Bankey Bihari Temple is a Vaishnava Hindu temple in Vrindavan, Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple is dedicated to Bankey Bihari, believed to be the combined form of Radha and Krishna. Bankey Bihari initially worshipped at Nidhivan, Vrindavan. Under the name Kunj-Bihari, Swami Haridas initially worshipped this holy figure.
“Bankey” denotes “bent,” while “Bihari” or “Vihri” denotes “Vihari or enjoyer.” Because of her three-pointed bend, Kiha earned the nickname “Bankey Bihri.” Timings are Summers: From 7.45 am to 12.00 noon and 5.30 pm to 9.30 pm. Winters: 8.45 am to 1.00 pm and 4.30 pm to 8.30 pm.
History of Bankey Bihari Temple
Contents
- 1 History of Bankey Bihari Temple
- 1.0.1 The architecture of Bankey Bihari, Vrindavan
- 1.0.2 Distinctive Seva at Bankey Bihari
- 1.0.3 Notable & Unique Darshan at Bankey Bihari
- 1.0.4 Timings of Bankey Bihari Temple
- 1.0.5 Banke Bihari Temple Aarti & Darshan Timings
- 1.0.6 Festivals at Bankey Bihari Temple
- 1.0.7 Registration for Online Darshan
- 1.0.8 Online Seva Donation
- 1.0.9 Best Time to Visit Bankey Bihar Temple
- 1.0.10 Things in mind while visiting Bankey Bihari Temple
- 1.0.11 Tourist places near Bankey Bihari Temple
- 1.0.12 Hotels near Bankey Bihari Temple
- 1.0.13 Bankey Bihari Temple Address
- 1.0.14 How to reach Bankey Bihari Temple
- 1.0.15 FAQs
- 1.1 What is so special about Banke Bihari Temple?
- 1.2 Why is the curtain closed at Banke Bihari temple?
- 1.3 Why was Krishna called Banke Bihari?
Bankey Bihari Temple has established by Swami Haridas (Lalita Sakhi in Dvapara Yuga), a coach of the famous singer Tansen. Once at the request of his disciples, Swami Haridasji sang the verse in Nidhivan, Vrindavan, “Mai ri Sahaj Jori pragat” On singing this, the heaven couple Shyama-Shyam (Radha Krishna) appeared before him and his devotees. At the request of Shri Swamiji, the couple merged into one, and the stone image of Bankey Bihari appeared there (the exact image can see in the temple). The image establishes in Nidhivan.
The architecture of Bankey Bihari, Vrindavan
Shri Bankey Bihari ji Temple has constructed in the year 1862. Initially, the deity has worshipped at a temple in Nidhivan (Forest of Tulsi). Bankey Bihari idol has shifted to the present temple After the completion of the new building. The temple’s architecture is influenced by the Rajasthani style, with pillars and arches adding to its magnificence.
Distinctive Seva at Bankey Bihari
The seva of Bihari is unique and quite distinctive in its tradition. Seva has performed in three daily phases: Rajbhog, Shringar and Shayan. Bankey Bihari temple does not have a habit of Mangala aarti. Instead, Lord Krishna is treated like a child and is not disturbed early morning. Considering the young Lord’s convenience, the priests don’t ring loud bells either.
Notable & Unique Darshan at Bankey Bihari
The darshan of the presiding deity is never continuous at Bankey temple. Still, it has intermittently paused by the curtain drawn on Him. It has believed that if a devotee looks long enough into the eyes of the Lord, the person will lose consciousness. The exceptional charm and beauty of Bankey Bihari are the reason for the interrupted darshans to the devotees.
Timings of Bankey Bihari Temple
Timings are different from summer to winter.
