Information of Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh

Bankey Bihari Temple is a Hindu sanctuary which is dedicated to god Krishna. It is situated in the sacred city of Vrindavan in Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh. The name Bankey signify 'bent in three places', where Bihari signify 'ultimate enjoyer'. In Bankey Bihari Temple, the statue of lord Krishna stands as tri bent posture. The saint Haridas Swami initially worshipped this religious statue under the name of Kunj Bihari. In this temple, lord Krishna is observed in the childhood phase.

Banke Bihari Temple Religious Significance

Bankey Bihari Temple is thronged by considerable number of devotees every day. There are several religious celebrations are held in Bankey Bihari Temple and one of the most popular is Jhulan Yatra. It is swing commemoration of lord Krishna. On this occasion various silver plated and silver designed wings are demonstrated. During this festival, Bankey Bihari is positioned on a golden swing named 'Hindola'. It is believed that the bright eyes of Bankey Bihari can make a person insensible if observed for too long. Bankey Bihari Temple is the only temple where loud bells are not used in order to awake lord Krishna. It is assumed that laud bell is improper way to wake lord Krishna, rather he can woke quietly. Hence, no bells are not even used during worship as it might bother the lord. The worship in the temple is done in such a way that is seem nurturing a small kid.

The other popular festival in Bankey Bihari Temple is Janmasthami which is regarded as the birthday of lord Krishna. Mangala Aarti is done on this holy occasion. Apart from that Akshaya Tritiya and Dol Utsav are also celebrated in Bankey Bihari Temple, during the month of April or May.

Banke Bihari Temple Mythology & History

The statue of Bankey Bihari is installed in the temple. It is believed that the statue was granted to Swami Haridas by a heavenly pair. Succumbing to the wish of devotees, lord Krishna appeared with his celestial group and left a black amiable statue before vanishing. Hindu mythology states that the attractiveness of heavenly pair was such that no individual desired to lose the vision and immediacy of spirituality. The attractiveness of heavenly pair was so much that minor humans are unable to bear its beauty. Identifying that Swami Haridas requested the pair to make a single form since the world is unable to bear their image. Thus, it gave a perfect symbol to the collective beauty of dark lord and his reasonable ensemble.

Legend says that Swami Haridas was the re-embodiment of a female friend of lord Krisna. Thus, in childhood, while other kids at his age were engaged in playing, he was interested in meditation. Swami Haridas also desired his cherished lord Krishna to be in front for his eyes always. Thus, by conceding his both desires, the heavenly pair transformed into a single black charming statue in the similar place where Bankey Bihari Temple is situated. Due to the overwhelming appeal and loveliness of Bankey Bihari, the observance of the temple is never continuous.

Banke Bihari Temple Architectural Significance

Bankey Bihari Temple is an architectural splendour in itself and has been constructed according to Rajasthan architectural style. In the initial phase, the idol of lord Krishna was fitted in a sanctuary which is near to Nidhivan. However, in the year 1862 AD, a new temple fitting the splendour of Bankey Bihari was created. Resources have been militarised in order to create the temple. At present, Bankey Bihari Temple stands with its complete magnificence.