Bihari Temple.
History Of Banke Bihari Temple
The Banke Bihari Temple was built in 1860 as an abode for the Banke Bihari idol that was invoked and discovered in Nidhi Vana by Swami Haridas Ji. What sets this place apart from all the other Krishna temples is that the Lord resides here in his Tribhanga pose. It means that the Lord’s idol is bent from three angles. In fact, the name of this temple means Banke (bent) and Bihari (enjoyer). Moreover, this idol is worshipped as the combined form of Shri Krishna and Radha Rani which makes it highly revered and special for devotees.
Architectural Marvels
Shri Banke Bihari Temple exhibits a magnificent Rajasthani architectural style with beautifully carved sandstone and marble. The temple is spread across a sprawling landscape of 5 acres and it can house up to 10,000 devotees at a point in time. It is believed that the idol of Shri Banke Bihari in this temple is so alluring that the devotees cannot help feeling a gush of love and emotions when they lay their eyes upon the idol. To keep Lord Krishna from walking away with the devotees by seeing love in their eyes, a curtain is drawn in front of the idol every two minutes.
The Enchanting Ras Leela at Banke Bihari Temple
During the time of Radha Ashtami, divine and mystical performances called Ras Leela are staged in the temple’s courtyard. Ras Leela is a purview of Shri Krishna and Radha’s love story and it is believed that the Lord descends upon earth to partake in this dance form as a testimony to his undying love for Radha Rani and the Gopis.
Festivals: A Celebration of Devotion
The celebration of festivals such as Janmashtami, Radhashtami and Holi is a unique and heartwarming display of devotion and festive fervour. Shri Banke Bihari temple has a special tradition of celebrating Phoolon Wali Holi. Devotees from all over the globe come to this temple to witness and enjoy Holi in this spirited manner. As the place vibrates at a higher level through the sound of holy chants, the divinity of different festivals isn’t just observed but amplified on the holy grounds of the Banke Bihari Temple.
Importance Of Prasad
The Prasad in Banke Bihari Temple is believed to be a direct conduit of the Lord’s blessings. The devotees are given the Prasad after Darshan and the sanctity of the same is equated with the physical manifestation of the deity’s acknowledgment of your love and presence in the temple.
For bhakts who can’t visit the temple but want to offer Bhog in Banke Bihari Temple and receive the Parasad and lord’s blessings at home, congratulations it has been made possible. Now you can order Banke Bihari Ji’s Prasad online and receive his grace at home with Krishna Bhog.
Location – How To Reach The Bankey Bihari Temple, Vrindavan
You can reach the Bankey Bihari Temple in the following ways:
By Air
The Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay airport in Agra is closest to this temple. It is approximately 60 km away and you can hire a taxi to reach the Banke Bihari Temple from the airport.
By Train
This temple is hardly 4 km away from the Mathura junction railway station and you can use a taxi, bus or car to reach the temple from there.
By Road
Shri Banke Bihari Temple is easily accessible by road. You can take the Taj Express Road or Mathura Road from Delhi to reach Vrindavan. After that you can use rickshaws and autos for internal travel.
FAQs About Banke Bihari Temple
When does Banke Bihari Temple open and close each day?
The timings vary during the summer and winter seasons. In summer, the temple is open between 7:45 am to 12:00 pm and in the evenings between 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm. In winter, the temple is open from 8:45 am to 1:00 pm and from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
Are there any specific dress code requirements for visitors to Banke Bihari Temple?
Yes. Women and men should be dressed in covered traditional wear. Women can opt for sarees or kurtis and men can wear Kurta Pyjamas.
Can non-Hindus visit Banke Bihari Temple?
Yes. Non-Hindus can visit Banke Bihari temple.
Is photography allowed inside Banke Bihari Temple?
No. Videos and photography are not allowed inside the Banke Bihari temple.
Are there guided tours available for visitors to learn more about the temple's history?
Yes. There are many guided tours where the guide can apprise you of the glorious history of Vrindavan, including the Banke Bihari Temple.
Are there accommodations available near Banke Bihari Temple for pilgrims?
Yes. There are many hotels and ashrams near the Banke Bihari temple where pilgrims can stay.
How can I contribute to the charitable activities of Banke Bihari Temple?
You can get in touch with the temple representatives to know about the correct modes of donating funds for different charitable activities.
No matter if you are far along the path of spirituality or someone who has just embarked upon this journey, the Shri Banke Bihari temple will peak your love for Lord Krishna and propel you onto a path of Krishna consciousness and devotion. From spiritual sojourns (Yatras) to a tranquil holiday with your family, Vrindavan is a place that welcomes everyone with open arms and amidst the spiritual landscape of this city, Shri Banke Bihari Temple stands tall as a place of love, devotion, awakening and spiritual magic!