Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit the divine abode of Radha and Krishna, the eternal lovers of Hindu mythology? If yes, then you must visit Banke Bihari Mandir, one of the most revered and visited temples in Vrindavan, the holy town where Lord Krishna spent his childhood. Banke Bihari Mandir is dedicated to Banke Bihari, the charming and playful form of Krishna who is believed to be the combined manifestation of Radha and Krishna. In this article, you will discover everything you need to know about Banke Bihari Mandir, such as its history, architecture, timings, festivals, and how to reach it.
History of Banke Bihari Mandir
The name Banke Bihari means the charming and playful form of Krishna, who is also known as Banke Thakur or Banke Nandlal. The idol of Banke Bihari was discovered by Swami Haridas, a saint and devotee of Krishna, in the 16th century. Swami Haridas was a renowned musician and poet who composed many songs in praise of Krishna. He used to worship a small idol of Krishna in his hut in Nidhivan, the sacred forest where Radha and Krishna performed their divine dance. One day, he invited two famous singers, Tansen and Baiju Bawra, to sing in front of the idol. As they sang, the idol came to life and split into two, revealing the forms of Radha and Krishna. Swami Haridas was overjoyed to see this miracle and named the idol Banke Bihari.
The idol was moved from Nidhivan to the current temple in 1864 by Goswamis, the descendants of Swami Haridas. The temple was built by a rich merchant from Lucknow, who was a devotee of Banke Bihari. The temple is also known as Shri Haridas Niwas Temple, as it is located near the samadhi of Swami Haridas.
There are many legends and miracles associated with the idol and the temple. One of them is that the idol’s eyes are so powerful that they can make anyone unconscious if they look at them for too long. Therefore, the idol is kept behind a curtain, which is drawn every few minutes to prevent the idol from looking directly at the devotees. Another legend is that the idol’s clothes change color according to the season, such as white in summer, green in monsoon, and yellow in winter. Some devotees also claim that they have heard the idol’s flute at night, which is a sign of his presence and grace.
Banke Bihari Mandir is one of the most popular and crowded temples in Vrindavan, as it attracts millions of devotees every year. The temple is especially famous for its Holi celebration, when the idol is showered with colors and flowers, and the devotees sing and dance in ecstasy. The temple is also visited by many celebrities and dignitaries, such as Amitabh Bachchan, Lata Mangeshkar, Narendra Modi, and Pranab Mukherjee.
Banke Bihari Mandir is a temple that celebrates the divine love and bliss of Radha and Krishna, and invites the devotees to experience the same. The temple is a must-visit for anyone who wants to witness the beauty and elegance of the idol, and feel the joy and devotion of the devotees. Banke Bihari Mandir is not just a temple, but a living manifestation of Krishna’s charm and playfulness.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Banke Bihari Mandir is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and the temple is decorated for festivals such as Janmashtami, Radhashtami, and Holi. These festivals are celebrated with great zeal and devotion at the temple, and attract millions of devotees who want to witness the beauty and bliss of Banke Bihari. During these months, the temperature stays in the moderate range, offering the tourists and devotees a comfortable stay and an enjoyable visit to the temple.
However, the temple can also be very crowded during these times, so it is advisable to plan ahead and book your accommodation and transport in advance.
Festivals at Banke Bihari Mandir, Vrindavan
Vrindavan is a town that celebrates many festivals throughout the year, especially those related to the life and love of Lord Krishna and Radha. Some of the most famous festivals in Vrindavan are:
Holi:
This is the festival of colors and joy, which commemorates the divine play of Radha and Krishna. The festival lasts for several days in Vrindavan, and each day has a different significance and celebration. The most popular events are the Lathmar Holi at Barsana and Nandgaon, where women beat men with sticks as a symbol of Radha’s playful anger towards Krishna, the Holika Dahan at Kosi, where a huge bonfire is lit to mark the victory of good over evil, and the colorful Holi at Banke Bihari Temple, where the idol of Banke Bihari is showered with colors and flowers, and the devotees sing and dance in ecstasy.
Janmashtami:
This is the birthday of Lord Krishna, which is celebrated with great pomp and show in Vrindavan. The temple of Banke Bihari is decorated with lights and flowers, and the idol of Banke Bihari is placed on a golden swing. The devotees fast and chant the names of Krishna throughout the day and night, and at midnight, they offer prayers and sweets to the idol. The temple also organizes a grand procession of the idol through the streets of Vrindavan, accompanied by music and dance.
Radhashtami:
This is the birthday of Radha, the beloved consort of Krishna, which is celebrated with devotion and love in Vrindavan. The temple of Radha Raman is the main attraction on this day, as it is believed to be the place where Radha manifested herself from a shaligram stone. The idol of Radha Raman is adorned with jewels and clothes, and the devotees offer flowers and fruits to the idol. The temple also hosts a cultural program of music and dance, where the devotees express their love and admiration for Radha.
These are some of the festivals that make Vrindavan a vibrant and lively town, where the devotees can experience the divine grace and bliss of Radha and Krishna. There are many other festivals and fairs that are celebrated in Vrindavan, such as Vasant Panchami, Rath Ka Mela, Nandotsava, Deepawali, Govardhan Puja, Hariyali Teej, etc. Each festival has its own charm and significance, and reflects the culture and spirituality of Vrindavan.
