Lord Krishna is one of Lord Vishnu’s most popular avatars and the central figure of the Bhagavad Gita. In this article, we are going to take a look at the various temples of Shri Krishna and a lot more about it. The first temple which we are going to talk about is one of the most famous temples in Vrindavan.
Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan
Shri Banke Bihari Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, is one of the most well-known temples in Vrindavan. ‘Banke’ means bent in this context, and ‘Bihari’ refers to Vihari or enjoyed. The main deity in this temple stands in the ‘tribhanga’ posture, which is tilted at three angles.
As a result, Lord Krishna, who is bent in three places, was given the name “Banke.” 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.”
Swami Haridas Ji’s devotion and love for Sri Radhe-Krishna are embodied in this temple, which is located in the holy city of Vrindavan. Lord Krishna’s idol is a personification of the Lord’s blessings on His most devoted devotee.
History
Swami Haridas Ji, an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna and Radharani, was thought to be the reincarnation of Shri Radhe-inner Krishna’s 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 so overwhelming that the mortal beings (Haridas ji’s disciples) were unable to bear it. Seeing this, Swami Ji requested that Shri Radhe-Krishna take a unified form, similar to 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.
About the 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.
The darshan of the presiding deity (Shri Banke Bihari Ji) at Banke Bihari temple is never continuous but is intermittently paused by the curtain drawn on Him. 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.
Festival Celebrated
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.
The darshan of the presiding deity (Shri Banke Bihari Ji) at Banke Bihari temple is never continuous but is intermittently paused by the curtain drawn on Him. 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.
- Shri Krishna Janmashtami: Shri Krishna Janmashtami commemorates the day Lord Krishna first appeared on Earth. It is observed on the eighth day of the first fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada. Mangala Aarti is performed in the temple on this day, and Bihari Ji is seated at Jagmohan. Darshan for devotees begins around 2 a.m. and continues until 6 a.m.This majestic day is celebrated with great zeal by all devotees.
- Hariyali Teej or Jhulan Yatra: Shri Bankey Bihari is seated in silver and gold swings during the Hariyali Teej festival, also known as Jhulan Yatra (hindola). 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 robe.
- Holi: The Holi festival is celebrated with great zeal at Bankey Bihari Ji Temple and lasts several days. During the celebrations, Shri Bankey Bihari ji occupies the silver hut erected in the Jagmohan, providing devotees with a closer look at the Lord, who is dressed in a white robe that changes to all colors by the end of the day. Devotees are soaked in colored water that has been sprinkled on them.
- 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 colors. On this day, however, Bihari Ji does not play Holi; instead, He sits on a high throne and watches over the devotees who are playing with colors. Devotees offer colors 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, Shrimati Radharani incarnates as the daughter of Shree Vrishnubhanu ji (Hindu Calendar). Radha Rani’s birthday is celebrated at Bankey Bihari Ji temple with great pomp and show. The temple is lavishly decorated, and Raas Leela is performed in the courtyard. This ‘Veena Guthan’ Leela is only available during this time of year. In the evening, one can participate in the grand procession, Chav, which depicts Lord Krishna on his way to greet Swami Haridas Ji on this auspicious day.
- Bihari Ji Prakatya Sthal: Bihari Ji Prakatya Sthal (Appearance Place) in Nidhivan is another place that is highly revered by all Vaishnavites. According to popular belief, it is the same location where Shri Radhe Krishna granted darshan to His devout devotee Swami Haridas Ji before merging into the single majestic idol of Bihari Ji.
Best time to visit:
During the summer and winter months, the sacred cities of Mathura and Vrindavan are subjected to extreme weather conditions. The best months to visit Bankey Bihari ji Temple are February to April and October to December. The temperature stays in the moderate range during this time of year, providing tourists and devotees with a pleasant stay and an enjoyable visit to the temple.
How to get there:
Bankey Bihari Ji Temple is located in Vrindavan and can be reached by hiring a private taxi from one of the top car rental companies in Mathura-Vrindavan or taking an auto-rickshaw. Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi is approximately 161 kilometers away from the temple. The nearest railway station is Mathura Junction, which is well connected to major cities throughout the country and is approximately 12 kilometers from Bihari Ji Temple. If you are staying in Vrindavan, you can easily get to the temple by auto-rickshaw.
Unique Seva at Shri Bankey Bihari ji Temple:
Bihari ji’s Seva is special and distinct in its tradition. Every day, Seva is performed in three stages: Shringar, Rajbhog, and Shayan. The Shri Bankey Bihari Ji temple does not have a Mangala aarti tradition; instead, Lord Krishna is treated as a child and is not disturbed in the early morning. The priests, for the sake of their young Lord, do not ring loud bells either.
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