- Summers: From 7.45 am to 12.00 noon and from 5.30 pm to 9.30 pm
- Winters: From 8.45 am to 1.00 pm and from 4.30 pm to 8.30 pm
| Days | Summer Timings | Winter Timings |
| Monday | From 7.45 am to 12.00 noon and 5.30 pm to 9.30 pm | From 8.45 am to 1.00 pm and from 4.30 pm to 8.30 pm |
| Tuesday | From 7.45 am to 12.00 noon and from 5.30 pm to 9.30 pm | From 8.45 am to 1.00 pm and from 4.30 pm to 8.30 pm |
| Wednesday | From 7.45 am to 12.00 noon and from 5.30 pm to 9.30 pm | From 8.45 am to 1.00 pm and from 4.30 pm to 8.30 pm |
| Thursday | From 7.45 am to 12.00 noon and from 5.30 pm to 9.30 pm | From 8.45 am to 1.00 pm and from 4.30 pm to 8.30 pm |
| Friday | From 7.45 am to 12.00 noon and from 5.30 pm to 9.30 pm | From 8.45 am to 1.00 pm and from 4.30 pm to 8.30 pm |
| Saturday | From 7.45 am to 12.00 noon and from 5.30 pm to 9.30 pm | From 8.45 am to 1.00 pm and from 4.30 pm to 8.30 pm |
| Sunday | From 7.45 am to 12.00 noon and from 5.30 pm to 9.30 pm | From 8.45 am to 1.00 pm and from 4.30 pm to 8.30 pm |
Banke Bihari Temple Aarti & Darshan Timings
These are the Aarti timings.
| Aarti | Summer (after Holi) | Winter (after Diwali) |
| Darshan Time in Morning | 07:45 am to 12:00 pm | 08:45 am to 1:00 pm |
| Shringar Aarti | 08:00 am | 09:00 am |
| Rajbhog | 11:00 am to 11:30 am | 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm |
| Rajbhog and Closing | 12:00 pm | 01:00 pm |
| Darshan time in the Evening | 05:30 pm to 09:30 pm | 04:30 pm to 08:30 pm |
| Shayan Bhog | 08:30 pm to 9:00 pm | 07:30 pm to 8:00 pm |
| Shayan Aarti and Closing | 09:30 pm | 08:30 pm |
Festivals at Bankey Bihari Temple
These are the festivals at Bihari temple.
| Sl. No. | Festival | Significance/Description | Day of the year (Hindu calendar) |
| 1 | Samvatsar | First day of the new year, the First Navratri | Chaitra Shukla Pratipada |
| 2 | Kamda Ekadashi | First day of Phool Bangla | Chaitra Shukla Ekadashi |
| 3 | Akshaya Tritiya | Charan Darshan (morning) and Sarvang Darshan (evening) | Vaishakh Shukla Tritiya |
| 4 | Poornima | Phool Bangla for Swami Haridas in Nidhivan | Aasharh Shukla Poornima |
| 5 | Haryali Amavasya | Last day of Phool Bangla | Shravan Krishna Amavasya |
| 6 | Haryali Teej | Jhoola festival | Shravan Shukla Tritiya |
| 7 | Raksha Bandhan | Renew the bond of love | Shravan Shukla Poornima |
| 8 | Krishna Janmashtami | Birthday of Lord Krishna (only on this day is Mangla Aarti performed) | Bhadrapad Krishna Ashtami |
| 9 | Nandotsav | Celebrating the birth of the Lord | Bhadrapad Krishna Navmi |
| 10 | Radha Ashtami | Birthday of Swami Haridasji Birthday of Radhaji | Bhadrapad Shukla Ashtami |
| 11 | Sharad Poornima | Day of Maha Raas | Ashwin Shukla Poornima |
| 12 | Roop Chaturdashi | Chhoti Deepavali | Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi |
| 13 | Deepavali | Deepmalika, Lakshmi Poojan | Kartik Krishna Amavasya |
| 14 | Annakoot | Govardhan Pooja | Kartik Shukla Pratipada |
| 15 | Bhai Dooja | Yam Dwitiya | Kartik Shukla Dwitiya |
| 16 | Akshay Navmi | Vrindavan Mathura Yugal Parikrama | Kartik Shukla Navmi |
| 17 | Bihar Panchami | Day of Appearance of Bihariji | Margshirsha Shukla Panchami |
| 18 | Aanola Ekadashi | Colourful Holi celebrations start | Phalgun Shukla Ekadashi |
| 19 | Holika Dahan | Colourful Holi celebrations end | Phalgun Shukla Poornima |
| 20 | Dhulendi | Dolotsav | Chaitra Krishna Pratipada |
Registration for Online Darshan
Check guidelines for online darshan.
