Thakur Banke Bihari Lal 2023 | History | Darshan | Significance | Timing | Lord Krishna

Thakur Banke Bihari Lal is one of the most revered deities in the Hindu religion, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. The history of Thakur Banke Bihari dates back to the 1860s when Swami Haridas discovered an idol of Lord Krishna in the forest of Vrindavan. The idol’s divine beauty moved Swami Haridas, and he installed it in the Nidhivan temple in Vrindavan. Over time, Thakur Banke Bihari’s popularity grew, and the temple became a hub of spiritual activity, attracting devotees from all over the world.

Thakur Banke Bihari Lal Temple Timings and Location

The temple of Thakur Banke Bihari Lal is located in the holy town of Vrindavan in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple is situated in the Nidhivan area of Vrindavan, which is believed to be the forest where Lord Krishna used to play with his friends.

As for the timings of the temple, the doors of Thakur Banke Bihari Lal are opened at 7:45 AM every day, and the morning aarti (prayer) is performed at 8:00 AM. The deity’s darshan (sight) is open for devotees until 12:00 PM, after which the temple is closed for a midday break. The temple doors reopen at 4:00 PM, and the evening aarti is performed at 7:00 PM. The darshan remains open until 9:30 PM, after which the temple is closed for the day.

It is worth noting that the temple can get crowded, especially during festivals and special occasions, so it is advisable to plan your visit accordingly. It is also important to dress appropriately and maintain decorum while inside the temple premises, as it is a place of worship and reverence.

Banke Bihari Lal Darshan Online Booking Process

While there is no official online booking process for the darshan of Banke Bihari Lal temple, devotees can still visit the temple and seek the deity’s darshan by following certain guidelines.

As mentioned earlier, the temple is open for devotees from 7:45 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM every day. Devotees can visit the temple during these hours and join the queue for darshan.

However, to avoid long waiting times, it is advisable to plan your visit accordingly. It is best to arrive at the temple early in the morning or late at night, as the crowds are relatively less during these times. It is also advisable to avoid visiting the temple during festivals or special occasions, as the crowds can be overwhelming.

It is important to dress appropriately and maintain decorum while inside the temple premises. Devotees are required to remove their shoes before entering the temple and follow the instructions given by the temple authorities.

Significance of Banke Bihari Lal in Hinduism

Thakur Banke Bihari Lal is a revered deity in Hinduism and holds great significance in the hearts of devotees. Here are some of the reasons why Banke Bihari Lal is considered an important deity in Hinduism:

Lord Krishna’s Presence

Banke Bihari Lal is believed to be the reincarnation of Lord Krishna, who is one of the most important deities in Hinduism. Lord Krishna’s teachings and life stories are celebrated and revered by millions of devotees all over the world.

Banke Bihari Lal’s Loving and Playful Nature

Banke Bihari Lal is known for his loving and playful nature. Devotees believe that by seeking his blessings, they can experience the same joy and happiness that Lord Krishna’s companions felt while playing with him.

Banke Bihari Lal Miracles

Banke Bihari Lal is believed to have performed several miracles, such as curing the sick and providing financial assistance to those in need. Devotees have shared many stories of how Banke Bihari Lal has helped them overcome their difficulties.

Banke Bihari Lal Bhakti Tradition

Banke Bihari Lal is closely associated with the bhakti tradition of Hinduism, which emphasizes the importance of devotion and love for the divine. Devotees believe that by surrendering themselves completely to Banke Bihari Lal, they can attain spiritual liberation.

Vrindavan’s Spiritual Significance

Banke Bihari Lal temple is located in Vrindavan, a town in Uttar Pradesh that is considered one of the holiest places in Hinduism. It is believed that Lord Krishna spent his childhood in Vrindavan, and the town is home to several other important temples and holy sites.

History and architecture of Thakur Banke Bihari Lal Temple

Thakur Banke Bihari Lal Temple is one of the most famous and revered temples in India, located in the holy town of Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh. Here is a brief overview of the temple’s history and architecture:

History
The temple was built in 1864 by Swami Haridas, a prominent saint and musician of the Bhakti movement. According to legend, Swami Haridas was a disciple of the famous saint and poet, Swami Vallabhacharya, who was a devotee of Lord Krishna. Swami Haridas was known for his devotional music and is believed to have received the vision of Lord Krishna, who instructed him to build a temple dedicated to Banke Bihari Lal.

