Banke Bihari Temple is a revered Hindu shrine located in the holy town of Vrindavan in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is famous for housing the idol of Lord Krishna known as Thakur Ji, which is one of the many forms of the Lord portraying his youthful and enchanting aspect. The deity's two hands are bent in a pose that represents his playful and joyous spirit, hence the name 'Banke' meaning 'bent', and 'Bihari' meaning 'enjoyer'. This temple is a significant pilgrimage site for followers of the Vaishnavism tradition and for devotees of Lord Krishna from around the world.
The Banke Bihari Temple was established in the 19th century by Swami Haridas, a saint of the Nimbarka Sampradaya and a well-known classical music singer and devotee of Lord Krishna. Legend has it that Swami Haridas found the sacred idol of Banke Bihari (Lord Krishna) in the holy land of Vrindavan after Lord Krishna manifested himself to his devotee in the form of an idol. The idol was consecrated and the temple built around it to provide a place for devotees to offer their reverence to the deity.
The best time to visit Banke Bihari Temple is during the cooler months from October to March, when the weather is pleasant. Additionally, visiting during the festive seasons of Janmashtami (Lord Krishna's birthday) and Holi can be a unique experience as the temple is elaborately decorated and special ceremonies are conducted. However, these times may also be more crowded due to the influx of pilgrims and tourists.
Yes, there are special rituals practiced at Banke Bihari Temple. One notable ritual is the Jhulan Yatra, the swing festival, which occurs prior to Janmashtami. The idol of Banke Bihari is placed on a swing, and the devotees move the swing gently, symbolizing their love and affection for the deity. Another special practice is the closing of the temple curtain briefly after every few minutes of Darshan; this is done as it is believed that the intense eyes of Banke Bihari can overwhelm the devotees with divine love.
The darshan timings at Banke Bihari Temple vary depending on the season (summer or winter) and sometimes due to special religious events. Generally, the darshan timings are split into different sessions throughout the day with a break in the afternoon. Visitors are advised to check the current timings before their visit as they are subject to change.
There is no entry fee to visit Banke Bihari Temple. Visitors are allowed to enter free of cost. However, if one wishes to avoid the queues or crowds, especially during festivals or peak seasons, VIP or special darshan passes may be available for a fee, which might need to be arranged in advance.
Photography is strictly prohibited inside Banke Bihari Temple. Devotees and tourists are not allowed to take pictures or videos of the deity or within the premises of the temple to maintain the sanctity and spiritual atmosphere of the place.
Visitors should be mindful of the temple's customs and traditions. Modest attire is recommended as a mark of respect. It's important to keep the temple premises clean, so avoid littering and maintain decorum. Additionally, as photography inside the temple is prohibited, visitors should adhere to this rule to avoid any inconvenience. Finally, visitors should be aware of the pickpockets due to the crowded nature of the location, especially during festivals.
Yes, there are several facilities and accommodations available near Banke Bihari Temple. The area around the temple has a wide range of options including budget hotels, guest houses, and lodges to cater to the needs of tourists and pilgrims. Many establishments are located within walking distance of the temple. Additionally, there are eateries and shops near the temple that sell religious paraphernalia, souvenirs, and local snacks.
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