Darshan Timings at Banke Bihari Temple
The temple darshan timings of Banke Bihari Mandir vary according to the season and the festivals. The temple is open for darshan twice a day, in the morning and in the evening, with a break in between. The general timings are as follows:
Summer (effective 2 days after Holi):
Morning: The temple opens at 7:45 am and closes at 12:00 pm. The shringar aarti takes place at 8:00 am and the rajbhog aarti takes place at 11:00 am. There is no darshan during the rajbhog aarti, which lasts for about 30 minutes.
Evening: The temple opens at 5:30 pm and closes at 9:30 pm. The shayan bhog takes place at 8:30 pm and the shayan aarti takes place at 9:15 pm. There is no darshan during the shayan bhog, which lasts for about 30 minutes.
Winter (effective 2 days after Diwali):
Morning: The temple opens at 8:45 am and closes at 1:00 pm. The shringar aarti takes place at 9:00 am and the rajbhog aarti takes place at 12:00 pm. There is no darshan during the rajbhog aarti, which lasts for about 30 minutes.
Evening: The temple opens at 4:30 pm and closes at 8:30 pm. The shayan bhog takes place at 7:30 pm and the shayan aarti takes place at 8:15 pm. There is no darshan during the shayan bhog, which lasts for about 30 minutes.
The temple timings may change during some festivals and occasions, such as Janmashtami, Radhashtami, and Holi. For example, on Janmashtami, the temple remains open for the whole night, and on Holi, the temple opens at 9:00 am and closes at 1:30 pm.
The devotees are advised to check the official website of the temple2 or the online registration portal for the latest updates on the temple timings. The temple darshan timings are designed to suit the convenience and comfort of the devotees, as well as the rituals and traditions of the temple. The devotees can experience the divine grace and love of Banke Bihari by visiting the temple at any time of the day.
Other Places to Visit Nearby
Some of the nearby places to visit after or before visiting Banke Bihari Mandir are:
Nidhivan:
This is the sacred forest where Radha and Krishna performed their divine dance, and where Swami Haridas discovered the idol of Banke Bihari. The forest is full of tulsi plants and has a temple dedicated to Radha Krishna. It is believed that Radha and Krishna still visit the forest at night and perform their leela, and no one is allowed to enter the forest after sunset.
ISKCON Temple:
This is a modern temple that promotes Krishna consciousness and offers various spiritual and cultural activities for the devotees. The temple has a beautiful architecture and a serene atmosphere, and has a museum, a library, a restaurant, and a guest house. The temple also organizes daily kirtans, lectures, and festivals.
Rangnath Ji Temple:
This is one of the oldest and largest temples in Vrindavan, and is dedicated to Lord Rangnath, a form of Lord Vishnu. The temple has a Dravidian style of architecture and has intricate carvings and paintings. The temple also has a large garden and a pond, and houses many other deities such as Lakshmi, Narasimha, Rama, and Hanuman.
Prem Mandir:
This is a white marble temple dedicated to Radha Krishna and Sita Ram, and is one of the most popular attractions in Vrindavan. The temple has a magnificent design and a splendid illumination, and depicts the life and pastimes of Radha Krishna and Sita Ram through statues and paintings. The temple also has a musical fountain, a garden, and a food court.
Getting There
One of the ways to reach Banke Bihari Mandir is by taking a flight to Agra airport, which is the nearest airport to Vrindavan. From there, you can hire a taxi or a bus to reach Vrindavan, which is about 60 kilometers away. The fare may vary depending on the type of vehicle and the season, but it usually ranges from INR 1000 to 2000. Alternatively, you can also take a flight to Delhi airport, which is about 164 kilometers away from Vrindavan, and then take a train or a bus to Mathura, which is the nearest railway station and bus stand to Vrindavan.
Another way to reach Banke Bihari Mandir is by taking a train to Mathura junction, which is well connected to the rest of India by rail. From there, you can take a taxi, an auto, or a tempo to reach Vrindavan, which is about 13 kilometers away. The fare may vary depending on the type of vehicle and the availability, but it usually ranges from INR 50 to 70 per person. You can also take a local bus from Mathura to Vrindavan, which may cost around INR 20 to 30 per person.
Once you reach Vrindavan, you can take an e-rickshaw or a cycle-rickshaw to reach Banke Bihari Chowk, which is the nearest point to the temple. The fare may vary depending on the distance and the season, but it usually ranges from INR 10 to 20 per person. From there, you have to walk for about 10 minutes through the narrow and crowded streets of Vrindavan to reach the temple. There are many shops and stalls along the way, where you can buy souvenirs, prasad, or snacks.
Banke Bihari Mandir is a temple that is worth visiting for anyone who wants to experience the charm and playfulness of Krishna, and the divine grace and love of Radha. The temple is a place where you can find peace, happiness, and inspiration, and connect with your inner self and the supreme soul. Banke Bihari Mandir is not just a temple, but a living manifestation of Krishna’s presence and grace.
We hope you enjoyed reading this article and found it useful and informative. If you have any comments, questions, or feedback, please feel free to share them with us.
We would love to hear from you and help you plan your visit to Banke Bihari Mandir. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to get more updates and tips on travel and tourism. Thank you for your time and attention. Hare Krishna!
