Banke Bihari Temple is officially known as Shri Banke Bihari Temple. It is a Hindu temple which is dedicated to Lord Krishna. This temple is situated in the holy city of Vrindavan, Mathura. It is considered as one of the most revered shrines in the country and is counted among the 7 temples of Thakur of Vrindavan including Shri Govind Dev Ji, Sri Radha Vallabh Ji, and four others. The meaning of “Banke” is “bent in three places” while the meaning of “Bihari” is “Supreme Enjoyer”.
The image of Lord Krishna in the Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan appears in the form of a child i.e. Nand Gopal and is seen standing in the Tribhanga position. The idol of Lord Krishna in this temple was originally worshipped under the name of Kunj-Bihari which means “Enjoyer of Lakes”. This temple was constructed in the year 1864. It is believed that Swami Haridas, who was a devotee of Lord Krishna, spent most of his time praying, meditating, and reading Holy Scriptures. When the devotees come in the presence of the Banke Bihari Mandir, Vrindavan, they have witnessed the stunning Rajasthani-style edifice which is adorned with meticulous stonework and arched windows.
Special days about the life of Lord Krishna are celebrated with vigor and gaiety at Mathura Vrindavan Mandir. The Akshaya Tritiya is the only day when one can see the deity’s lotus feet while Mangala Aarti is held in Banke Bihari Temple during Janmashtami. Besides, the deity wears a special crown and carries a flute only on the full moon day in autumn. Furthermore, Jhulan Yatra is the swing festival of Lord Krishna which is celebrated on the third day of the shining moon. During this festival, the Banke Bihari is seated on a golden swing known as “Hindola”. The curtain is pulled shut and then opened again in every few minutes. At this time, the eyes of Lord Banke are so brilliant and it can make anyone unconscious if seen for a long time.
The temple is decorated with various kinds of flowers and lights during the festival of Holi. Here, Holi is celebrated in the last five days of the Hindu month of Phalgun. This place is thronged by many devotees at this time.
Apart from it, the most interesting fact about the Banke Bihari, Vrindavan is that there are no conchs or bells on the premises because Lord Krishna does not like the sound of these instruments. The sewa of the Banke Bihari Ji is performed in three parts every day that is Shringar, Rajbhog, and Shayan. The nearby attractions of this temple are Nidhivan, Madan Mohan Temple, Sri Radhavallabh Vrindavan Temple, Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, Radha Damodar Temple, Govardhan Hill and many more.
Banke Bihari Temple Vrindavan Timings in summer: 7:00 AM – 12:00 P.M and 5:30 P.M -9:30 P.M
Banke Bihari Temple Vrindavan Timings in winter: 8:45 AM – 1 PM and 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