Guidelines:
- The devotees are required to register online for darshan.
- The devotees must use the ‘Arogya Setu’ app on their phones.
- Mask and social distancing are mandatory. Devotees are required to maintain a 6 feet physical distance all the time.
- Devotees above 65 years, devotees with comorbidities, pregnant women, and children below ten years advise staying home.
- Devotees can register by filling out the form.
Online Seva Donation
In the service of Thakur Shri Bankey Bihariji Maharaj, the devotees can send contributions to Trust’s account online.
- Account holder name: Shri Bankey Bihari Consciousness Organization
- Account No.: 490200 0100002840
- Bank Branch: Punjab National Bank, Purana Shahar Vrindaban, Mathura.
- IFSC Code : PUNB0490200
Devotees with special sewa /Prasad requests and sending contributions of more than Rs 1100/- should express their interest in conducting sewa/ receiving Prasad by writing to admin@bihariji.org
Notice: We have temporarily stopped sending Prasad through post/courier due to covid-19.
Best Time to Visit Bankey Bihar Temple
The sacred city of Mathura and Vrindavan experiences extreme weather conditions during summer and winter. The most favourable time to visit Bankey Bihari ji Temple is from February to April and October to December. During this time of the year, the temperature stays in the moderate range offering the tourists and devotees a pleasant stay and an enjoyable visit to the temple.
Things in mind while visiting Bankey Bihari Temple
- Maintain the sanctity and decorum of the place.
- Kindly do not take your footwear inside the temple.
- It is advisable to leave your footwear inside, and a free service is available within the temple premises.
- Dress Code: people should dress up in a culturally appropriate way.
- Intoxicants: Beware of anyone offering drinks or drugs. Consumption of intoxicants in Vrindavan Dham is prohibited.
- Kindly do not litter the surroundings and be mindful of disposing of any waste properly.
- Please use cloth bags to carry your belongings and try to recycle.
- Be careful when driving a four-wheeler, as the approaching lanes to the temple are narrow.
Tourist places near Bankey Bihari Temple
- Prem Mandir, Vrindavan
- Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Temple (ISKCON Vrindavan)
- Sri Rangnath ji Mandir
- Shri Radha Madan Mohan Ji Temple, Vrindavan
- Shahji Temple, Vrindavan
- Shri Radha Raman Temple, Vrindavan
- Seva Kunj, Vrindavan
- Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple, Vrindavan
- Thikana Mandir Shri Govinddevji Maharaj
- Govind Dev Ji Temple, Vrindavan
- Katyayani Peeth
- Shri Radhavallabh Lal Ji Temple, Vrindavan
Hotels near Bankey Bihari Temple
- Dwarka Kunj (Mirzapurwali Dharmashala)
- Braj Villas Family Suits
- The Krishna Residency
- Shri Mudgal Rishi Dham
- Hotel Basera Brij Bhoomi
- Kadamb Kunj Vrindavan
- Braj Yatra Dham
- Shiv Sagar Residency
Bankey Bihari Temple Address
- Goda Vihar, Madan Mohan Bankey Bihari Road, Vrindavan City, Mathura (D), Uttar Pradesh, 281121, India
- Email: admin@bihariji.org
- Phone Number: 91 99718 70795
- Bankey Bihari Temple: Official Website.
How to reach Bankey Bihari Temple
By Air:
- The nearest airport is Agra, 67 km.
- Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, approximately 161 km from the temple.
By Road:
Vrindavan Bus Stand is near Temple. The temple has located 7 km away from National Highway.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station is Mathura.
FAQs
What is so special about Banke Bihari Temple?
It is the only temple where loud bells do not use to wake Krishna in the morning. It has believed improper to wake a child with a start. He has woken gently. There are thus no bells even for Aarti, as it might disturb Him.
Why is the curtain closed at Banke Bihari temple?
It has believed that the brilliant eyes of the idol will make you unconscious if seen for too long a stretch, so the curtains are closed frequently. There are no bells for Aarti, as it might disturb the child.
Why was Krishna called Banke Bihari?
He said because Lord Krishna was the Supreme Enjoyer, who knew how to find rasa in every aspect of life, he got the name Banke Bihari, Banke meaning bent in three places and Bihari meaning Supreme.