Devotees feel excited and spiritual while taking their path toward Banke Bihari Temple, which is located in Vrindavan, Mathura Uttar Pradesh. This ancient temple has a very attractive architect and surprisingly no bells ringing. Devotees clap and express their love for Lord Banke Bihari Many in a very unique way. So many myths and historical events behind this ancient temple made it more popular. These myths and histories attract more devotees to see the Lord, the symbol of the united form of Radha and Krishna. We will be exploring the historical significance behind Banke Bihari Temple and later, the way to reach the temple for the devotees. Be ready to be immersed in spirituality and devotion while reading about Banke Bihari Ji.
About Banke Bihari Temple
Historical Significance
Earlier, the Lord Banke Bihari was worshipped in Nidhivan, a famous place of Vrindavan. After 1864 AD, the idol of Bihari Ji was moved to the present temple, which is famous worldwide for its architectural structure as well as historical significance. There is a huge history behind the icon of Lord Banke Bihari. Before knowing the history behind the icon, we will know Swami Haridas Ji, the founder of the temple.
Table of Contents
Swami Haridas Ji
Swami Haridas Ji was a great saint, who lived in the ancient town of Vrindavan and many believe that he was the reincarnation of one of the closest friends of Sri Radha-Krishna, named Lalita Sakhi. He was born on the Radha Ashtami day in a small village in Uttar Pradesh, which is now known as Haridaspur. Tracing his family history, it was found that he had a linkage with Shri Gargacharya, who was the Kulguru of Yadavas, invited by Vasudev and attended the naming ceremony of two brothers, Krishna and Balram. Swami Haridas has been more into spirituality and medication since childhood. Although he was married at a perfect phase of his life, his love for meditation and spirituality made him distance himself from family responsibilities and pressures. His wife, Harimati was a pure soul, prayed to the Lord intensely, and in presence of Haridas, she entered into a small flame of the lamp, with no physical remains. After that, Haridas left his village and started staying in the dense forest of Vrindavan, which is now known as Nidhivan. He used to practice his bhajan and meditation there to praise the Lord. He used to stay in a densely forested area, Kunj, and enjoyed the closeness and pleasure of the Lord. One day, his disciples went there with his consent but were becoming blind due to high intensity or bright white light. After the request of Swamiji, the Lord Sri Krishna and Sri Radha Rani appeared with their heavenly beauty in front of everyone and it seems that those who have experienced that heavenly beauty, could not blink their eyes and become stone stupors.
The History Behind the Icon
There is another history behind the icon of Bankey Bihari Ji. The word Bankey translates to “bent in three places,” and Bihari translates to “Supreme Enjoyer.” “I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, round whose neck is swinging a garland of flowers beautified with the moon-locket, whose two hands are adorned with the flute and jeweled ornaments, who always revels in pastimes of love, whose graceful threefold-bending form of Syamasundara is eternally manifest.” ~ Brahma mentioned this in Sri Brahmasamhita (verse 5.31) about Lord Shri Krishna. Devotees say that Lord Shri Krishna stands in the Tribhanga posture in the form of Banke Bihari Ji. Mythology says that the beauty of Sri Radharani and Krishna is heavenly that normal people cannot bear this beauty with their normal eyes. Swamiji requested Sri Radharani and Krishna to take a single form as people cannot experience the heavenly beauty of both of them. On top of that, he had an inner wish of seeing these divine couple together always in front of his eyes. To fulfill his wish, the couple turned into a charming black idol, which is placed in the temple now. As per his words, the idol is a combined (yugal) of Ghan (Cloud) and Damini (Lightning), the metaphor for the beauty of dark Lord Krishna and his fair partner, Sri Radharani.
The Idol ‘Banke Bihari’
Many devotees say that if anyone stares into the eyes of Lord Bihari Ji for so long, they will lose their self-consciousness. Swami Haridas treated the idol as an eight-year child so he did not allow bells and morning darshan of the idol to not disturb the Lord after Rasa danced with gopis the whole night. Swamiji used to sing Bhajan (music) to satisfy his beloved Lord and his Radharani. He dedicated his Bhajan to his Lord only, but Akbar had developed an intense wish of listening to his Bhajan. He had heard Tansen’s music, who learned music from Swamiji in his earlier life. Akbar entered Nidhivan and hid to listen to his Bhajan while Swamiji sang for his beloved Lordships. Akbar was moved and went to his feet. The celestial form of Lord Krishna and Radharani, Banke Ji appeared in a place where the Samadhi of Swami Haridas is placed now. If anyone enters Nidhivan, they will find Swamiji’s temple first.
