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Banke Bihari Temple

Uttar Pradesh is a land of rich cultural and religious heritage. Signs of the glorious past can be found at many places. Vrindavan is one such place. Situated in Mathura district, Vrindavan has a link to mythological stories of Lord Krishna. This is the place where, Lord Krishna is believed to have spent his childhood days. Vrindavan is dotted with hundreds of Hindu temples, dedicated to Lord Krishna. Each temple has some unique reference to various holy forms of Lord Krishna. Banke Bihari is one of the forms of the deity. A temple built to worship this form of deity is known as ‘Banke Bihari Temple’. Hindu devotees invariably visit Vrindavan, to relive the stories of Lord Krishna’s life.

History

The name of the town, Vrindavan, has origin to two words, Vrinda meaning holy plant of Basil, and van meaning grove or forest. Vrindavan was believed to have groves of the holy plants. Some of the groves still exist at Nidhivan and Sevakunj. Lord Krishna is worshipped in many forms of the deity. The posture in which the deity is worshipped at this temple is seen as bent at three places. The word ‘Banke’ meaning bends and ‘Bihari’ meaning ‘the supreme enjoyer’, are put together to describe Lord Krishna. The image is bent in three places, as the name suggests.

Swami Haridas was a revered figure among Hindu ascetics in the fifteenth century. He established a temple in Nidhivan, by installing an idol of Lord Krishna in ‘Banke Bihari’ form. The present structure of the temple was built in 1862.

Legend

The temples of Vrindavan are mostly associated with some legends from mythological or historical origins. The Banke Bihari temple is no exception. The idol of Lord Krishna in the temple is believed to be blessed by the celestial couple of Shyam and Shyama. As per the legend, the Lord himself appeared along with the consort, and left behind the charming image, a unified figure in present form. The same legend goes on to say that one cannot look at the image for long, as it would make the person swoon. Hence ‘darshan’ of the deity is interrupted periodically. Lord Krishna, in this ‘Banke Bihari’ form is treated, pampered and worshipped as a small child. Sounds of bells or conches are absent at this temple, as it is felt that the child may get disturbed by loud sounds. As per the legends, even the sound of flute, which Lord Krishna loved to play in childhood, can be heard by the devotees.

Architecture

The architecture of this famous temple is done in Rajasthani style. The main hall of the sanctum sanctorum is embellished with floral carvings. The main idol is black in color. The entrance to the temple complex is through four storied carved structures. Architectural characteristics of most temples in Vrindavan have followed similar style.

Best Time to Visit

Foreign tourists prefer to visit India from October to March, when the climate is pleasant. However ardent devotees visit the place all throughout the year. Various special occasions including ‘Krishnashtami’, which is Lord Krishna’s birthday, is celebrated with great enthusiasm. The festival of colors, ‘Holi’ is also celebrated with great fanfare at the temples in Vrindavan. People throng these places to be part of the festivities.

Timings

  • Summer: Darshan between 7:45a.m. and 12:00 Noon and between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.          shringar aarti at 12:00 noon.
  • Winter: Darshan between 8:45 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. and between 4:40 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.                shringar aarti at 1:00 p.m.

Rajbhog aarti and shayan aarti are also conducted every day.

How to Reach

By Air

The city of Agra is 72 kms away from Vrindavan. Agra is a major tourist hub and has many flights connecting to other metro cities of India.

By Train

Vrindavan is just 10 kms away from the city of Mathura, which is a major railway junction. Mathura is well connected to numerous towns and cities of India through an efficient railway network. Railway trains are available in Mathura.

By Road

Vrindavan is connected to most towns and cities in north India through a network of National Highways and State Highways. Buses, Taxis and other modes of road transport are available for the benefit of visitors.

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