Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan

      Banke Bihari Temple is one the most popular temples in Vrindavan and attracts many tourists. This temple is located near Loi Bazaar. This makes it the most crowded among all the temples in this temple town. I saw lots of hawkers selling flowers, reminiscent of the ambiance near the temples in South India. Most of the devotees carried huge garlands of flowers to offer to Banke Bihari.

      Banke Bihari is another name for Lord Krishna. Banke means 'bent at three places'. When Lord Krishna, stands while playing His flute, He is bent at three places - His right knee is bent to cross the left leg, His right hand is bent to hold the flute and His head is also bent while playing His flute. Bibari means Supreme Enjoyer'.

Banke Bihari Temple

      The idol of Banke Bihari was discovered by Haridas Swami at Nidhivan, in the 16th century. The idol was discovered in a Kadamba grove where it was originally worshiped. The musician Saint Swami Haridas was a great Krishna devotee, belonging to the Nimbarka sect. He was well known for his bhajans. He was also the Guru of the famous musician, Tansen, who adorned the Court of Mughal Emperor Akbar. Haridas Swami worshipped Lord Krishna as Kunja Bihari since he found the idol in a Kadamba grove kunja means 'grove'.

      The Banke Bihari Temple was built in 1864 and the Banke Bihari idol was moved here when this temple was constructed. The temple was rebuilt in 1921.

      As I entered the imposing structure, I saw huge inner courtyard. Black and white marble tiles made up the courtyard flooring. Arches adorned two sides of the courtyard. At the far end was the altar. Initially, the temple had only the idol of Banke Bihari. Later, an idol of Radha was added.

      There are a few unusual features about this temple. One salient feature is that a curtain is pulled to cover the idol and it is removed every few seconds. It is believed that the bright and glowing eyes of Banke Bihari will make you unconscious if you watch it for a long time. Hence the curtain covers the deity every few seconds. Another feature is that 'the temple opens very late in the morning. This is because people believe that Krishna is awake during most of the night, performing Ras Lila with the gopis and Radha and so He needs rest. Mangala Arati, which is performed every day in all the temples, is performed here only once a year on Janmashtami Day. The lotus feet of the Lord are covered every day and can be seen only On one day of the year on Akshaya Trithiya day. Unlike other temples in Vrindavan, this temple has lots of flowers and flower garlands all over the place - practically everywhere.

      The temple attracts a large number of devotees during the Shravana month (July/August). This is the month when Jhulan Yatra (Swing Festival) is celebrated. The idol is placed on a huge golden swing amidst many other smaller golden and silver swings.