Architecture
The temple’s architecture is a beautiful blend of Mughal and Rajasthani styles. The temple is a three-story structure made of red sandstone, with intricately carved arches and pillars. The temple’s interior is decorated with beautiful murals and paintings, depicting the life and teachings of Lord Krishna.

The main deity of the temple, Banke Bihari Lal, is a black stone idol of Lord Krishna in a standing posture, with his hands raised in a playful and mischievous gesture. The idol is adorned with beautiful clothes and jewelry, and is placed in a silver shrine.

One of the unique features of the temple is that the idol of Banke Bihari Lal is not visible throughout the day. The idol is unveiled for a few brief moments, known as the ‘darshan’ period, during which devotees can catch a glimpse of the deity. The rest of the time, the idol is covered with a curtain, giving the impression that the deity is constantly playing hide-and-seek with his devotees.

The temple attracts millions of devotees every year, who come from all over the world to seek the blessings of Banke Bihari Lal. The temple’s serene atmosphere and beautiful architecture make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Hindu mythology and spirituality.

How to Reach Banke Bihari Lal Temple

Banke Bihari Lal Temple is located in the holy town of Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, and is easily accessible by various modes of transportation. Here are the details on how to reach the temple:

By Air: The nearest airport to Vrindavan is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, which is located about 150 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Vrindavan.

By Train: Vrindavan has its own railway station, which is well-connected to major cities in India. The station is located about 3 km away from the temple. Alternatively, you can also take a train to Mathura Junction, which is about 12 km away from Vrindavan, and then hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the temple.

By Bus: Vrindavan is well-connected to major cities in Uttar Pradesh and nearby states via state-run and private buses. You can take a bus from Delhi, Agra, Mathura, or any other nearby city to reach Vrindavan. Once you reach the Vrindavan bus stand, you can hire a taxi or take a local auto-rickshaw to reach the temple.

By Car: You can also hire a taxi or self-drive to reach the temple. Vrindavan is located on the National Highway 44, which connects Delhi and Agra, making it easily accessible by road.

Famous Festivals and Celebrations at Banke Bihari Lal Temple

Banke Bihari Lal Temple is one of the most popular temples in Vrindavan, and is known for its vibrant celebrations and festivals throughout the year. Here are some of the famous festivals and celebrations at Banke Bihari Lal Temple:

Janmashtami

Janmashtami is the most significant festival celebrated at Banke Bihari Lal Temple, which marks the birth of Lord Krishna. The temple is beautifully decorated with flowers and lights, and devotees gather to sing bhajans and participate in the special puja and aarti.

Radha Ashtami

This festival celebrates the birth anniversary of Radha, the beloved of Lord Krishna. Special puja and aarti are performed, and devotees offer flowers and sweets to the deities.

Jhulan Yatra

This is a ten-day festival celebrated during the monsoon season, where the deities are placed on a swing and devotees swing them back and forth. The temple is decorated with flowers and lights, and devotional songs are sung throughout the festival.

Holi

The festival of colors is also celebrated with great enthusiasm at Banke Bihari Lal Temple. Devotees gather to throw colors and sing devotional songs, and special puja and aarti are performed.

Annakut

This festival is celebrated to mark the occasion when Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill on his little finger to protect the people of Vrindavan from the wrath of Lord Indra. Devotees offer a mountain of food to the deities, which is then distributed among the devotees as prasad.

These festivals and celebrations are a testament to the rich cultural and religious heritage of Banke Bihari Lal Temple, and attract devotees from all over the world.

Thakur Banke Bihari Lal Idol and its Features

The idol of Thakur Banke Bihari Lal is the main attraction of the temple and is considered to be one of the most beautiful idols of Lord Krishna. Here are some of its features:

Size: The idol is relatively small in size, only about 12 inches tall.

Appearance: The idol is made of black stone and is adorned with beautiful jewelry and clothes. Lord Krishna’s face is full of expressions of love and devotion, and his eyes are half-closed in a state of bliss.

Pose: The idol is in a standing pose, with one leg crossed in front of the other. Lord Krishna’s left hand is raised and holds a flute, while the right hand is resting on his hip.

