Bankey Bihari Temple
The
Holy Temple
The Bankey Bihari temple of Lord Krishna is amongst the holiest temples
of Krishna in India. The temple is famous for the black statue of
Krishna, also called as Thakur Ji. Thakur means owner, and the temple is
dedicated to Krishna as an owner of the universe. The temple has several
unique features. One of them is that the idol of Krishna is not kept
open for more than a minute. It is said that the brilliant eyes of
Bankey Bihari will make a person unconscious if seen for too long in a
stretch. Every few minutes the curtain is pulled shut and then opened
again. Also there are no bells or conch in the temple. It is said that
Bankey Bihari does not like the sound of bells or conch; therefore they
are not sounded in this temple. The temple opens late, as it is said
that lord plays at night and sleeps till late.
Temple History
The temple building was constructed in 1864. The idol of Thakur Ji is
much older and was worshipped in Nidhivana, Vrindavan. Swami Haridas, a
contemporary of Six Goswamis, transfered the idol to this temple.
Earlier the idol was known as Kunj-Bihari Ji. Bankey means "Bent at
three places" and Bihari means "Supreme enjoyer". The
temple recieved huge welcome from the devotees and soon became one of
the richest temples of India. Later a statue of Radha also got placed
here. The deity was decorated with flowers and ornaments, which is still
practiced. The walls around the sanctum sanctorum were carved with
floral designs. A huge hall was constructed to facilitate devotees to
see Thakur Ji.
Religious Importance
The temple holds a strong religious importance for the Hindus. The
enclosure of the shrine is filled with devotees of various ages, each
one indifferent to the world, extending their own gestures of love to
Banke Bihari. One can come across people bowing, chanting, dancing,
shaking their heads from side to side, uttering silent prayers or crying
under the impact of a mystical bliss. Each time the curtain rises to
reveal the deity, a cry of bliss cuts through the hall. Each time the
curtain is dropped, the audience wait breathlessly for yet another
encounter with their dark lover. Such is the love and respectof devotees
for Thakur Ji.
Temple Timings
Summer: Darshan is 9 am to 12 noon and 6 to 10 pm.
Winter: Darshan is 10 am to 12.30 pm and 6 to 9 pm.
Getting There
The temple can be reached only by navigating through the narrow lanes
of Vrindavan. From the main entry to the town, where cars are parked,
the temple is about 10 minutes walk, near the Bankey Bihari Bazaar,
between Loi Bazaar and the Krishna Balarama Mandir.
