Banke Bihari Temple Vrindavan

Meaning of Banke Bihari

"Banke" means "bent in three places," while "Bihari" translates to "Supreme Enjoyer." The image of Lord Krishna is depicted in the Tribhanga posture. Swami Haridas initially worshipped this devotional image under the name Kunj-Bihari, meaning "Enjoyer of Lakes."

Meet Shri Banke Bihari Ji with Open Eyes

Every day, thousands of people from around the world visit Banke Bihari Mandir to catch a glimpse of the divine. While many devotees close their eyes during darshan to meditate on the Lord, it’s important not to forget to truly see Bankey Bihari with open eyes. Otherwise, your visit may feel incomplete.

Let us explain why this is significant. Few know that the idol of Banke Bihari was not sculpted but revealed at the request of Swami Haridas, allowing others to witness and receive blessings from the divine. It is said that this idol is made not of metal, but of wood. Those who gaze upon Lord Krishna and Shri Radha with love in their eyes cannot help but feel the Lord's compassion and grace in return.

Bihariji Seva - Three Times a Day

The service (seva) of Bihariji is special and is conducted in three parts each day: Shringar, Rajbhog, and Shayan. Shringar, which includes bathing, dressing, and adorning the idol with jewelry like crowns and necklaces, along with Rajbhog (a feast), takes place in the morning. Shayan Seva (which means sleep) is performed in the evening.

The temple does not follow the tradition of Mangala (early morning) seva. Swami Haridas preferred not to have Mangala Seva, as he wanted his childlike Lord to rest fully and not be disturbed from his deep slumber so early in the day.

Swami Haridas and Bankey Bihari ji

Haridas Ji is believed to be the incarnation of Rasa Nidhi Sakhi. When he turned 25, he received a sense of detachment from his guru and spent his time away from the world, thinking about the daily pastimes of Nikunj Bihari Ji. In the Nikunj forest, Swami Haridas Ji had a dream in which he was told to bring out the idol of Bihari Ji. Following this command, a beautiful black idol was taken from the earth. This lovely idol became famous as Shri Banke Bihari Ji. It was revealed on the fifth day of the bright half of the month of Margashirsha, which is why we joyfully celebrate this day as Vihar Panchami.

The idol of Shri Banke Bihari Ji represents both Radha and Krishna, creating a divine light that shows the essence of Radha in Bihari Ji.

No Bells in the Temple

In Bankey Bihari Temple, Bihari Ji is worshipped in the form of a small child. Therefore, there are no morning aartis, and there are no bells in the temple because they might disturb Bankey Bihari Ji. Shri Banke Bihari Ji goes to Nidhivan at night to dance (Raas). That’s why there is no morning aarti for him. Waking him up in the morning for aarti is considered disrespectful.

Special Days for Shri Banke Bihari Ji

At Banke Bihari Temple, the idol wears a flute only on Sharad Purnima. On the day of Shravan Teej, Thakur Ji sits on a swing, and only on Janmashtami does he have a morning aarti. Only fortunate people can witness this aarti. The sight of his feet is only possible on Akshaya Tritiya, and those who see them will have their troubles eased.

Why the Curtain is Used Frequently

According to a legend, until 400 years ago, there were no curtains in Banke Bihari Temple, allowing devotees to see Bihari Ji for as long as they wanted. One day, a devotee became so absorbed in seeing Bankey Bihari Ji that God started to walk with him, pleased by his love. When the priest saw this, he realized that the idol was no longer in the temple and requested God to return. Since then, the tradition of putting up a curtain every two minutes began.