Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan

The Banke Bihari Mandir is one of the most famous temples in Vrindavan, a town in Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh. This temple is dedicated to Banke Bihari and it is believed to be the combined form of Radha and Krishna. In this temple, the statue of Radha and Krishna together is in the Tribhanga pose (three-bend pose).

People from all over the world visit here to see the temple and experience its spiritual energy. It is also popular for the daily evening prayers, which create a calm and loving environment. Many people visit the temple, especially during festivals like Janmashtami and Holi that makes it even more special. Whether you are a local or a tourist, the temple’s beauty and calm atmosphere make it an important place to see in Vrindavan.

Quick Information

History

Origin of the Icon of Banke Bihari-The idol was also called Kunjbihari, representing Krishna as the happy god of the forests (Kunj). Because of the idol’s unique threefold bending pose, it was named Banke Bihari, which means ‘the bent Krishna’.

Bihar Panchami – A Special Day-Every year, devotees celebrate Bihar Panchami to remember the special event when Swami Haridas revealed the idol.

Shift to the Current Location-In the 19th century, the idol was moved to its present site due to a conflict between the sadhu and Goswami followers of Haridas.

Construction of the Banke Bihari Temple-The Banke Bihari Temple was built around 1864, and the statue of Banke Bihari was relocated to this temple at that time. The temple was built by Swami Haridas, a great devotee of Lord Krishna. Before the temple existed, the idol of Banke Bihari was kept in Nidhivan, a holy forest in Vrindavan, where people worshiped it.

Architecture

• The temple is built in Rajasthani style. Even after 150 years, it still attracts many visitors, with thousands coming every day.
• The walls of the temple are covered with carvings and paintings that depict Lord Krishna’s life stories.
• The entrance of the temple is wide and has beautiful arches. The roof is built in a traditional way, with detailed decorations.

Things to do at Banke Bihari Temple

Here are some of the main features of the temple that you can enjoy-

Participate in Shri Krishna Janmashtami-It is the day when Lord Krishna was born. On this day, Mangala Aarti is held in the temple, and Bihari Ji is placed at Jagmohan. Devotees can view the idol from 2 am to 6 am.

Enjoy the Artwork- Spend some time looking at the carvings and paintings on the walls that depict Lord Krishna’s life.

Hariyali Teej or Jhulan Yatra- During the Hariyali Teej festival, also called Jhulan Yatra, Shri Bankey Bihari is placed on silver and golden swings. It is believed that on this day, Bihari Ji comes out of the temple's main area and sits on a swing in the courtyard, where devotees see him in a green robe.

Bihari ji Prakatya Sthal-Bihari Ji Prakatya Sthal is another holy site where it is said that Sri Radha and Krishna showed themselves to Swami Haridas Ji and merged into the Bihari Ji idol. This place is a must-visit for travelers.

What to Explore Inside the Banke Bihari Temple

• The temple is famous for its beautiful stonework and stunning interior designs.
• Visitors can see the large prayer hall, where devotees gather for Bhajans and Aarti. The colorful decorations and traditional lamps make the temple look beautiful and memorable.
• The temple’s peaceful courtyard is another place to explore, where devotees can relax.

Best Time to Visit

• The best months to visit Bankey Bihari Ji Temple are fromFebruarytoAprilandOctobertoDecember.
• Weather during these months is nice, making it easy to visit the temple and explore the area.
• It is better to skip the summer months (May to July) because it gets very hot.

How to reach Banke Bihari Temple