Responsibility Given to the Goswami Family
Swamiji handed over the seva of Bihariji to his younger brother, Goswami Jagannath who was also a principal disciple of him. Initially, the temple of Banke Bihari Ji was situated closest to Nidhivan. In 1862 AD, the temple of Banke Bihari Ji was constructed by Goswamis. They put the architectural beauty in the temple which attracts many people across the world and followed contemporary Rajasthani styles to develop the structure. The arch (mehndi) and the pillars of this temple attract the people more. To date, Goswami families are performing seva of Bihariji by tradition. The Goswamis have taken responsibility for arranging the resources and financial help to build and maintain the temple to date.
Rajasthan Princess and Banke Bihari Ji
Locals say that a princess of Rajasthan was a devotee of Bihariji and came for Darshan of him in the temple. She was astonished by Bihari Ji’s appearance and wanted to live her entire life with him. Her family forcefully returned her to the kingdom and she saw tears in the eyes of Banke Bihari Ji. He went missing from his temple home. After searching for Bihari ji, people found him at the princess’s home. The people of Vrindavan were missing him and got him back to the temple. After that, the people of Vrindavan put a small veil (pardah) between Bihari Ji and his devotees so that he may not be attached to any devotees’ praying and following them. Now, this pardah plays a major role in keeping protected child Krishna or Bihari Ji from evil eyes.
Nidhivan Night Out of Bihariji
A devotee (sevak) had the duty of pulling the hand fan strings at night for healthy sleep of Banke Bihari Ji. One day, he fell asleep and suddenly woke up at 1 am. and realized he failed to do his responsibility so Bihari Ji’s sleep was disturbed. He continued his work but noticed Thakurji was having full sweat and flush in his face around 4 am. The next night, he was awakened and noticed that Bihari Ji was leaving the temple for Nidhivan around 12 o’clock. This sevak found Bihari Ji entering the Nidhivan at that time and heard the sound of flute and dancing movements. He found that Bihari Ji spent 4 hours each night in Rass (Leelah) with Gopis and returned to the temple around 4:00 a.m. Brajwasis says that people can still hear the sound of the flute and the anklets of Gopis dancing in the Vrindavan.
Three Miracle Stories of Banke Bihari Temple
This temple gained popularity for its incredible historical significance and a few miracles happened with the devotees. People across the world visit Banke Bihari Temple now for this popularity. We will discuss three miracle stories from the locals’ words, which have made the temple more attractive to the devotees.
Restoration of Blind Devotee: According to locals, there was a man who lived in Vrindavan and used to follow Lord Krishna with his spiritual faith daily. He was blind from his birth. He used to visit the temple everyday with great faith. One day, he was standing before Bihariji’s idol and perceived a gentle touch in his eyes. Suddenly, he opened and restored his eyesight. He started experiencing the beauty and brightness of the world after the Lord’s blessings and his power of faith.
Healing of Crippling Disease of Devotee: Locals say that a young woman became free from her crippling pain, got energy, and started walking normally after visiting Bihariji with pure faith. It was very tough for her to walk and she stood in front of the idol with immense prayer to get relief from her pain.
Childless Couples Blessed with Twins: A lovely couple in Uttar Pradesh was not having a child and they visited Bihari Ji with blissful faith. Bihari Ji heard them and gifted them with two healthy twins. They were blessed by the Lord and this story also followed a miracle that proves the presence of God in the idol.
See the appearance of Banke Bihari Temple
Timing of Banke Bihari Temple
Banke Bihari Ji’s divine beauty is the major reason why “darshan” timings have been divided into three parts and it is never continuous. The unique seva is performed in three parts: “Shringar” “Rajbhog” and “Shayan.” Shringar includes bathing, dressing, and adornments with jewelry. “Rajbhog” includes a feast which is offered in the forenoon. “Shayan” seva is offered to the Lord in the evening. Swami Haridas had not followed “Mangala Seva” as he wanted his child to take complete sleep and did not want to disturb his sleep. The temple follows a particular time frame for the devotees to visit Bihari Ji and take his blessings.
| Rajbhog Timing | 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM |
| Rajbhog Aarti | 11:55 AM- 12:00 PM |
| Gwal Aarti | 6:30 PM |
| Sandhya Aarti | 7:30 PM |
| Shayana Aarti | 9:30 PM |
Day Temple Timing During Summer: 7:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Evening Temple Timing During Summer: 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Day Temple Timing During Winter: 8:45 AM- 1:00 PM
Evening Temple Timing During Winter: 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Evening of Sharad Purnima: The flute of Bihari ji is played only this time of the entire year.
