Lord Krishna is the present day king of the entire “Brij Region”. He is worshipped in most of the temples in Mathura, Vrindavan and nearby places. Today, in this blog, we are going to discuss one of the most visited and renowned temples of Lord Krishna. The very famous “Banke Bihari Temple” known for its mystical divine events. The temple is situated in Vrindavan, district Mathura in Uttar Pradesh. Let’s begin the blog and know the interesting facts and stories about Banke Bihari.
Jai Shree Krishna!
Freinds, devotees, guru Bhai and behen welcome back to my blog swasamarpan.com. I think we are all aware about Vrindavan’s most popular personality Shri Banke Bihari ji. If you haven’t visited Vrindavan or don’t know about the revered Banke Bihari, then you’ve truly missed out on a significant moment in life.
Further, visiting Vrindavan or Mathura and meeting Banke Bihari is once in a lifetime experience. So, let’s talk in detail about this temple.
Banke Bihari Temple is situated at a distance of about 12 km approx from Mathura railway station. One can easily take a battery rickshaw or auto to visit Vrindavan. Then you have to walk for about 500 to 600 m to reach the temple.
The temple is situated deep inside in between the lanes of Vrindavan. Tourists often get confused in these lanes. Better option is to keep asking the locals in case you get lost.
Appearance of Banke Bihari
According to the known stories and mythology, Banke Bihari was discovered by the famous Swami Haridas. The idol originally appeared at Nidhivan, Vrindavan. He was discovered by Swami Haridas who used to sing spiritual rhymes, padas and soothing bhajans. Later, the idol was shifted to the place where it is situatedĀ today as Banke Bihari Temple.
The temple was constructed in 1864 and the main deity was moved here. On request of Swami Haridas ji Lord Krishna united with Radha. The present deity is the combined form of Radha and Krishna.
Popular not only amongst the devotees in India but people from across the globe are extremely excited to visit the temple. We all have heard about the supernatural moments taking place at the temple. So, Millions of people travel to this temple in Uttar Pradesh, just to witness the magical incidents.
Glimpse of some mystical Stories
One of the most popular stories of Banke Bihari takes us back to the time when Lord Krishna went with the devotee. Earlier the curtain was not drawn at regular intervals. Once there was a devotee who visited Banke Bihari Vrindavan and continued staring at Krishna for a long time. It is said that Lord Krishna offered himself to and went along with that devotee. Lord Krishna deity was not found in the temple. On request, Krishna returned and from that time onwards, curtains are drawn regularly now.
It is said that Banke Bihari is worshipped in the form of a child. So, to protect the child from any kind of hypnosis or magic, no one is allowed to stare at Banke Bihari continuously for long.
There are many other real life stories of devotees’ magical experiences with Lord Krishna.
Another amazing story is of a shopkeeper of a sweet shop (halwai). According to the stories, once the priest of the temple forgot to keep the bhog for Banke Bihari at night and closed the temple.
That night a boy went to the sweet shop near the temple. The boy was hungry so asked the shopkeeper to give him something to eat as he was hungry. The shopkeeper was surprised at first glance to see a child with a charismatic appeal adorned with gold jewellery. He then replied that he required something in return to give sweets. The boy then gave away his gold bangle and took away the sweets.
The next morning, there was chaos in the temple as the priest opened the doors of the temple. He found the gold bangle of Banke Bihari missing. The news spread like a fire in the entire area. When the shopkeeper heard about the bangle he went to the priest and narrated the whole incident giving him the bangle. Soon the priest and the shopkeeper had goosebumps and tears in their eyes thinking about the experience.
There are many other similar stories, filled with thrill and adventure of Banke Bihari bhidarshan.
Main Festival celebration at Temple
Holi
People come from across the globe to play Holi with Banke Bihari Temple. It is a special celebration that blends with spirituality. Festivities begin the week before Holi. Devotees sing devotional songs and the entire aura is filled with Radha Krishna’s divine love.
Eco-friendly color (gulaal) is all in the air and devotees play safe Holi in the temple area.
Special Shringaar of Banke Bihari ji is done on this day.
Diwali
Diwali festival in Banke Bihari Vrindavan is a sight to behold. Colourful lights, beautiful rangolis and vibrant decorations all over the temple are dazzling. People visit here even on Diwali to celebrate it with Lord Krishna. Even the local market is so radiant that one can spend hours exploring the lanes.
Janmashtami
Another thrilling festival is Janmashtami which involves a lot of amazing activities. Celebration begins with the Maha Abhishekam in the evening around 10 p.m. It continues with Shringaar, Jhula Yatra and Raas Leela. Devotional songs by devotees sung at night. Only on this day Mangla Aarti and Maha Aarti is done at around 2:00 a.m. Dahi Handi is also the attractive part of Janmashtami celebration in the temple.
Radhashtami (Radha’s birthday)
As per the mythology, on request of Swami Haridas ji Lord Krishna united with Radha ji. Also it is said that Swami Haridas ji was born on Radhashtami. Radhashtami is the birth celebration of Goddess Radha.
It is celebrated with huge energy and all the rituals are carried out. Idol Abhishek, Shringaar, Aarti and Bhog. Devotees sing bhajans, do kirtan and dance in the temple area.
Everyone is immersed in the divine aura and the place becomes a capturing sight.
Special Facts about the temple
There are a few things which make this temple different from others. Here is a list:
- Charan (Feet) Darshan is available only once in a year on Akshay Tritiya.
- Banke Bihari is worshipped as a child so he wakes up late in the morning. Mangla which is done in the early morning is not a regular ritual in Banke Bihari Temple. It is also done once in a year on Janmashtami at night around 2:30 a.m.
- There are no bells in the mandir and regular curtains are drawn to protect the child Banke Bihari. There is a story when Lord Krishna went away with the devotee for staring at him continuously and got hypnotised as believed.
- As Banke Bihari is in a childhood age so he does not hold the Murli (flute) in his hand. It is kept near his feet. Only on Sharad Poornima Krishna holds flute in his hand and puts on the big Silver Mukut (the crown) for Raasleela.
Conclusion
So friends visit Banke Bihari Vrindavan on upcoming holi. Believe me you can enjoy the best of your energy.
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