23Jul, 2024
Bankey Bihari Temple Guide

 Shri Bankey Bihari

कहत, नटत, रीझत, खिझत, मिलत, खिलत,

लजियात। भरे भौन मैं करत हैं, नैननु ही सब बात॥

[कहते हुए, नखरे करते हुए, रीझते हुए, खिझते हुए, मिलते हुए, खिलखिलाते हुए, और लजाते हुए।भरे भवन में नैनों से ही सारी बातें कर रहे हैं।]

Inside the temple, you’ll find the idol of Radha Krishna in a posture called Tribhanga. Swami Haridas originally worshiped this idol as Kunj Bihari, which means the one who enjoys in the groves (Kunj) of Vrindavan Bankey Bihari Temple is a Hindu temple located in Vrindavan, in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It’s dedicated to Bankey Bihari, seen as a combined form of Radha and Krishna. Initially, Banke Bihari was worshiped at Nidhivan in Vrindavan. Around 1864, the current temple was built, and the idol of Banke Bihari was relocated there.

The Divine Icon of Banke Bihari: A Manifestation of Radha Krishna

The icon of Banke Bihari is revered as the combined form of the divine couple Radha Krishna. This sacred image was manifested by Swami Haridas, a renowned musician and saint of Vrindavan. Swami Haridas is believed to be the incarnation of Lalita gopi, a close associate of Radha Krishna in their celestial abode, Golok Dham.

Swami Haridas was also the guru of the famous singer Tansen, adding to his revered status.

The Birth of the Icon

According to popular belief, there is a captivating story behind the manifestation of the Banke Bihari icon. Once, at the request of his disciples, Swami Haridas sang a verse in Nidhivan, praising the divine couple Shyama Shyam (Radha Krishna). The heartfelt devotion and divine melody of his song are said to have brought forth the manifestation of the sacred icon.

This powerful and divine occurrence solidified the importance of the icon and Swami Haridas’s place in the spiritual history of Vrindavan.

Temple Timings

Morning

Summer Timings

Winter Timings

Opening

07:45am- 12:00pm

08:45

Shringar

08:00 am

09:00am

Rajbhog

11:00am – 11-30am

12:00pm-12:30pm

Rajbhog Aarti and closing

12-00pm

01:00pm

 

Evening

Summer Timings

Winter Timings

Opening

05:30pm – 09:30pm

04:30pm-08:30pm

Shayan Bhog *

08:30pm-09:00pm

07:30pm-08:00pm

Shayan Aarti and closing

09:30pm

08:30pm

 

Bankey Bihari Location Guide

1. From Mathura Railway Station

  1. Exit Mathura Railway Station
    • Upon exiting, you’ll find rickshaws, autos, and taxis available.
  2. Travel Options:
    • Auto-Rickshaw/Tuk-Tuk:
      • Cost: ₹100-₹150 (approx.)
      • Time: 30–40 minutes
    • Taxi:
      • Cost: ₹300-₹500 (approx.)
      • Time: 25–35 minutes
    • E-Rickshaw:
      • Cost: ₹50-₹100 (approx.)
      • Time: 40–50 minutes
  3. Route:
    • Head towards Mathura-Vrindavan Road.
    • Continue for about 10 km, following signs towards Banke Bihari Temple.
  4. Final Approach:
    • Navigate through narrow lanes in Vrindavan.
    • Walk the last few hundred meters, as the area is typically crowded.

2. From Agra (Taj Mahal)

  1. Starting Point: Taj Mahal
    • Head towards NH2 (Mathura Road).
  2. Travel Options:
    • Taxi:
      • Cost: ₹1,000-₹1,500 (approx.)
      • Time: 1.5-2 hours
    • Bus:
      • Regular buses to Mathura/Vrindavan.
      • Cost: ₹100-₹200 (approx.)
      • Time: 2–3 hours
  3. Route:
    • Follow NH2 towards Mathura.
    • From Mathura, follow the Mathura-Vrindavan Road to Vrindavan.
  4. Final Approach:
    • Similar to the approach from Mathura Railway Station.

3. From New Delhi

  1. Starting Point: New Delhi
    • Head towards Yamuna Expressway.
  2. Travel Options:
    • Taxi:
      • Cost: ₹2,000-₹3,000 (approx.)
      • Time: 2.5-3 hours
    • Bus:
      • Buses from ISBT to Mathura/Vrindavan.
      • Cost: ₹300-₹500 (approx.)
      • Time: 3–4 hours
    • Train:
      • Trains from New Delhi to Mathura.
      • Cost: ₹200-₹800 (approx.)
      • Time: 1.5-2 hours
  3. Route:
    • Follow Yamuna Expressway to Mathura.
    • From Mathura, follow Mathura-Vrindavan Road to Vrindavan.
  4. Final Approach:
    • Same as the approach from Mathura Railway Station.

Key Landmarks Along the Way:

  • Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple: Close to Mathura city center.
  • Prem Mandir: A stunning temple in Vrindavan known for its architecture and evening light shows.
  • ISKCON Temple: A famous temple run by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.

Tips for Visiting Banke Bihari Temple:

  • Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late evening to avoid heavy crowds.
  • Footwear: Leave your shoes at designated shoe stands outside the temple.
  • Attire: Dress modestly and respectfully.
  • Safety: Keep your belongings secure as the area can be very crowded.

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This guide equips you, the devotee, with valuable information to plan a memorable and enriching Mathura Vrindavan tour.

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  1. Decide on your travel duration: Short getaways (2-3 days) or extended spiritual immersions (a week or more) – we have something for everyone.
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  3. Accommodation: Select from a variety of options – budget-friendly guesthouses, comfortable hotels, or serene spiritual ashrams.
  4. Festivals: Experience the vibrant spirit of Braj by aligning your visit with local festivals like Holi or Janmashtami (Krishna’s birthday). [Check our website for a festival calendar]

Must-See Temples in Braj:

  • Mathura: Krishna Janmabhoomi (birthplace), Dwarkadhish Temple, Gita Mandir (Birla Temple)
  • Vrindavan: Banke Bihari Temple, ISKCON Temple, Radha Raman Temple
  • Other Braj Sites: Goverdhan Hill, Barsana (Radha Rani’s birthplace), Gokul (Krishna’s childhood home)

Divya Brij Yatra – More Than Just a Tour:

We believe your Braj Yatra should be a transformative experience. In addition to sightseeing, we can help you arrange:

  • Aarti and puja participation at sacred temples.
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  • Goverdhan Parikrama (circumambulation), a sacred ritual around Goverdhan Hill.
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