Located in the sacred town of Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh, Banke Bihari Temple is one of the most celebrated temples dedicated to Lord Krishna. Revered for its divine energy, vibrant atmosphere, and distinctive worship style, this temple is a must-visit for devotees and tourists alike. Every year, millions flock here to catch a glimpse of “Banke Bihari Ji,” the charming form of Krishna who stands in a beautiful tribhanga posture — slightly bent at three points.
| Temple Name | Banke Bihari Temple |
| Location | Vrindavan, Mathura District, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Deity | Banke Bihari – a unified form of Radha and Krishna |
| Founded By | Swami Haridas (guru of Tansen) in 1864 |
| Architectural Style | Rajasthani architecture with arches, jharokhas, and carved stone work |
| Unique Features | – No Mangal Aarti- Curtain opens/closes frequently- Seva (not Puja) |
| Festival Highlights | – Janmashtami- Holi- Jhulan Yatra (Swing Festival) |
| Temple Timings | Summer: 7:45 AM–12 PM, 5:30–9:30 PMWinter: 8:45 AM–1 PM, 4:30–8:30 PM |
| Darshan Style | Curtain pulled every few seconds during darshan |
| Transport Options | Via Mathura (train), Delhi/Agra (road/air), autos/e-rickshaws to temple |
| Nearby Attractions | Prem Mandir, ISKCON Temple, Nidhivan, Radha Raman Temple |
Meaning Behind the Name: Banke Bihari
The name “Banke Bihari” has deep meaning rooted in devotion:
Banke means “bent,” referring to Krishna’s threefold posture — neck, waist, and knee slightly curved.
Bihari means “enjoyer” or “one who plays.”
Together, Banke Bihari symbolizes the ever-youthful and playful nature of Lord Krishna, the divine lover and supreme deity of Vrindavan.
History and Origins
The Banke Bihari Temple was established in 1864 by Swami Haridas, the revered guru of the legendary musician Tansen. Legend says that Swami Haridas was an ardent devotee of Radha and Krishna and used to meditate in Nidhivan, a forest area in Vrindavan. One day, his prayers invoked the divine couple to appear before him. Upon request, they merged into a single idol, which Swami Haridas then enshrined in the temple.
This makes Banke Bihari Ji unique — it is not just Krishna, but Radha-Krishna in one form.
Temple Architecture and Ambience
Banke Bihari Temple is a fine example of Rajasthani architecture, featuring:
Arched windows
Intricately carved stone façades
Ornate pillars and jharokhas
A high courtyard where the main deity resides
Inside, the aura is electric. Devotees chant “Radhe Radhe,” and the temple echoes with bhajans and the sweet sounds of bells and mridangams. The idol of Banke Bihari is stunning, with deep black eyes, a mischievous smile, and adorned in colorful garments and flower garlands.
One of the temple’s most enchanting features is the curtain that constantly opens and closes every few seconds — a rare tradition intended to protect devotees from the overwhelming charisma of the Lord’s gaze.
Unique Worship Practices
Banke Bihari Temple follows distinct rituals unlike other Hindu temples:
No Mangal Aarti: Most temples begin the day with Mangal Aarti (early morning prayer), but Banke Bihari Temple doesn’t. It’s believed that Lord Krishna, being a childlike deity here, prefers to wake up at leisure.
Curtain Ritual: The deity’s darshan (viewing) is momentary. Priests draw a curtain every few seconds, believing that the Lord’s intense gaze may spiritually overwhelm the devotees.
Seva Instead of Puja: The temple uses the term Seva (service) instead of Puja, emphasizing a more personal and loving bond between devotee and deity.
These customs add a layer of emotional intimacy and mystery, making each visit spiritually stirring.
Festival Celebrations
Banke Bihari Temple is known for its spectacular celebrations, especially during major festivals:
1. Janmashtami – Krishna’s Birthday
The temple comes alive with decorations, songs, and midnight darshan. Special bhajans are sung, and thousands of lamps illuminate the shrine.
2. Holi – Festival of Colors
Vrindavan’s Holi is world-famous, and at Banke Bihari Temple, flower petals and colors are showered on devotees while singing joyous bhajans. It’s one of the most divine and ecstatic experiences a Krishna devotee can have.
3. Jhulan Yatra (Swing Festival)
During the monsoon season, Lord Banke Bihari is placed on a beautifully decorated swing. Devotees sing, dance, and swing the deity as part of a loving celebration of his leelas (divine pastimes).
Temple Timings
| Season | Morning Hours | Evening Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | 7:45 AM – 12:00 PM | 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM |
| Winter | 8:45 AM – 1:00 PM | 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM |
Note: Timings may change on festival days or special occasions.
Location and How to Reach
Address: Banke Bihari Mandir, Vrindavan, Mathura District, Uttar Pradesh – 281121
By Road: Vrindavan is well-connected by roads from Delhi (160 km), Agra (75 km), and Mathura (10 km).
By Train: The nearest major station is Mathura Junction.
By Air: The nearest airport is Agra Airport, followed by Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi.
Auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws, and tempos are easily available from Mathura to Vrindavan.
Nearby Attractions
While in Vrindavan, don’t miss out on:
Prem Mandir – A stunning marble temple with light shows and evening aartis.
ISKCON Vrindavan – A modern Krishna temple known for global followers.
Nidhivan – A sacred grove associated with Krishna’s divine leelas.
Radha Raman Temple – Another ancient temple revered for its exquisite deity.
