The Banke bihari temple in Vrindavan is the the most famous temple of Vrindavan and one of the most visited temples in India.
Vrindavan, often hailed as the city of temples, boasts countless sacred sites, each with its unique story. However, certain temples stand as icon, deeply connected with the very identity of this holy city. The Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan is definitely one such iconic shrine.
Devotees believe that lord Krisna and Radha appeared in front of Swami Haridas and later merged and formed to this statue at his request. There is even a documentary on Bake bihari ji.
History
The famous statue of Banke Bihari was first worshiped as Kunjbihari by Swami Haridas. Later, his disciples called the statue Banke Bihari because of its special three-bend pose. Before, Banke Bihari was worshiped in Nidhivan. However, it was moved to where it is now in the 19th century and Banke Bihari Temple was built. This move happened because of a dispute between followers of Swami Haridas.
People believe Swami Haridas was Lalita Sakhi, a friend of Radha, in an earlier time. He was also the teacher of the famous singer Tansen. Because of his musical prayers, Radha and Krishna themselves appeared before him. Then, Swami Haridas asked them to become one form. At his request both merged into one and formed statue of Bankey Bihari.
Shri Banke Bihariji has charmed many devotees with his beautiful eyes, lovely smile, and attractive appearance. Devotees also know him as Rasiya (Romantic) Thakur. The curtain is rolled frequently in front of him so that he don’t fall in love with any of devotees and go with them. Folklore says that once priest forget to roll the curtain; meanwhile he fell in love with one of devotee and started to walk away to her. Swami Haridas Ji even wrote a pad: “Ta Thakur Ki Thakurain” (even though Shri Krishna is the main controller, Shri Radha Rani controls him).
Timings
Morning – 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Evening – 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Timings may slightly vary as per seasons.
