Banke Bihari Temple Vrindavan (Timings, History, Entry Fee, Images, Aarti, Location & Phone)

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Banke Bihari Temple Vrindavan Darshan & Aarti Timings

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One of the most famous temples in Vrindavan is Shri Bankey Bihari Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna. Here ‘Banke’ means bent and ‘Bihari’ refers to Vihari or enjoyer.

In this temple, the principal deity stands in the ‘tribhanga’ posture, which is tilted at three angles. Hence, Lord Krishna, who is bent at three places, got the name “Banke”. Originally, this same idol of Lord Krishna was worshipped at Nidhivan and called “Kunj-Bihari” which means ‘the one who enjoys kunj or groves of Vrindavan’.

Situated in the holy city of Vrindavan, this temple represents the devotion and love for Sri Radhe-Krishna by Swami Haridas ji. Lord Krishna’s idol itself is the personification of the blessings of the Lord on His very dear devotee.

History of Banke Bihari Temple Vrindavan

Swami Haridas ji, an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna and Radharani, was believed to be the reincarnation of Lalita Sakhi of the inner circle of Shri Radhe-Krishna. Surrendering to the bhakti and devotion of Swami Haridas ji, Lord Krishna along with Shrimati Radharani appeared in person in Nidhivan.

However, the beauty and charm of the divine couple was so much that the mortal beings (disciples of Haridas ji) were not able to bear it. Observing this, swami ji requested Shri Radhe-Krishna to take a unified form like Ghan (cloud) and Damini (lightning). Obliging the request of their devotee, Shri Shyama-Shyam merged into a single black charming idol of Banke Bihari ji, the one which is worshipped even today in the temple.

The responsibility of Seva of Bihari ji was handed over to Goswami Jagannath by Swami Haridas ji himself. And by tradition, till date the seva of Thakur ji is performed by the descendants of Goswami Jagannath ji.

Unique Darshan at Banke Bihari Temple Vrindavan

Unique in its tradition, at Banke Bihari temple the darshan of the presiding deity (Shri Bankey Bihari ji) is never continuous but is intermittently paused by the curtain drawn on Him. It is believed that if a devotee looks long enough into the eyes of the Lord, the person would lose consciousness.The exceptional charm and beauty of Shri Banke Bihari is the reason for the interrupted darshans to the devotees.

Image Gallery of Banke Bihari Temple Vrindavan

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Architecture of Banke Bihari Temple Vrindavan

Shri Banke Bihari ji Temple was constructed in the year 1862. Initially the deity was worshipped at a temple in Nidhivan. Later on after the completion of the new complex, the idol of Shri Banke Bihari ji was shifted to the present temple.

Architecture of the temple is influenced by the Rajasthani style with arches and pillars adding to its magnificence.

Things to do at Shri Bankey Bihari ji Temple Vrindavan

Shri Bankey Bihari ji Temple is one of the most visited temples in Vrindavan. It is the representation of unwavered faith and devotion to the beloved Lord. Thousands of devotees visit this century old temple every day to worship Shri Bankey Bihari ji who is fondly addressed as ‘Bihari ji’ and ‘Thakur ji’ by Brajvasis.

Few of the key attributes of the temple which you can enjoy are as follows:

1. Shri Krishna Janmashtami: Shri Krishna Janmashtami is the day when Lord Krishna appeared on this earth. It is celebrated on the eighth day of the first fortnight of Bhadrapad month. On this day, Mangala Aarti is done in the temple and Bihari ji is seated at Jagmohan. Darshan to the devotees opens at around 2 am and continues till 6 am in the morning.

This glorious day is celebrated with great enthusiasm by all the devotees.

2. Hariyali Teej or Jhulan Yatra: During the Hariyali Teej festival, commonly known as Jhulan Yatra, Shri Bankey Bihari is seated in silver and golden swings (hindola). On this occasion, Bihari ji moves out of the sanctum sanctorum to occupy the swing in the courtyard where devotees get a glimpse of their beloved Thakur ji adorned in green robe.

3. Holi: At Bankey Bihari ji Temple, the festival of Holi is celebrated with great fervor and continues for several days.. During the celebrations, Shri Bankey Bihari ji occupies the silver hut erected in the jagmohan offering devotees closer darshan of the Lord adorned in white robe which turns into all colors by the end of the day. Devotees get soaked in the colored water sprinkled on them by the priests.

4. Dhulandi: The day following Holika Dahan is known as Dhulandi. It is the day when Holi is celebrated throughout the country and people of all age groups indulge in having fun with colors. However, on this day Bihari ji does not play Holi rather He occupies a high throne and watches over the devotees playing with colors. On this day, devotees offer colors to their beloved Lord. Huranga or Lathmar Holi is another key attraction of the holi celebrations.

