Banke Bihari Temple
Also known as Shri Banke Bihari Mandir, Bankey Bihari Temple
Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, UP, is among the city's seven most sacred shrines, famed for its curtained darshan ritual and bell-free child-deity worship.
Photos of Banke Bihari Temple
- Presiding Deity
- Krishna
- Established
- 1862–1864 CE
- Architecture
- Rajasthani (contemporary)
- Address
- Shri Banke Bihari Mandir, Vrindavan Dham, Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh 281121
- Timings
- Winter: 07:45–12:00 and 17:30–21:30; summer timings shift earlier by ~30–45 minutes. No Mangala aarti except on Janmashtami. No bells inside.
History of Banke Bihari Temple
The original black icon of Banke Bihari was, by tradition, granted to the saint-poet Swami Haridas (born 1478 AD, also the guru of the court singer Tansen) by the divine couple Shyama-Shyam in Nidhivan. Swami Haridas worshipped it there under the name Kunj Bihari. After his death seva passed to his brother Goswami Jagannath and then to Jagannath's descendants, the "Goswamis" of the temple. Disciples renamed the deity Banke Bihari because of the image's tribhanga posture. In the 19th century, a dispute arose between sadhu and goswami factions over custody; the goswamis removed the icon from Nidhivan and installed it in the new temple built on the present site around 1862–1864 CE. The goswamis still reside behind the temple and manage its rituals.
Festivals Celebrated at Banke Bihari Temple
- Janmashtami
- Radhashtami
- Holi
- Sharad Purnima
- Kartik Purnima
- Jhulan Yatra / Hindola
How to Reach Banke Bihari Temple
Nearest airport: Agra Airport (Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Airport), ~70 km; Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, ~165 km. Nearest railway: Mathura Junction (~10–12 km). Buses, taxis, and shared autos run frequently from Mathura to Vrindavan; the temple is in the heart of Vrindavan's narrow lanes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Banke Bihari Temple
Where is Banke Bihari Temple located?
- Banke Bihari Temple is located at Shri Banke Bihari Mandir, Vrindavan Dham, Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh 281121, in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Who is the presiding deity at Banke Bihari Temple?
- The presiding deity at Banke Bihari Temple is Krishna (also known as Gopala, Govinda), worshipped in the Vaishnava tradition.
What are the timings of Banke Bihari Temple?
- Banke Bihari Temple is generally open Winter: 07:45–12:00 and 17:30–21:30; summer timings shift earlier by ~30–45 minutes. No Mangala aarti except on Janmashtami. No bells inside.. Timings can vary on festival days and special occasions — verify with the temple before your visit.
When was Banke Bihari Temple built?
- Banke Bihari Temple was established 1862–1864 CE. Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.
What is the architectural style of Banke Bihari Temple?
- Banke Bihari Temple is built in the Rajasthani (contemporary) style, characteristic of Krishna shrines of this region.
Which festivals are celebrated at Banke Bihari Temple?
- The principal festivals celebrated at Banke Bihari Temple include Janmashtami, Radhashtami, Holi, Sharad Purnima, Kartik Purnima, Jhulan Yatra / Hindola. These draw large crowds of pilgrims from across Uttar Pradesh and beyond.
How can I reach Banke Bihari Temple?
- Nearest airport: Agra Airport (Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Airport), ~70 km; Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, ~165 km. Nearest railway: Mathura Junction (~10–12 km). Buses, taxis, and shared autos run frequently from Mathura to Vrindavan; the temple is in the heart of Vrindavan's narrow lanes.
Why is Banke Bihari Temple significant?
- Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, UP, is among the city's seven most sacred shrines, famed for its curtained darshan ritual and bell-free child-deity worship.
Is there an entry fee at Banke Bihari Temple?
- Entry to the main shrine of Banke Bihari Temple is generally free for darshan. Special sevas, abhishekams and priority queues may carry a nominal fee — check with the temple office on arrival.
What is the dress code at Banke Bihari Temple?
- Banke Bihari Temple follows the traditional dress code observed at Uttar Pradesh temples — modest attire covering shoulders and knees. Many shrines in the region also expect men to remove upper garments before entering the sanctum.