Shri Banke Bihari Temple, which is devoted to Lord Krishna, is among the most well-known temples in Vrindavan. Here, the words “Banke” and “Bihari” stand for bent and Vihari, somebody who enjoys, respectively.
The main deity in this temple is positioned in the ‘Tribhanga’ posture, which is tilted at three angles. Lord Krishna was given the name “Banke” as a result of his three-pointed bend. The original name of this Lord Krishna idol is, “Kunj-Bihari,” which means “the one who enjoys kunj or groves of Vrindavan,” and was worshipped at Nidhivan.
Nidhivan Temple is about 650 meters away from Shri Banke Bihari Temple.
History of Shri Banke Bihari Temple
Lord Krishna and Shrimati Radharani physically manifested in Nidhivan in response to Swami Haridas ji’s bhakti and devotion. Swami Haridas Ji is said to be Shri Radha-Krishna’s close friend. The divine couple’s beauty and allure were so overwhelming that ordinary beings (Haridas ji’s disciples) could not stand it. Swami ji noticed this and asked Shri Radhe-Krishna to combine his forms into one like Ghan (cloud) and Damini (lightning). Shri Shyama-Shyam combined into a single, alluring Banke Bihari ji idol in response to their devotee’s request, and this idol is still revered in the temple today.
Swami Haridas ji himself gave Goswami Jagannath the duty of performing Seva for Bihari ji. And according to custom, Goswami Jagannath ji’s descendants continue to carry out Thakur ji’s seva.
Shri Banke Bihari Temple Vrindavan Timings and Entry Fees
The Shri Bankey Bihari ji Temple is free to enter and is available seven days a week to assist visitors in finding their way to spirituality.
Shri Banke Bihari Temple Vrindavan Daily Opening and Closing Timings
- Summer– 7:45 AM to Noon and 5:30 PM to 9.30 PM
- Winter– 8:45 AM to Noon and from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Shri Banke Bihari Temple Vrindavan Aarti and Bhog Timings
Shri Banke Bihari Summer Timings (After Holi)
- Morning Darshan Timings- 07:45 AM to 12:00 PM
- Shringar Aarti- 08:00 AM
- Rajbhog- 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM
- Rajbhog and Closing- 12:00 PM
- Evening Darshan Time- 05:30 PM to 09:30 PM
- Shayan Bhog- 08:30 PM to 9:00 PM
- Shayan Aarti and Closing- 09:30 PM
Shri Banke Bihari Winter Timings (After Diwali)
- Morning Darshan Timings- 08:45 AM to 01:00 PM
- Shringar Aarti- 09:00 AM
- Rajbhog- 12:00 AM to 12:30 AM
- Rajbhog and Closing- 01:00 PM
- Evening Darshan Time- 04:30 PM to 08:30 PM
- Shayan Bhog- 07:30 PM to 08:00 PM
- Shayan Aarti and Closing- 08:30 PM
Best Season to Visit the Shri Banke Bihari ji Temple
Extreme weather can be found in the holy cities of Mathura and Vrindavan both in the summer and the winter. The best months to visit Bankey Bihari ji Temple are February through April and October through December. The temperature stays moderate during this time of year, making it comfortable for visitors to stay and enjoy their time at the temple.
Festival times are also one of the best times to visit here, including Holi, Janamashtmi, and Radhashtmi.
How To Reach Shri Banke Bihari Ji Temple
Devotees from all over the world come here to get the darshan of the Lord. Shri Banke Bihari Ji Temple is one of the most famous temples out here in Vrindavan.
Vrindavan is one of the major regions of the Braj Bhumi. The nearest airport located is Delhi Airport ( Indira Gandhi International Airport), which is about 150 km from Mathura. The nearest railway station is also Mathura Junction, making it the centre to travel around the Braj Bhumi. Here getting taxis, autos and buses are convenient.
Prem Mandir and Shri Banke Bihari Ji Temple are about 2 km apart.
ISKCON Temple to Banke Bihari Mandir is about 1.9 km of distance.
My Experience
Darshan at Shri Banke Bihari Ji Mandir was a mind-blowing experience for me. I had heard that those who look at the statue of Shri Radha-Krishna, lose their consciousness and exactly that is what had happened to me. This entire temple is filled with the emotions of love. I forgot all my worries about life and got lost in the moment in bhakti of the God. Although there was a lot of crowd around me, the overall experience was soothing and heart-touching. To all the Krishna devotees out there, visiting Shri Banke Bihari Ji Temple is a must.
