Banke Bihari Temple Guide
The Enigmatic Gaze: Experience the Mystical Banke Bihari Temple Guide
The Banke Bihari Temple is one of the most revered and visited temples in Vrindavan, dedicated to Lord Krishna. "Banke" means "bent in three places" and "Bihari" means "supreme enjoyer." The deity of Lord Krishna stands in the Tribhanga posture, a graceful pose bent in three places, captivating devotees with its beauty and charm. The temple's unique rituals and the intense devotion of its followers create an atmosphere of profound spirituality. The history of the Banke Bihari Temple dates back to the 19th century. Swami Haridas, a renowned saint and musician, is credited with discovering the deity of Banke Bihari. Legend says that Lord Krishna appeared to Swami Haridas in a dream and instructed him to unearth the deity from a specific location. The current temple was constructed in 1864. The temple is known for its unique practice of drawing a curtain across the deity frequently. This is done because it is believed that the intense gaze of Banke Bihari is so captivating that devotees might become overwhelmed. Visiting the Banke Bihari Temple is an immersive experience. Devotees participate in aartis (prayer ceremonies), sing bhajans (devotional songs), and offer prayers to the deity. The temple is particularly crowded during festivals like Janmashtami (Krishna's birthday) and Holi. While there isn't a specific culinary tradition associated directly with the temple, the surrounding area is filled with shops selling traditional sweets and snacks offered as prasad (blessed food) to the deity, such as peda and barfi.
Transportation
The Banke Bihari Temple is located in the heart of Vrindavan and is easily accessible by auto-rickshaw or cycle-rickshaw. From the Vrindavan bus stand, you can hire an auto-rickshaw to the temple. Be prepared for narrow lanes and crowds, especially during peak season. Walking is also a viable option if you are staying nearby.