Banke Bihari Temple

Banke Bihari Temple is a famous temple in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, India, dedicated to Banke Bihari, who is believed to be the combined form of Radha and Krishna. Originally, Banke Bihari was worshipped at Nidhivan in Vrindavan. Later, around 1864, when the Banke Bihari Temple was constructed, the sacred image of Banke Bihari was moved to its current location.

The idol of Bihariji in the Banke Bihari Temple is said to have been given to Swami Haridas by Radha and Krishna themselves. According to legend, the divine couple appeared before Swami Haridas in Nidhivan in response to the devotion of the followers and left behind a beautiful black image before disappearing. This image is now worshipped in the temple.

In the temple, the idol of the united form of Radha and Krishna stands in a unique Tribhanga posture, which means bent in three places. Swami Haridas originally worshipped this idol under the name “Kunj Bihari.” On Akshaya Tritiya in the month of Vaisakha, one can have darshan of shri banke lotus feet.

The name “Banke Bihari” has a special meaning. “Banke” means “bent,” and “Bihari” or “Vihari” means “enjoyer.” This name describes Lord Krishna, who stands in a playful, threefold-bending form, enjoying divine bliss.

The darshan of Shri Banke Bihari Ji is unlike any other. The temple follows the tradition of Jhanki Darshan, where the curtain before the deity is drawn every few minutes. This creates a momentary darshan, allowing only a short glimpse of the Lord.

Why is the darshan so brief? Shri Banke Bihari Ji is known for His bhakta-vatsalya (affection for His devotees) and rasika nature. An interesting story explains this tradition:

Once, a devoted bhakta came to have darshan of Shri Banke Bihari Ji. The bhakta’s deep love and focus on the deity drew the Lord’s attention. So much so that Shri Banke Bihari Ji followed him to his village! When the goswamis discovered this, they brought the Lord back after much pleading. To prevent such incidents, the brief darshan tradition was introduced, ensuring no one could gaze at Him for too long.

The Banke Bihari Ji Temple is also unique because there is no mangala aarti (early morning prayers). The goswamis explain that Shri Banke Bihari Ji is worshipped as a child form of Krishna. Since the Lord spends His nights joyfully performing rasa lila, it is believed He gets tired and sleeps until late in the morning. Waking Him early would disturb His rest, so there is no mangala aarti.

Banke Bihari Temple Loction – Shri Banke Bihari Temple,Bihari Pura, Raman Reiti,Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121