Banke Bihari Temple Vrindavan – History, Timing and Distance

Banke Bihari Temple is located in Vrindavan, the devotional center of Brajdham. Devotees of Lord Shri Krishna are seen waiting for hours outside the temple to get a glimpse of Bihari Ji. Thousands of devotees from all over the country and the world come to Bihari Ji’s temple every day to have his darshan.

History of Banke Bihari Temple Vrindavan

The Banke Bihari Temple is not only a spiritual center but also an architectural marvel. The design of the temple appears to be a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal styles with intricate carvings and beautiful walls. The main temple,is  where the idol of Banke Bihari Ji is housed. The Banke Bihari Ji idol is adorned with beautiful jewellery and colourful clothes which are changed several times.

The history of the Banke Bihari Temple is said to date back to the 19th century. The temple was founded by Swami Haridas, a great devotee of Lord Krishna and a famous saint of the Bhakti movement. Swami Haridas discovered the beautiful idol of Banke Bihari in Nidhivan, a sacred grove in Vrindavan, after deep meditation and devotion.

Swami Haridas was famous for his devotional music. It is said that Lord Shri Krishna appeared in the form of Banke Bihari to bless Swami Haridas with his divine presence. The temple was built by the descendants of Swami Haridas to install the beloved deity. The temple complex has undergone a lot of changes over the years to accommodate the growing number of devotees.

The name Banke Bihari is made up of two words: Banke, which means bent at three places, and the word Bihari, which means enjoyer. It refers to the unique posture of Lord Shri Krishna depicted in the idol, in which his body is bent at the neck, waist, and knee, symbolizing his playful and frolicsome nature.

A unique feature of the Banke Bihari temple is that there are no bells or conches played inside the temple. It is believed that the Lord prefers to remain silent and enjoy the melodious sound of the flute, just like Lord Krishna used to do during his time in Vrindavan.

The enchanting view of Banke Bihari Temple

Visiting Lord Krishna at Banke Bihari Temple is a unique experience. The temple has a unique ritual in which the curtain in front of the idol is opened and closed repeatedly. This is done to protect devotees from the intense spiritual energy emanating from the deity, as it is believed that direct, prolonged eye contact with the idol can be very harmful.

Devotees from all over the world visit Banke Bihari Temple Vrindavan to catch a glimpse of their beloved Lord. The temple is especially crowded during festivals like Janmashtami (the birth of Lord Krishna) and Holi.

Festivals celebrated at Banke Bihari Temple

Banke Bihari Temple Festivals such as Holi, the festival of colors, are celebrated here with great enthusiasm. The temple turns into a vibrant display of colors as devotees play Holi with Lord Krishna using flower petals and Gulal.

Another important festival is Janmashtami, which marks the birth of Lord Krishna. The temple is beautifully decorated, and special prayers and kirtans (devotional songs) are performed throughout the night.

During these festivals, Banke Bihari Temple Vrindavan becomes an ocean of devotion, where thousands of devotees sing, dance, and celebrate the divine love of Krishna.

Spiritual Experience at Banke Bihari Temple

A visit to Banke Bihari Temple is an intense spiritual experience that touches the soul. The serene atmosphere along with the divine presence of Lord Krishna provides solace and peace to the weary heart. Many devotees visit the temple not only to pray but also to experience the unique connection with Krishna that can only be felt in Vrindavan.

The narrow lanes leading to Banke Bihari Temple are filled with shops selling flowers, sweets, and religious artifacts, which further add to the vibrant ambiance of the temple. Chants of “Radhey Radhey” reverberate in the air, creating a different atmosphere of devotion and reverence.

Banke Bihari Temple is not just a temple, it is a spiritual haven that attracts people from all sections of society. Whether you are a devotee of Lord Krishna or a curious traveler, a visit to this holy temple will give you an intense feeling of peace and divine love.

The history, architecture, and vibrant rituals of Banke Bihari Temple Vrindavan make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the spiritual heart of India.

Beautiful pictures of Banke Bihari Temple

Tips for visiting Banke Bihari Temple Vrindavan

If you are planning to visit Banke Bihari Temple Vrindavan, keep in mind some practical tips.

Dress modestly: It is our duty to visit the temple wearing proper clothes, covering our shoulders and knees, and respecting the sanctity of the temple.

Festivals: If possible, plan your trip during the festive season to witness the vibrant festivals in Vrindavan. November to March are the best time to visit Vrindavan.

Respect local customs: Vrindavan is visited by devotees from all over the world so it is advisable to be polite to everyone and be mindful of local customs and traditions.

Banke Bihari Temple Timings

Entry and darshan at Banke Bihari temple is free and no fee is charged at the temple. The opening and closing timings of the temple are as follows:

Summer timings: 07:45 am to 12:00 pm and 05:30 pm to 09:30 pm.

Winter timings: 08:45 am to 01:00 pm and 04:30 pm to 08:30 pm.

How to reach Banke Bihari Temple Vrindavan

Air route: The nearest airport to Vrindavan for air travel is Agra and Delhi International Airport, from any part of the country and abroad you can reach Banke Bihari Mandir Vrindavan by reaching Delhi Airport.

Rail route: The nearest railway station to Vrindavan for travel by rail is Mathura Junction, from any corner of the country you can reach Banke Bihari Temple Vrindavan by reaching Mathura Junction Railway Station.

Road route: To travel by road, you can reach Vrindavan via National Highway 19 from Delhi and Agra to Banke Bihari mandir Vrindavan. The distance by road between Mathura city and Banke Bihari Temple Vrindavan is about 13 kilometers.

Mathura Junction To Banke Bihari Temple Distance

Mathura junction to banke bihari temple distance is 13 kilometers and it may take about 30 minutes to cover this distance. As soon as you get out of the station, you will find e-rickshaws and autos to go to Banke Bihari temple Vrindavan and the fare of a private vehicle can be approximately 300 to 500 rupees.

Conclusion-

Hope you got the right information about Banke Bihari Temple Vrindavan in this article. If you liked this article, then share it with your Krishna devotee friends. May Kanhaji fulfill all your wishes. Radhe Radhe!