The Banke Bihari Temple, situated in the holy city of Vrindavan in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India, is a revered and significant place of worship for millions of devotees. Dedicated to Lord Krishna and his beloved Shrimati Radha Rani the temple holds a special place in the hearts of believers and stands as a symbol of devotion and love for the divine. With its rich history, architectural grandeur, and spiritual ambiance, the Banke Bihari Temple continues to draw pilgrims from all corners of the world.
The origins of the Banke Bihari Temple can be traced back to the 19th century. It is believed that the deity of Lord Krishna and Devi Radha worshipped in the temple was originally discovered by the great saint, Swami Haridas who is said to be the reincarnation of Sakhi (female friend) Lalita and Guru of famous singer Tansen. According to popular legends, Swami Haridas was an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna and was blessed with the opportunity to interact with the Lord through music and dance. It is said that the deity of Banke Bihariji appeared before Swami Haridas in his physical form, and the temple was constructed to house this sacred idol.
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Banke Bihari or Kunj Bihari is the form of Radha and Krishna in one idol. This form of them is said to be a form of child and therefore there is no early morning Aarti and no bells are hung in the temple. Only during Janmashtami the Mangal Aarti (early morning Aarti) is performed. One ritual about this temple that is not performed in any other temple is that curtains are drawn closed in every five minutes for interrupted Darshan. If Darshan are not interrupted Lord Banke Bihari might go with the devotees to their homes. The flute is only held on Sharad Purnima by Lord Banke Bihari.
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The architecture of the Banke Bihari Temple showcases a harmonious blend of Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The temple structure features intricate carvings, vibrant paintings, and ornate designs that adorn the walls, ceilings, and pillars. The idol of Banke Bihari, made of black stone, is renowned for its unique characteristic of 'Shringar' (decorating the idol with different clothes, jewelry, and flowers) that takes place several times a day, symbolizing the playful and intimate relationship between Lord Krishna and His devotees. The Banke Bihari Temple is known for its grand celebrations of various festivals, attracting a massive gathering of devotees. The most notable festival is the 'Jhulan Yatra,' which commemorates Lord Krishna's swing pastimes with His beloved consort, Radha. During this festival, the temple is beautifully decorated, and the idol of Banke Bihari is placed on an exquisitely adorned swing, symbolizing the divine couple's eternal love and devotion. Another significant festival celebrated at the temple is the 'Holi Festival’. Devotees and visitors gather in large numbers to play Holi with Lord Krishna, smearing each other with vibrant colors as a gesture of love and celebration.
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By immersing oneself in the enchanting aura of the Banke Bihari Temple, one can experience a profound connection with the divine, leaving an indelible impression on the devotee's heart and soul.