Vrindavan – Banke Bihari ji Mandir

History and the story of Banke Bihariji Mandir – Vrindavan

Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan and Nidhivan are closely connected and the history of the temple goes back to the Dwapar Yuga. This was the Yuga when Lord Krishna appeared on earth as Lord Vishnu’s Avatar. Lord Krishna spent the earlier part of His life in Brij Bhoomi of which Vrindavan is a part. His Ras Leela and other activities are well known. The story of the Banke Bihari Temple goes back to about 1510 CE. Swami Haridas was born in 1478 CE to devout parents whose lineage can be traced to Gargacharya, a Kulguru of the Yadavas in the Dwapar Yuga. Swami Haridas is believed to be an incarnation of Lalita, one of the Gopis. He left home early in life to come to Vrindavan. Here Swami Gurudas selected a secluded spot in what is now known as Nidhivan. He spent his days in meditation, prayer and singing hymns to the Lord. Not surprisingly Lord Krishna and Radha Rani appeared before him, and would thereafter come every day. He was blessed and continued his worship in this way. One day Swami Haridas was asked by his disciples to allow them entry into the van. The Lord appeared as usual and the disciples were dazzled and astonished by the beauty of the Lord and Radha Rani. After that day Swami Haridas asked the Lord to stay here forever and continue to bless all devotees. Lord Krishna agreed. Along with Radha Rani He instantly turned into a stone Murti, and that is the Murti we see today in the temple. A temple was built by Swami Haridas in Nidhivan at the spot where the Murti manifested. Before leaving his earthly body, Swami Haridas handed over the responsibility of the temple to his younger brother Goswami Jagannath.

Worship continued at the temple and Seva was always done by descendents of Goswami Jagannath. This tradition continues to this day. In 1862 CE a larger and grand temple was built by the Goswamis, a little distance from Nidhivan and the original Murti was enshrined there. The new  temple is an architectural beauty built in Rajasthani style. A unique feature of this temple is that there is no early morning Mangala Aarti. This is because Swami Haridas did not want this Child form of Lord Krishna to be disturbed early in the morning. There is no early morning bell ringing here and Lord Krishna is woken up gently like we would wake up a sleeping child.

Jhulan Utsav, Holi and Janmashtami are the main festivals celebrated here. Banke Bihariji temple is one the seven ‘Thakur’ temples of Vrindavan. This is one of the most ‘Alive’ temples of India and the energy of Lord Krishna can be felt in the atmosphere of the temple and deep in your heart.

Importance of Banke Bihari ji Mandir – Vrindavan

Banke Bihariji Temple in Vrindavan is one of the most remarkable temples of India. It is built on the spot where Lord Krishna used to perform Ras Garba and Ras Leela with the Gopis of Vrindavan. It is believed Lord Krishna comes to Nidhivan every night. This is the place where the Lord appeared to bless a devotee and where His energy can be felt.

Best time to visit 

Vrindavan can be visited all through the year.

How to reach Vrindavan

The nearest railway station is Mathura railway station which is well connected to major cities in India and is about 12 km from the temple.

The nearest airport is Agra Airport and is 99 km from the temple.

Delhi Airport is about 170 km from the temple.

Puja in Vrindavan – Banke Bihari ji Mandir

Pandit Ji in Vrindavan – Banke Bihari ji Mandir

Accomodation in Vrindavan – Banke Bihari ji Mandir

• Vrindavna – Kanpurwala Mandir Yatrik Niwas
• Vrindavan – Agrasen Ashram
• Vrindavan – Naya Rangji Ashram

Nearby Attractions

• ISKCON temple
• Prem Mandir
• Nidhivan
• Mathura Krishna Janmabhoomi
• Dwarkadhish Temple

Temple Location