The Banke Bihari Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha in Vrindavan, Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple is dedicated to Banke Bihari, who is thought to be a hybrid of Radha and Krishna. Banke Bihari was first worshipped at Nidhivan in Vrindavan. Later, when the Banke Bihari temple was built around 1864, the icon of Banke Bihari was relocated to the new temple.

The icon of Radha Krishna’s united form stands in the Tribhanga posture in Banke Bihari temple. Swami Haridas first worshipped this murti as Kunj Bihari, which means “one who enjoys in the groves” or “Kunj of Vrindavan.” ‘Banke’ means bent in this context, and ‘Bihari’ refers to Vihari. The temple was built in 1864 A.D. The main deity in this temple stands in the ‘tribhanga’ posture, which is tilted at three angles. As a result, Lord Krishna was given the name “Banke” because he was bent in three places.

Story Behind Banke Bihari Temple

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

However, the divine couple’s beauty and charm were too much for the mortal beings (Haridas ji’s disciples) to bear. Seeing this, Swami Ji requested that Shri Radhe-Krishna take a unified form, similar to that of Ghan (cloud) and Damini (lightning). Obeying their devotee’s request, Shri Shyama-Shyam merged into a single black charming idol of Banke Bihari ji, which is still worshipped in the temple today.

Swami Haridas ji himself delegated responsibility for Bihari ji’s Seva to Goswami Jagannath. And, according to tradition, Thakur ji’s seva is still performed by the descendants of Goswami Jagannath ji.

History of Banke Bihari Temple

The Bankey Bihari temple in Vrindavan is one of the holiest and most famous Krishna temples in India. Shri Swami Haridas summoned Bankey Bihari Ji to Nidhivan. Thakur Ji’s idol is much older and was worshipped in Nidhivan until 1863. The Goswamis contributed to the construction of this temple in 1864. Goswamis relocated the idol to this temple after it was built. Bankey means “three bent places,” and Bihari means “supreme enjoyer.” Bankey Bihari Ji is worshipped and cared for as if he were a child.

The architecture of Banke Bihari Temple

The Shri Banke Bihari ji Temple was built in 1862. The deity was initially worshipped at a temple in Nidhivan. After the new complex was completed, the idol of Shri Banke Bihari ji was relocated to the current temple.

The temple’s architecture is influenced by the Rajasthani style, with arches and pillars adding to its grandeur. Bankey Bihari dislikes the sound of bells and conches, so there are none in the temple. There is only the chant ‘radha naam’. When someone enters the temple, he experiences eternal bliss and calm and forgets all his troubles.

Facts about Banke Bihari Temple

• Banke Bihari Temple is a Hindu temple situated in the town of Vrindavan, Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, dedicated to Lord Krishna.
• The temple was built in 1864 A.D. The main deity in this temple stands in the ‘tribhanga’ posture, which is tilted at three angles.
• The image of Bihariji installed in the Shri Banke Bihari Mandir was given to Swami Haridas by the celestial couple Shyama-Shyam themselves.
• Originally, this same Lord Krishna idol was worshipped at Nidhivan and was known as “Kunj-Bihari,” which means “the one who enjoys kunj or the groves of Vrindavan.”
• It is believed that if a devotee gazes long enough into the Lord’s eyes, he or she will lose consciousness. The devotees’ darshans have been interrupted due to Shri Banke Bihari’s exceptional charm and beauty.
• The temple grounds are quite large, with the main building surrounded by a magnificently carved Rajasthani-style entrance with steep steps leading to the temple courtyard.
• The temple contains images of all the gods and goddesses. The temple complex is extremely beautiful and appealing.
• The Bihariji’s sewa is distinctive in its own right. Every day, it is performed in three parts: Shringar, Rajbhog, and Shayan.
• While shringar (bath, dressing, and adornment with jewellery such as crowns and necklaces) and Rajbhog (feast) are served in the morning, Shayan Sewa (shayan means sleep) is served in the evening.
• Mangala (early morning) sewa is not practised at the temple. Swami Haridas did not favour Mangla Sewa because he wanted his child, Lord, to rest completely and did not want to wake him up so early in the morning.

Famous Festivals In Banke Bihari Temple

• Krishna Janmashtami – Lord Krishna was born on Ashtami, the eighth day of the Hindu month of Bhadra. The celebrations at the Dwarkadhish Temple begin early in the morning and continue until late at night.
• Holi – This festival is celebrated in the month of  Phalgun (Feb – March). During the celebration, people celebrate with colours and also celebrate and enjoy in temples complex.
• Hariyali Teej or Jhulan Yatra: Shri Bankey Bihari is seated in silver and gold swings (hindola) during the Hariyali Teej festival, also known as Jhulan Yatra. On this occasion, Bihari ji leaves the sanctum sanctorum to occupy the swing in the courtyard, where devotees can see their beloved Thakur ji dressed in green robes.
• Dhulandi: Dhulandi is the day following Holika Dahan. It is the day when Holi is celebrated across the country, and people of all ages enjoy playing with colours. Devotees offer colours to their beloved Lord on this day. Another major draw of the Holi celebrations is Huranga or Lathmar Holi.
• Radhashtami – On the eighth day of the Bhadrapad month (Hindu Calendar), Shrimati Raadharani incarnated as the daughter of Shri Vrishnubhanu ji. Radha Rani’s birthday is celebrated with great pomp and show at Bankey Bihari Ji temple.

Best Time to Visit Banke Bihari Temple

This place is very heavenly and spiritual, and you can visit it all year. However, the best time to visit this temple is during the monsoon and winter seasons. During the monsoon season, this location receives moderate to heavy rainfall, making it appear heavenly with its greenery and bringing freshness elsewhere.

How To reach Banke Bihari Temple

The best time to visit Banke Bihari Temple is between November and February, and during Janmashtami which is celebrated grandly here.

By Air: The nearest airport is Agra Airport, which is around 67 km away from the Banke Bihari Temple.

By Rail: The nearest railway station from Banke Bihari Temple is Mathura Railway Station.

By Road: The city is well connected by robust state-run buses and taxis. You can reach Banke Bihari Temple by local bus/taxi after reaching Mathura city.

Also Read – Jagannath Temple Puri