Devotee interaction: The idol is known for its unique feature of being very interactive with the devotees. The priests often change the clothes and jewelry of the idol throughout the day, and the curtains in front of the idol are constantly opened and closed to give the devotees a glimpse of the Lord.

Legends: According to legend, the idol was discovered by the great saint Swami Haridas in a nearby pond, where he saw the Lord in a vision. He immediately built a temple to house the idol, and it has been worshipped ever since.

The Thakur Banke Bihari Lal idol is a symbol of love and devotion, and attracts devotees from all over the world who come to seek the blessings of Lord Krishna.

Thakur Banke Bihari Lal Temple Dress Code and Guidelines

Banke Bihari Lal temple is a revered Hindu temple located in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh. Visitors to the temple are expected to follow certain dress code and guidelines to show respect to the temple and its deities. Here are some of the dress code and guidelines to follow:

Dress Code: Visitors are expected to dress modestly and conservatively. Men should wear a shirt and pants, while women should wear sarees or salwar suits that cover their shoulders and legs.

Footwear: Visitors are not allowed to wear shoes or sandals inside the temple premises. Shoes and sandals can be left outside the temple entrance or deposited in a designated shoe stand.

Photography: Photography is strictly prohibited inside the temple premises. Visitors are not allowed to take pictures or videos of the deities or the temple interiors.

Food and Drinks: Visitors are not allowed to bring any food or drinks inside the temple premises. They can partake in prasad, which is the blessed food offered to the deities.

Conduct: Visitors are expected to maintain a solemn and respectful demeanor inside the temple premises. Loud talking, shouting or any other kind of disturbance is strictly prohibited.

Following these dress code and guidelines is essential to show respect to the temple and the deities. It is also important to note that the temple authorities may refuse entry to visitors who do not follow these guidelines.

Thakur Banke Bihari Lal Temple Accommodation and Nearby Attractions

Thakur Banke Bihari Lal Temple is a popular tourist destination in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh. Here’s a look at the accommodation options and nearby attractions.

Accommodation

There are several accommodation options available in and around the temple area, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury hotels. Many of these hotels are located within walking distance of the temple, making it convenient for visitors to attend the daily darshans and participate in the various rituals. Some popular options include Nidhivan Sarovar Portico, Hotel Kridha Residency, Hotel Krishnam, and Hotel Ananda Krishna Van.

Nearby Attractions

Shri Radha Raman Temple

This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is known for its intricate architecture and beautiful paintings.

Shri Radha Vallabh Temple

This temple is one of the oldest temples in Vrindavan and is dedicated to Lord Krishna and his consort Radha.

ISKCON Vrindavan

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has a temple in Vrindavan, which is known for its beautiful architecture and a range of activities, including chanting, lectures, and meditation.

Prem Mandir

This temple is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful lighting, especially in the evenings.

Keshi Ghat

This ghat is located on the banks of the Yamuna River and is believed to be the spot where Lord Krishna defeated the demon Keshi.

Thakur Banke Bihari Lal Market

This market is located near the temple and is known for its handicrafts, sweets, and other local products.

Overall, a visit to Thakur Banke Bihari Lal Temple is a must for anyone visiting Vrindavan. The temple is not only a sacred place for worship, but also a beautiful representation of Hindu architecture and culture. Visitors can explore the nearby attractions, enjoy the local food and shopping, and immerse themselves in the spiritual atmosphere of Vrindavan.

Safety Precautions at Banke Bihari Lal Temple

Visitors to Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, India should take some safety precautions to ensure their well-being during their visit. Some of the precautions that visitors can take include:

• Avoid carrying valuables such as jewelry, expensive electronic devices, and large sums of cash.
• Keep wallets and purses secured in zipped pockets or bags that are kept close to the body.
• Be mindful of surroundings and avoid overcrowded areas, particularly during peak pilgrimage seasons.
• Follow the temple dress code and avoid wearing revealing or provocative clothing.
• Take care of personal belongings, and do not leave them unattended.
• Be respectful of other visitors and avoid any arguments or altercations.
• Follow the temple rules and regulations, including not taking photographs or videos inside the temple.
• Seek help from the temple authorities or local police in case of any suspicious activity or emergency.

By taking these precautions, visitors can have a safe and enjoyable experience while visiting the Banke Bihari Temple.

Frequently Asked Questions