How did the statue of Banke Bihari appear?
What is the miraculous story?
When and who built the temple?
What is the secret of Nidhivan?
New Delhi:
Vrindavan, an enchanting place in India, is renowned for the celestial exploits of Lord Krishna and is revered as a heavenly abode for his devotees. It is here that one can experience firsthand the captivating childhood pastimes of Lord Gopal. Every element of this sacred land resonates with the divine essence of Lord Vasudev. However, what draws millions of devotees to this sacred site year after year? Our dedicated team from “Know Your Temples” embarked on a journey to Vrindavan, seeking a deeper understanding of Lord Krishna’s divine play.
When and who built Banke Bihari temple ?
Mathura, an ancient city in Uttar Pradesh, is located just 10 kilometers away from Vrindavan, a place filled with the miraculous exploits of Lord Krishna. Another wondrous abode is the temple of Banke Bihari, constructed in an ancient architectural style, which exudes extraordinary beauty. Here, devotees find solace, leaving behind all their sorrows and pains. The establishment of the Banke Bihari temple is credited to Swami Haridas Ji, a staunch devotee of Lord Krishna and a disciple of the renowned musician Tansen. Swami Haridas Ji immersed himself in devotional worship of Lord Krishna while residing in Nidhivan, and it was said that he became so absorbed in Krishna’s devotion that Radha and Krishna themselves would appear before him to listen to his enchanting music. Once, while Swami Haridas Ji was singing, the divine forms of Radha and Krishna manifested in front of him. In that moment, he declared that for him, Radha and Krishna were one, and at their behest, Radha and Krishna merged into a single form, revealing the divine dark-complexioned deity, which was named Banke Bihari. For some time, Swami Haridas Ji worshipped this deity in Nidhivan before eventually establishing a magnificent temple in Vrindavan, allowing people to experience and behold the miracles of Lord Krishna. The temple was constructed in 1864, and the idol of Banke Bihari represents the divine forms of Lord Krishna and Radha Rani. Therefore, the deity of Banke Bihari Ji is adorned with half the ornaments of a woman and the other half with those of a man.
Why is the curtain put in front of Banke Bihari?
The temple of Banke Bihari Ji is filled with miracles. Devotees who visit here have experienced the wonders performed by Banke Bihari Ji. The idol of Banke Bihari Ji holds such an attraction that tears start flowing from the devotees’ eyes upon seeing Him. There is a magnetic pull in His divine form, and those who have the opportunity to behold Him can’t help but keep gazing at Him. It feels as if they have truly found Krishna Himself. It is believed that the devotees who immerse themselves in true devotion and deep faith become one with Nand Lal (another name for Lord Krishna). Therefore, the temple priests repeatedly cover the idol of Banke Bihari Ji to ensure that no one can catch even a glimpse of Him, and He remains in Vrindavan to bless the devotees with His divine presence.
Darshan of the feet once in a year!
According to Pandit Gopi Goswami, the morning and evening Aarti (devotional ritual) of the deity are performed daily. However, what surprises people is that the opportunity to witness the Mangala Aarti (auspicious ritual in the morning) is only available once a year for the devotees. The Mangala Aarti takes place only on the occasion of Janmashtami (Lord Krishna’s birthday) at the temple. Similarly, devotees can have daily darshan (sight) of Banke Bihari, but the darshan of His holy feet is granted only once a year. On the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya in the month of Vaishakh, devotees can have the privilege of seeing and seeking blessings from the divine feet of Banke Bihari Ji.
Mystery of Nidhivan?
Bankhe Bihari Temple is accompanied by another miraculous place in Vrindavan called Nidhivan. Nidhivan is the place where Lord Krishna used to perform Raas Leela with Radha and the Gopis. Priest Kuldeep Sharma mentioned that even today Radha and Krishna come here to perform Raas Leela, but no one can witness their divine play. As soon as evening sets, the doors of Nidhivan are closed. Even the windows and doors facing Nidhivan are shut by the people. After sunset, even the birds leave Nidhivan. It is said that once a devotee of Krishna tried to witness his Raas Leela. He sneaked into Nidhivan before the doors were closed and hid inside. When the doors opened in the morning and people saw him, he had turned blind. Since then, no one has dared to attempt such an act.
Offering Butter and sugar as prasad:
People from both within the country and abroad flock to witness the darshan of Banke Bihari. Throughout the year, devotees visit the Banke Bihari Temple and offer Makhan Mishri (a special sweet) as prasad. Special programs and events are organized on occasions like Janmashtami, Holi, and the month of Sawan (monsoon season dedicated to Lord Shiva) where lakhs of devotees participate. Those who come here always experience the blessings of Lord Krishna showering upon them.
How to reach:
The nearest railway station to reach the Banke Bihari Temple is in Mathura. Vrindavan is just 15 kilometers away from Mathura. Outside the railway station, you will find bus, taxi, and auto-rickshaw services to go to Vrindavan. You can directly reach Vrindavan by bus as well, as there is a bus stand from where buses from Uttar Pradesh and several other states operate. For devotees coming from abroad, the closest airport is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, from where you can reach Vrindavan by bus or train. The distance between Delhi and Mathura-Vrindavan is around 150 kilometers. There are various affordable accommodations available for staying, including guesthouses run by religious and social organizations.
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