Shri Banke Bihari Temple Vrindavan
About Banke Bihari Temple
India, a land with a rich tapestry of diverse holy shrines, sacred destinations, and numerous pilgrimage places, is a testament to spiritual exploration, inner peace, and enlightenment. It is no wonder that the country attracts a huge crowd of pilgrims each year. Among the many places graced by sacred shrines, Mathura Vrindavan in the state of Uttar Pradesh hold a special place. Being the birthplace of Lord Krishna, these sacred towns are adorned with a myriad of temples. Immersing yourself in the tranquillity of their Hindu Temples can bring solace to your soul and provide a chance to seek blessings.
Address: Vrindavan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
Entry Timings: Open for darshan throughout the day
Time Required: 1-2 hours for complete exploration
Entry Fee: No entry fees (Free for all visitors)
Temple Description
One of the most renowned temples in the holy town of Vrindavan is the Shri Banke Bihari Temple, devoted to Lord Krishna is counted as Mathura Vrindavan Famous Places to visit. The name "Banke" signifies bent, and "Bihari" means one who enjoys Vihari. At this temple, the primary deity is presented in the 'tribhanga' posture, gracefully tilted at three angles. This distinctive pose, where Lord Krishna is bent at three places, earns Him the beloved name "Banke." Interestingly, the same idol of Lord Krishna was originally worshipped at Nidhivan and known as "Kunj-Bihari," meaning 'the one who enjoys kunj or groves of Vrindavan.' This temple serves as a symbol of devotion and love for Sri Radhe-Krishna. The idol of Lord Krishna itself embodies the divine blessings bestowed upon His beloved devotee. Among several temples dedicated to Lord krishna and Radha, Banke Bihari Temple receives throng of tourists every day. On special occasions, festivals, Ekadashi, devotees can face a long queue. It takes approx. 1 to 2 hours to explore Banke Bihari Temple, but it can take between 3 to 4 hours during festivals.
Mysteries of Banke Bihari Temple
Banke Bihari Temple follows a unique tradition where the darshan of the main deity, Shri Banke Bihari Ji, is not continuous but is intermittently paused by drawing a curtain. This practice is rooted in the belief that if a devotee gazes too long into the eyes of the Lord, they may lose consciousness. The distinctive charm and beauty of Shri Banke Bihari are the reasons behind the intermittent darshans, ensuring a special experience for the devotees.
History of Banke Bihari Temple
Swami Haridas ji, a true devotee of Lord Krishna and Radharani, was thought to embody the spirit of Lalita Sakhi, a close companion of Shri Radhe-Krishna. The story goes that due to the unwavering devotion of Swami Haridas ji, Lord Krishna and Shrimati Radharani revealed themselves in Nidhivan. But the extraordinary beauty of the divine couple proved too overwhelming for mortal beings, the disciples, who could not bear this sight. Seeing their struggle, Swami ji asked Shri Radhe-Krishna to take a combined form resembling a cloud and lightning.
In response to this plea, Shri Shyama-Shyam transformed into a single black idol of Banke Bihari ji, the very deity worshipped in the temple to this day. Swami Haridas ji handed over the duty of serving Bihari ji to Goswami Jagannath. Following tradition, the descendants of Goswami Jagannath ji continue the legacy, performing the seva (service) of Thakur ji, keeping the divine connection alive through the generations.
The glorious Shri Banke Bihari ji Temple took shape in 1862. In its early days, the deity graced in Nidhivan Temple until the completion of the new complex. It was then that the idol of Shri Banke Bihari ji found its new abode in the present temple. Drawing inspiration from the Rajasthani style, the architecture with its arches and pillars boasts grandeur.
Things to do in Banke Bihari Temple
Shri Banke Bihari Temple is most famous for grand celebration of festivals and decorations. People from all over India visit Banke Bihari Temple for Janmashtami Celebration every year and stay there for a more than a week to take participation in Bhajan, aarti, shringar and decoration. Celebration continues for more than a week at grand scale. Holi celebration at Banke Bihari is world famous with phoolon ki holi and chanting of Bolo Banke Bihari Lal ki Jai from thousands of devotees.
Banke Bihari Temple Opening and Closing Timings
Banke Bihari Temple opens at 7:30 am for darshan and close at 12 noon in the morning time and opening time in evening is from 5:30 pm and Banke Bihari Temple closing time is 9:30 pm.
| Timings | Summer | Winter |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Darshan | 7:45 AM - 12:00 PM | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
| Afternoon Break | 12:00 PM - 4:30 PM | 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM | 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
| Mangla Aarti | 7:45 AM | 8:00 AM |
| Shringar Aarti | 8:00 AM | 8:15 AM |
| Raj Bhog | 10:00 AM | 10:00 AM |
| Uthan Aarti | 4:30 PM | 4:00 PM |
| Sandhya Aarti | 6:30 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Shayan Aarti | 8:30 PM | 8:00 PM |
Distance of Banke Bihari Temple from Railway Station
The Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan is located approximately 11 km from Mathura Railway Station, and you can cover this distance by road in about 24 minutes of driving time. Contact us to book Tempo Traveller in Mathura for a group tour in Mathura.
| Place | Distance | Approx time taken |
|---|---|---|
| Mathura Railway Station | 11 Km | 22 mins |
| Vrindavan Bus Stand | 11.3 Km | 34 mins |
| New Delhi Railway Station | 156 Km | 169 mins |
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