Akshaya Tritiya: The darshan of Bihariji’s lotus feet is shown to devotees during this time.
Festivals and Celebrations in Banke Bihari Temple
Janmashtami: Lord Krishna’s birth celebration in this temple attracts many devotees with many rituals and colorful lights throughout the day.
Holi: The festival of color is celebrated in this temple and welcomes many devotees to imitate and play Lord Krishna and Sri Radharani with powder color, dance movements, and songs.
Radhastami: This day is celebrated for the birth of Lord Krishna’s eternal consort, Sri Radha Rani with songs and dance movements. Many devotees visit the temple to take blessings from Sri Radha Rani.
Jhulan Yatra: This is celebrated during Shravana month and devotees place Lord Krishna and Sri Radha Rani in the swings which are beautifully decorated. Many devotees visit the temple this time for blessings.
Roadmap to Banke Bihari Temple
Air: The nearest airport of this temple is Indira Gandhi International Airport of New Delhi, which is located 150 km away from Vrindavan. People can easily take a bus from there to reach Vrindavan or a cab service to directly visit the temple. Train: The nearby railway station of this temple is Vrindavan railway station, which is well connected with popular railway stations including Delhi, Mathura, and Agra. People can easily take a rickshaw or taxi from the railway station to reach the temple.
Offerings of Banke Bihari Temple
Banke Bihari Temple offers its devotees maakhan-mishri, pedal, saffron, rose water, and flowers. Photography is not allowed inside the temple.
Attractions and Accommodations Near Banke Bihari Temple
Nearby Attractions
Vrindavan is a major tourist place to earn spirituality and blessings of Lordships. There are many places for the devotees to visit near the temple. Yamuna River: The sacred Yamuna river near Vrindavan is an attractive place for the devotees where they can visit the ghats and experience the boat journeys. Sitting behind the river also gives peaceful feelings to the devotees. Bhajan and Naam Kirtan: If you have visited the temple of Banke Bihari Ji, do not miss the sessions of Bhajan and Naam Kirtan. Devotees play songs and devotional music and dedicate them to Lordships. Nearby Temples: A few famous nearby temples of Banke Bihari Temple are ISKCON temple, Radha Raman Temple, Radha Vallabh Temple, and Prem Mandir.
Where to Stay Near Banke Bihari Temple
If you are planning to visit Banke Bihari Ji, we will also be providing you with three top-reviewed and budget-friendly hotels to stay.
- Radha Krishna Dham Beside Iskcon Gowsala
Address: Goshala Road near Iskcon, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh- 281121
Price: Starts from INR 1904*
Contact Number: 080044 74241
Distance from Temple: Walking distance to Banke Bihari Temple and Iskcon Temple
- Hotel YashoGopal Resortico
Address: 424/2 A Govind R Road, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh- 281121
Price: Starts from INR 1730*
Contact Number: 095578 79900
Distance from Temple: 17 mins walking distance to Banke Bihari Temple and 11 mins walking distance to Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Temple
- Radha Krishna Guest House
Address: Anaj Mandi, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh- 281121
Price: Start from INR 849*
Contact Number: +918191900043 / +918191900015
Distance from Temple: 10-minute walking distance to Banke Bihari Temple
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there no bell in Banke Bihari Temple?
No bells are rung during aarti and morning to not disturb Bihari ji in his sleep. No loud bells are there to wake Little Krishna from peaceful sleep.
What is the best time to visit Banke Bihari Ji?
It is suggested to the visitors to visit the temple around weekdays and to avoid the weekends and crowded hours. It is preferred to visit the temple between October to March.
Is there any dress code for visiting Banke Bihari Ji?
There is no legal dress code allocated by the temple. It is suggested or advisable to wear shirts and pants (for men) and sarees or salwars (for women) during the visit.
What is the entry fee for Banke Bihari Temple?
There is no entry fee. It is free Darshan.
Is photography not allowed?
Photography is restricted inside the temple.
Explore More Places Like Banke Bihari Temple
