Vrindavan is worldwide known as the playground of Lord Krishna. This place is full of devotion and divine beauty. Amongst all the Temples in Vrindavan, Banke Bihari Temple is a spiritual and cultural wonder. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna in his most playful form, Banke Bihari, whose idol is so well crafted that devotees feel an otherworldly connection just by looking at it.
Established in 1862, the temple gets over 5000 visitors daily and up to 1 lac during Holi and Janmashtami. Unique rituals like the curtains being closed during darshan add to the charm. The temple’s traditions and its timelessness make it a place of devotion that leaves an indelible mark on every visitor.
Banke Bihari Temple is famous for its unique rituals and the closeness of the god with the devotees. Unlike other temples, it doesn’t do Mangala Aarti in the morning as it’s believed that Lord Krishna likes to sleep after his night play. The practice of drawing and closing curtains during darshan adds to its distinctive charm.
Another unique aspect is that you can not find any bell or conch and that is why the environment remains calm and meditative. The temple’s design itself reflects simplicity. Visitors often remark on the personal bond they feel with the deity. They feel a strong relationship rooted in love and affection and that is why visitors go to this temple to gain a deeply personal spiritual experience.
The story of the Banke Bihari Temple Vrindavan is as enchanting as the deity it houses. Swami Haridas who was a saint and musician in the early 16th century dedicated his life to the worship of Radha-Krishna. During one of his meditative sessions in Nidhivan, Lord Krishna and Radha manifested and merged into a single form and that is how the creation of idol Banke Bihari formed.
What makes this idol exceptional is its lifelike expression and spiritual aura. It is believed to have the power to captivate devotees completely. Historical records suggest that this idol’s form influenced Vaishnavite art and sculpture in the Braj region. When Swami Haridas passed the responsibility of seva to Goswami Jagannath, his disciple, the lineage of priests began, which continues even today.
Here is the detailed schedule for darshan and aarti at the Banke Bihari Temple, varying by season:
| Darshan/Aarti | Summer | Winter |
|---|---|---|
| Darshan Time in Morning | 7:45 am - 12:00 pm | 8:45 am - 1:00 pm |
| Shringar Aarti | 8:00 am | 9:00 am |
| Rajbhog Aarti | 11:00 am | 12:00 pm |
| Rajbhog and Closing | 12:00 pm | 1:00 pm |
| Darshan Time in Evening | 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm | 4:30 pm - 8:30 pm |
| Shayan Bhog | 8:30 pm | 7:30 pm |
| Shayan Aarti and Closing | 9:30 pm | 8:30 pm |
The curtain opening and closing at Banke Bihari Temple Vrindavan has a fascinating story. It is believed that the idol of Lord Krishna here is so beautiful that if you gaze at it continuously you will get into a hallucination-like stage or you can say you will lose your consciousness. This also shows the playful side of Lord Krishna who loves to tease his devotees. As per the legends the idol emerged from the combined vision of Radha and Krishna given to Swami Haridas in Nidhivan.
The best time to visit Banke Bihari Temple Vrindavan is from October to March when the weather is cool. Holi, Janmashtami and Radhashtami are the major festivals celebrated during this time. Early morning and late evening are the best times for darshan when there are fewer people. Avoid the peak summer from April to June when it’s too hot. If you are a festival enthusiast, visit during Holi or Jhulan Yatra for a unique spiritual experience. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends so it’s better for devotees who want a peaceful visit.
Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan is a big spiritual attraction. You can come by various means of transport. The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi which is 167 km away. From Delhi you can hire a cab or bus to Vrindavan. If you are coming by train, Mathura Junction is the nearest railway station which is just 43 km away from the temple. Local transport like auto-rickshaws or taxis can be used to cover the remaining distance. If you prefer to come by road, Vrindavan is well connected to Delhi and Mathura via highways and you can come by state buses, private taxis or your own vehicle. Within Vrindavan, cycle-rickshaws and auto-rickshaws are the best to navigate the narrow streets to the temple.
Whichever festivals are being celebrated in the Banke Bihari Temple Vrindavan, the vibe and atmosphere are always divine and colourful.
The temple becomes a spiritual paradise on Shri Krishna Janmashtami. Devotees start gathering as early as 2:00 am to see the special pujas and aarti. The temple is decorated beautifully and Banke Bihari is dressed up. Midnight is the peak of the celebrations with Hare Krishna chanting all around.
Hariyali Teej is the start of the monsoon and is celebrated with Jhulan Yatra where the deity is seated on a beautifully decorated swing. Devotees sing traditional songs as priests gently swing the deity. The temple is decorated with green and flowers inside. This is a symbol of Krishna’s playful and loving nature.
Holi at the temple is a colourful and devotional festival where we celebrate the playful love of Krishna and Radha. The festival includes the singing of devotional songs and the application of colours to each other. Dhulandi the next day is a more subdued festival with dry colours. The temple idol is dressed in white clothes, which is a beautiful contrast to the colourful celebrations. These festivals attract visitors from all over the world who want to experience Vrindavan’s Holi.
Radhashtami is the birth of Radha Rani celebrated with great devotion and grandeur. The day starts with special pujas and rituals for Radha. The temple is decorated with flowers and devotional songs praising Radha’s love for Krishna are sung. Raas Leela is performed to depict their divine love story. Radhashtami is an important festival in Vrindavan’s calendar as devotees gather to celebrate Shree Radha’s presence.
This festival marks the divine appearance of Banke Bihari at Nidhivan. The temple organizes special pujas and cultural events to relive the moment when Swami Haridas’s devotion brought out the idol. Devotees sing bhajans and share the story of the idol’s miraculous appearance.
In and around Vrindavan there are more than 100s of temples or spiritual places and all these places are equally unique, divine and mysterious.
Prem Mandir is located just 3.5 km from Banke Bihari Temple and is a visual and spiritual treat. The carvings on the temple show the life of Lord Krishna. The evening light show makes the temple look beautiful and serene. The gardens and pathways also add to its charm.
Nidhivan is a sacred grove where according to legends, Krishna performs Raas Leela at night. The dense forest with intertwined trees is believed to be Gopis. You are not allowed to stay after sunset as per the divine beliefs of this place. It’s a spiritually charged place which has all the Vrindavan magic.
ISKCON Temple is a modern temple dedicated to Krishna and Radha. The temple has vibrant kirtans and devotional programs and attracts visitors from all over the world. The temple complex has a vegetarian restaurant and gift shop. It’s a peaceful place to soak in the spiritual energy of Vrindavan.
This temple is for Radha and Krishna without Krishna idols which means Shree Radha is supreme. A simple and divine atmosphere attracts devotees looking for spiritual connection. Daily rituals and bhajans make the temple more peaceful.
Seva Kunj is where Krishna rested after Raas Leela. This place is full of divine love and devotion. You can feel the peace and spiritual energy here. A place to relax and connect with Krishna’s mischief.
For a seamless and convenient journey, you can book Tempo Traveller in Mathura and explore all the amazing places with friends and family.
