Bankey Bihari Temple

The Bankey Bihari Temple is a significant Hindu temple situated in Vrindavan, within the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is dedicated to the deity Banke Bihari, who is venerated as the combined form of Radha and Krishna. The temple's origins trace back to Swami Haridas, a revered guru who initially worshipped this murti in Nidhivan under the name Kunj Bihari, meaning 'one who enjoys in the groves'.

History and Construction

The icon's name, Bānke Bihārī, was bestowed by disciples due to the image's distinctive tribhaṅga posture, where Krishna is bent in three places. Historically, the deity was worshipped in Nidhivan. However, a dispute between the sadhu and gosvāmī followers of Swami Haridas led to the icon being moved to its present location. The current temple structure was constructed around 1864 by the gosvāmīs, who continue to reside behind the temple premises.

Rituals and Beliefs

Within the Bankey Bihari Temple, the deity is worshipped in the form of a small child. This practice influences the temple's rituals; bells are not hung within the premises to avoid disturbing the deity, and an early morning aarti is not performed, except on the auspicious occasion of Krishna Janmashtami. A unique practice observed at the temple is drawing curtains every five minutes. This is done to prevent uninterrupted darshan, as a popular belief holds that prolonged, continuous viewing of Banke Bihari might lead the deity to accompany devotees to their homes, potentially leaving the temple empty.

Iconography and Special Occasions

The central icon depicts Radha and Krishna in their united form, standing in the tribhaṅga posture, a representation celebrated on Bihar Panchami. Special observances occur annually: on Sharad Purnima, the idol of Banke Bihari is shown holding a flute in its hands. Additionally, once a month during Shravan, the deity is placed in a swing.