Shri Krishna is the love of every Vaishnavas in the country and around the world. Let’s discover the divine presence of Shri Krishna at Shri Bankey Bihari Temple with our blog, in every corner of this revered temple, where spirituality meets tranquility.
Namaste!
Welcome to the world of divine readings at www.onindianpath.com. Today, we are covering the most loved and visited temple of Hindu God Krishna – Shri bankey Bihari Temple at Vrindavan.
Introduction
Do you know why Lord Krishna is so loved and praised so much? Let me tell you. Since childhood, this majestic blue coloured god has been eyeball of many devotees. Conversely, he has splendid personality that immerse ourself to a higher level from ordinary life.
Moreover, from his Shringaar to his leela, nothing is untouched with his charismatic magic.
Shri Bankey Bihari Temple, Vrindavan
Shri Bankey Bihari Temple is one of the most followed and famous temples of India.
Introduction to Shri Bankey Bihari temple
Nonetheless, Shri Banke Bihari Temple is a very famous and revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. Accordingly, it is located at the heart of Vrindavan in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India.
Although, Shri Banke Bihari ji is popularly known as the thakur ji of Braj, there are other six more temples dedicated to Shri Krishna, will be discussing in our upcoming blogs.
Architecture of Shri Bankey Bihari Temple
Subsequently, one can not miss the Rajasthani style of architecture having arched windows and stone carving at its best in this temple. Besides, the majestic temple has four doors to enter and exit. The floor has beautiful black and white marble flooring.
Special Features
Do you know there is no bells or counch in the temple? The reason is the idol is lalla (child form) of Shri Krishna. And, priests and devotees wake up thakur ji with Radha naam.
As thakurji is in lalla form, the mangla aarti( morning arti at Brahma Muhurat) is performed only on Krishna Janmashtami and other major festivals.
Additionally, have you ever wondered why priests keep veiling thakurji every 10 minutes? It’s because this majestic God is so beautiful and elegant that if he meets the eyes of his devotees, they will lose their senses.
Do not miss the fun and devotional Holi at Vrindavan on March 20, 2024. The serenity and extravaganza of Brij ki Holi is a must to do in the list.
Why is he called Banke Bihari?
Banke Bihari is the Hindi word which is made of two words- Banke and Bihari. Additionally, Banke means bent from three places and Bihari means the one who enjoys the supreme. Apparently, the idol is called Kunj Bihari means one who enjoys the lakes. Here, thakur ji is standing in tribhanga position.
Special events at Banke Bihari Temple
- On, Hariyali teej, there is Jhulan Yatra for whole month of Shrawan mas of Hindu panchang. Infact, idol is made to sit on Hindola made of silver and gold. This one month long celebration attracts many devotees and tourists to witness the gala decorations of flowers and Itra (scent made from natural flowers and oils) of temple.
- Next, on Krishna Janamashtami, and Radha ashtami, there is a grand festival, inviting lakhs of devotees from all over the world. Meanwhile, Mangla aarti is performed on this day with great fun and fervor. Although, Mangla aarti is performed at Brahm Muhurat of the day, praising the Lord with diya and bati and aarti.
- In Addition to, on Akshay Tritiya, one can have chandan darshana of thakurji’s divine feet. Only on this day, the divine darshana of his feet are open for general public.
- Similarly, on Sharad Purnima, Thakurji is decorated with Maharasa shringaar. Also, he holds bansuri on this divine day.
- Mainly, one can not miss the extravaganza of Holi at this temple, where priests and devotees throw gulaal in the air to smear the environment with colours of happiness.
- Also, Rang Bhari Ekadashi, Phoolera dooj and Rang Panchami beholds the mesmerising view of colour, flowers and happiness all around the temple vicinity.
Significance of Sewa
Nevertheless, sewa is not only service but more than a emotion. When you consider deity as a significant part of your life, you make him a part of routine. There is huge relevance of this sewa in lives of devotees. My personal experience of indulging and being part of these sewas has been unparalleled sense of euphoria, filled with joy and positivity, as if transcending the ordinary into a realm of pure bliss.
Infact, there are three parts in which sewa is performed :
- Shringar (bath, clothes and jewellery)
- Rajbhog (feast)
- Shayan (sleep)
There are different patterns and timings of rajbhog and shayan. In Shringar, we have pushp haar sewa (garlands and decoration with flowers also called foolbangla), poshak vastra sewa (attires of Shri Banke Bihariji with adornment) and itra malish aur sugandith Chandan kumkum sewa (massage with natural scents and sandalwood as per weather).
Moreover, there is balbhog (breakfast of thakurji), rajbhog (noon feast), dhoodh bhog sewa (milk with dry fruits) and chappan bhog sewa (56 items). Indeed, Shayan sewa of the Bihariji is unique in its own way and offered in the evening to make him fall asleep.
History of Shri Bankey Bihari Temple
Particularly, it is believed that Swami Haridas, a great devotee of Lord Krishna, spent his lifetime in worshipping, meditating, praying, chanting and reading holy scriptures at Nidhivan (a secluded spot for meditation). Also, he used to be a very popular Saint, musician and a great bhakt. He manifested the divine form of thakurji while meditating and got the idol at Nidhivan, Vrindavan. He installed the idol of thakurji at the temple vicinity in 1864.
Moreover, there is a huge celebration of Prakatyotsav of Shri Bankey Bihari every year. Similarly, there are lakhs of visitors and Krishna Lovers who gather at Vrindavan to experience the vibrancy of this majestic gala.
Timings of Banke Bihari Temple
Certainly, there are different pooja timings for different seasons of the year as follows:-
In Summer seasons( after Holi), darshana and aarti timings are as follow :
Morning:
Timings: 7:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Shringaar Aarti: 8:00 AM
Rajbhog: 12: 00 PM
Evening:
Timings: 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Shayan Aarti: 9:30 PM
Likewise, in Winter Seasons(after Diwali), the darshana and aarti timings are as follow:
Morning:
Timings: 8:45 AM – 1:00 PM
Shringaar Aarti: 9:00 AM
Rajbhog: 1:00 PM
Evening:
Timings: 4:30 PM- 8:30 PM
Shayan Aarti: 8:30 PM
How to reach
Vrindavan is located on Delhi-Agra NH-2. Shri Bankey Bihari temple is 7 kilometres from National Highway. Moreover, there are different routes you can visit this divine temple :
- By road: one can take the road trip from Delhi to Mathura through either Yamuna Express way or through Agra Dekhi Highway. This route is well connected with frequent buses, tempos and taxies between Mathura and Vrindavan. One can book one sided cab also.
- By train : The destination is 12 km away from Mathura Junction Railway station. Apparently, all the trains run between Delhi to Agra route are connected to Mathura.
- By air : Indira Gandhi International Airport is the nearest airport to the temple. From Delhi Airport, one can book Cab to the temple.
Conclusion
At the end, I would highly recommend to my readers to go to Vrindavan and pay homage to Shri Bankey Bihari Temple. This temple holds profound importance for Hindus worldwide. Even amidst the narrow lanes of Vrindavan, known as kunj galiyan, one can feel the divine presence of Shri Bankey Bihari. I have been visiting this temple since my childhood, and every time I am here, I feel a sense of renewal. For me, Bankey Bihari ji is part and parcel of my life and every breath. His blessings and love is limitless for his devotees. The ambiance and spiritual aura are always welcoming and refreshing to me. While, it might sound unconventional to some, the love of Shri Krishna has captivated my senses, offering a mesmerizing bliss unlike any other.
Keep growing with us. Wish you a blessed time ahead.
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