Banke Bihari Temple
About Banke Bihari Temple Vrindavan History
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.”
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.
Banke Bihari Temple Timing
Summer
Morning – 07:45 am to 12:00 pm
Evening – 05:30 am to 9:00 pm
Winter
Morning – 8:45 am to 1:00 pm
Evening – 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Banke Bihari Aarti Timing
Summer
Shringar Aarti: 07:45am
RajBhog Aarti: 11.55 am
Shayan Aarti: 09.00 pm
Winter
Shringar Aarti: 8:45am
RajBhog Aarti: 12:55 am
Shayan Aarti: 08:30 pm
Banke Bihari Temple Vrindavan Location
Shri Banke Bihari Temple,
Bihari Pura, Raman Reiti,
Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121
Banke Bihari Temple Vrindavan History
The story of Banke Bihari Mandir in Vrindavan is about Swami Haridas Ji, a great devotee of Lord Krishna. Swami Haridas Ji was born on Radha Ashtami, the eighth day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapad, in 1478 A.D. He was born in a village near Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, now called Haridaspur. His family was connected to Shri Gargacharya, the family priest of the Yadavs, who had secretly named young Krishna and Balram.
Swami Haridas is believed to be the rebirth of Lalita Sakhi, one of Krishna’s closest friends. Even as a child, he loved meditation and reading holy books instead of playing. Later, he moved to Vrindavan, which was a thick forest at that time. There, he chose a quiet place called Nidhivan to sing and meditate.
One day, at the request of his followers, he sang a beautiful bhajan (devotional song) in Nidhivan. Hearing his song, Radha and Krishna appeared before him. Swami Haridas asked them to stay with him, but he said he could not afford rich clothes and ornaments for Radha Rani. So, Krishna and Radha merged into one form and left behind a beautiful black idol, now known as Banke Bihari.
This idol is worshipped in the Banke Bihari Mandir. Many people visit the temple to see the divine idol and seek blessings from Radha and Krishna.
Banke Bihari Temple Photos
How to Reach Banke Bihari Temple Vrindavan
By Road: You can easily hire a cab from Agra, Mathura, or Delhi to travel to the Prem Mandir. It is 157 km from Delhi, 70 kms from Agra, and 11 kms from Mathura.
By Train: The city is well-connected with almost all cities across the country. The nearest railway station is in Mathura, located 13 kms away.
By Air: The nearest fully functional commercial airport is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, 150 km away.
Banke Bihari Temple Distance
| Place Name | Distance |
|---|---|
| Mathura Railway Station | 13 km |
| Prem mandir | 2.3 km |
| Mathura Bus Stand | 11 km |