5. Radhashtami: Shrimati Raadharani incarnated as the daughter of Shri Vrishnubhanu ji on the eighth day of the Bhadrapad month (Hindu Calendar). Radha Rani’s birthday is celebrated with great pomp and show at Bankey Bihari ji temple. The temple is decorated splendidly and Raas Leela is staged in the courtyard. You can enjoy this ‘Veeni Guthan’ leela exclusively at this time of the year only. In the evening, one can be a part of the grand procession, Chav which is a depiction of Lord Krishna going to greet Swami Haridas ji on this auspicious day.

6. Bihari ji Prakatya Sthal: Another place which is highly revered by all the Vaishnavites is Bihari ji Prakatya Sthal (Appearance Place) in Nidhivan. As per the popular belief, It is the same place where Shri Radhe Krishna gave darshan to His devout devotee Swami Haridas ji and merged into the single majestic idol of Bihari ji.

Best Time to Visit Shri Bankey Bihari ji Temple

The sacred city of Mathura and Vrindavan experiences extreme weather conditions during summer as well as winter months. Most favorable time to visit Bankey Bihari ji Temple is from February to April and from October to December. During this time of the year, the temperature stays in the moderate range offering the tourists and devotees a pleasant stay and an enjoyable visit to the temple.

Shri Bankey Bihari ji Temple Entry Fee and Timings

You don't have to pay an entry fee for visiting Shri Bankey Bihari ji Temple, its doors are always open to guide you on the path of spirituality on all days of the week. The temple timings are as follows:

Summers: From 7.45 am to 12.00 noon and from 5.30 pm to 9.30 pm
Winters: From 8.45 am to 1.00 pm and from 4.30 pm to 8.30 pm

Distinctive Seva at Shri Bankey Bihari ji Temple

The seva of bihari ji is special and quite distinctive in its tradition. Seva is performed in three phases every day: Shringar, Rajbhog and Shayan. Shri Bankey Bihari ji temple does not have a tradition of Mangala aarti, rather Lord Krishna is treated like a child and is not disturbed early morning. The priests do not ring loud bells either keeping in mind the convenience of their young Lord.

How to reach Shri Bankey Bihari ji Temple

Bankey Bihari ji Temple is located at Vrindavan and is easily accessible by hiring a private taxi from top car rental companies in Mathura-Vrindavan or taking an auto rickshaw. The closest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi which is approximately 161 kms from the temple. The nearest railway station is Mathura Junction which is very well connected with major cities of the country and around 12 kms from Bihari ji Temple.

If you are staying at Vrindavan, you can easily reach the temple by taking an auto - rickshaw.

Things to keep in mind while visiting Shri Bankey Bihari ji Temple

• Maintain the sanctity and decorum of the place.
• Kindly do not take your footwear inside the temple.
• It is advisable not to leave your footwear outside, there is a free service available within the temple premises.
• Dress Code : Men and women should dress up in a culturally appropriate way.
• Intoxicants : Beware of anyone offering intoxicants or drugs. Consumption of intoxicants in Vrindavan dham is prohibited.
• Kindly do not litter the surroundings and be mindful of disposing of any waste in a proper way.
• If possible please use cloth bags to carry your belongings and try to recycle.
• Be careful if you are driving a four wheeler as the approaching lanes to the temple are narrow.

Shri Bankey Bihari ji Temple has a reputation of guiding the devotees to the path of inner happiness, satisfaction and higher consciousness. Located in the sacred land of Braj Bhoomi, it is an embodiment of motherly love and seva for our beloved child like Lord Krishna.

Shri Bankey Bihari ji Temple is one of the magnificent temples of Vrindavan dham which is surrounded by mysticism and legends of devotees being blessed by Thakur ji in the most unexpected ways.

Once you enter the temple, you will experience spiritualism in every small aspect of worship and seva of the almighty. Shri Bankey Bihari ji temple is thronged by thousands of devotees everyday to get a glimpse of their beloved Thakur ji in His most charming and magical form.

One might get urged to introspect and examine one’s life after getting face to face with the exceptional love and faith of the Brijwasis for their Lord. Book a Mathura-Vrindavan tour package from Mathura-Vrindavan Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA and do not miss the opportunity to get the magical darshan of Bihari ji on their Mathura- Vrindavan Trip. Visit all the popular sightseeing places of Mathura & Vrindavan with our packages and have a great time exploring the holy cities. Please fill the Contact Us form to know more.

Location Map for Banke Bihari Temple Vrindavan