Shri Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan

The Bankey Bihari temple, in Vrindavan is amongst the holiest and famous temples of Krishna in the World. This temple is the most visited temple in Vrindavan. The temple is named after Banke Bihari, where Lord Krishna assumes the tribhanga pose. Lord Krishna here is worshipped as a child, and the temple bells are never rung for fear that it may wake up the sleeping child God. The temple is reached via winding narrow streets. Shops selling lassi, butter and religious paraphernalia flank the route. The idol housed in the sanctum of the temple remains covered by a curtain that the priest opens and closes every few minutes throughout the day, so one does not lose consciousness gazing at the brilliant eyes of Banke Bihari. The devotees offer Chhappan bhog (56 items of delicious food/Prasad) and Phoolwaalon ki sazavat (Flower decoration).

Bankey Bihari Temple was established by Swami Haridas Ji,, guru of the famous singer tansen. Once, at the request of his disciples, Swami Haridasji sang a beautiful verse for Shri Krishna in Nidhivan, Vrindavan.

On singing the verse, Radha-Krishna appeared in front of him and his devotees.

The image of Bihariji installed in Shri Bankey Bihari Mandir is the one granted to Swami Haridas ji. Krishna had appeared in person with his divine consort and left-back a black charming image before disappearing.

The legend as handed down to the generations of Goswamis, says that the beauty of the divine couple was so much that lesser mortals, like you and me, won't be able to bear such a heavenly beauty. Sensing this Swami Haridasji requested both of them to take a single form, as the world won't be able to bear their image. The idol was established in Nidhivan.

The responsibility of Sewa of Bihariji was handed over to Goswami Jagannath by Swamiji himself. Goswami Jagannath was one of the principal disciples and younger brother of Swamiji. By tradition, the Sewa is performed by descendants of Jagannath Goswami till day.

Initially, the deity was installed in a temple close to the first appearance in Nidhivan. A new temple befitting the glory of Bihariji was constructed in 1862 AD. Goswamis themselves mobilized resources for the construction. The temple is an architectural beauty in itself and follows the contemporary Rajasthani style.

The sewa of the Bihariji is unique in its own way. It is performed in three parts every day i.e. Shringar, Rajbhog and Shayan. While shringar which includes bath, dressing and adornment with jewellery like crown and necklaces and Rajbhog or the feast are offered in the forenoon, Shayan Sewa is offered in the evening. The temple doesn't have a tradition of Mangala (early morning) sewa. Swami Haridas did not favour Mangla Sewa as he wanted his childlike Krishna to take complete rest.

Mangala-arati is only once in a year in this temple ie on the Janmashtami Day. The lotus feet of the Deity can be seen, on Akshaya Tritiya, On the autumn full moon day ie Sharad Purnima the Deity holds a flute, and also on this day, he wears a special crown. Shri Bankey Bihari comes off his altar and can be seen in full view on the last five days of the month of Phalguna, during the Holi festival. He can be seen with four gopis, who are seen just at this time