Bankey Bihari Temple, Vrindavan - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Bankey Bihari Temple

At a distance of 1 Km from Vrindavan Railway Station, Sri Bankey Bihari Mandir is a Hindu temple situated near Radhavallabh Temple in the holy city of Vrindavan. The temple is dedicated to Banke Bihari, a form of Lord Krishna. This temple is among the 7 temples of Thakur of Vrindavan, and among the must-include places in the Vrindavan family packages. The word Banke means bent in three places, while the word Bihari means supreme enjoyer. This is how Lord Kṛiṣhṇa, who is bent in three places, got the name Banke Bihari

History of Bankey Bihari Temple

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Krishna, and the idol of the deity was originally worshipped by Haridas Swami under the name of Kunji-bihari which means enjoyer of lakes. His disciples bestowed the name Banke Bihari due to the image's tribhaṅga posture. The idol was worshipped in Nidhivan till 1863. The current temple was built in 1864 with the contribution of Goswamis. After construction of the temple, the Goswamis transferred the idol to this temple. Later, the deity of Radha Rani was added to the temple.

Mythology of Bankey Bihari Temple

The tale of the Banke Bihari temple tells us of its origins, driven by the devotion of Swami Haridas. An ardent follower of Lord Krishna, Swami Haridas devoted his life to meditation, prayer, and the study of sacred texts. His devotion remained unwavering, even after marrying Harimatiji, as he continued his rigorous spiritual practices. Following her surrender to the Lord, he journeyed to Vrindavan, where he found a peaceful retreat for meditation, a place we now recognize as Nidhivan.

One particular day, after granting his disciples' access to Nidhivan, they witnessed something extraordinary. A radiant light enveloped the area, unlike anything they had ever experienced. It was none other than Lord Krishna himself, who had appeared in front of the devotees in person with his consort Radha.Realizing that the intensity of the light was blinding his disciples, Swami Haridas pleaded for them to merge into that divine presence, leading to the manifestation of the Banke Bihari avatar. In his profound devotion, he also expressed a heartfelt desire for his beloved deity to remain ever-present before him. Thus, the Lord fulfilled this wish, leaving behind an enchanting black form.

Architecture of Bankey Bihari Temple

The architecture of the Banke Bihari Temple showcases a blend of traditional and Rajasthani architectural styles. Its exterior, embellished with intricate carvings and exquisite craftsmanship, is a testament to the dedication and artistry of its creators. Inside the sanctum sanctorum lies a captivating idol of Lord Krishna, depicted in the iconic 'Tribhanga' pose, characterized by a graceful three-fold bend. The idol, with its striking black hue, is masterfully sculpted.

In this temple, Lord Krishna is reverently worshiped as a small child, which is why customary morning aarti is not conducted, and there are no bells within the temple-to avoid disturbing Banke Bihari. The only exception is on Krishna Janmashtami, when a mangala aarti takes place in the early morning. Unlike many other temples, the curtains that conceal the deity are drawn open and closed at intervals. It is said that prolonged gaze into the enchanting eyes of Banke Bihari can lead devotees to faint from sheer devotion.

Festivals of Bankey Bihari Temple

The Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan celebrates numerous festivals throughout the year, each with unique rituals and traditions. The two main festivals celebrated at Banke Bihari Temple are Janmasthami, which commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna and Holi. People from different parts of the country come here to celebrate these festivals. The other festivals celebrated here is Radha Ashtami, and Jhulan Yatra, the swing festival of Lord Krishna, in which the deity is placed on beautiful silver-plated swings.

Bankey Bihari Temple Dress Code & Other Restrictions

Bankey Bihari Temple in Vrindavan has a dress code that mandates visitors to don modest and traditional clothing. Men are expected to wear long pants, or dhotis along with shirts or kurtas, whereas women should opt for sarees, salwar kameez, or other forms of Indian attire that adequately cover the shoulders and knees. It is advisable to refrain from wearing Western garments such as shorts, skirts, torn jeans and sleeveless tops.

Generally, non-Hindus are allowed to visit Bankey Bihari Temple. The temple administration has rejected calls to ban non-Hindus, emphasizing that faith and devotion should not be subject to religious divisions.

Bankey Bihari Temple Timings

Monday: 7:45 AM - 12 PM & 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM in summer, & 8:45 AM - 1 PM and 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM in winter
Tuesday: 7:45 AM - 12 PM & 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM in summer, & 8:45 AM - 1 PM and 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM in winter
Wednesday: 7:45 AM - 12 PM & 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM in summer, & 8:45 AM - 1 PM and 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM in winter
Thursday: 7:45 AM - 12 PM & 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM in summer, & 8:45 AM - 1 PM and 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM in winter
Friday: 7:45 AM - 12 PM & 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM in summer, & 8:45 AM - 1 PM and 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM in winter
Saturday: 7:45 AM - 12 PM & 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM in summer, & 8:45 AM - 1 PM and 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM in winter
Sunday: 7:45 AM - 12 PM & 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM in summer, & 8:45 AM - 1 PM and 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM in winter

Bankey Bihari Temple Entry Fee

General Entry is Free
VIP Darshan is Available for Rs. 100

Best Time to Visit Bankey Bihari Temple

The best time to visit Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan is from October to March. During this period, the climate is pleasant, making it comfortable for visitors to explore the temple and participate in the festivities. For individuals wishing to experience the temple at its most spiritually enriching, it is recommended to schedule your visit during the Janmashtami festival, which commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna and generally takes place in August/September. Another favorable occasion to visit the temple is Holi, the festival of colors, which typically happens in March. Nevertheless, it is important to note that the town experiences a surge of tourists during these festivals, so one should be ready for the bustling crowds. Vrindavan endures extremely hot summers and heavy monsoons, rendering those months less suitable for travel and exploration.

How to Reach Bankey Bihari Temple

Agra Airport is the closest airport, which is 70 Km away from Vrindavan. Vrindavan has a Railway Station but Mathura is the major railhead, which is about 13 Km away. Mathura Junction Railway Station is a major rail head with regular train services to Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Pondicherry, Vizag, Dehradun, Chandigarh, Trivandrum, Shirdi, Jammu Tawi, Chennai, Hubli, Goa, Patna, Lucknow, Bangalore and Chhattisgarh. Vrindavan is also well connected by road with Mathura, Agra, Jaipur, Lucknow, Delhi, Indore and Allahabad. One can reach Bankey Bihari Temple by hiring a cab, or an auto-rickshaw from all parts of Vrindavan.