Banke Bihari Temple

Dedicated to Lord Krishna, Banke Bihari Temple is one of the popular tourist attractions in Vrindavan. Built in the year 1864, the temple is located near Shri Radha Vallabh Temple. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, it is counted amongst the most visited temples in Vrindavan. In the name Banke Bihari, the term Banke stands for ‘bent at three angles’ and Bihari for ‘supreme enjoyer’. The meaning refers to the image of Lord Krishna where, while playing the flute, his right knee is bent across the left one and the right-hand holds the flute. The architecture of the temple reflects a classic Rajasthani design. Banke Bihari Temple is one of those seven shrines of Thakur in the city of Vrindavan. At this renowned sacred site, there is an image of Lord Krishna in Tribhanga posture. It is said that this sacred idol was once worshipped by the renowned poet and classical musician - Haridas Swami.

History of Banke Bihari Temple

The history of Banke Bihari Temple goes back to Swami Haridas (the guru of Tansen) who established the temple. Once Swami Haridas sang a verse in Nidhivan in Vrindavan for his disciples. While he was singing, Lord Krishna along with Radha appeared in front of him. That was the time when Haridas asked the celestial couple to merge. At his request, both Radha and Krishna merged to form the idol of Banke Bihari. The Banke Bihari Temple is believed to house this very idol.

Architecture of Banke Bihari Temple

Shri Banke Bihari Ji Temple was constructed in the year 1862. Initially, the deity was worshipped at a temple in Nidhivan. Later on after the completion of the new complex, the idol of Shri Banke BihariJii was shifted to the present temple.

The architecture of the temple is influenced by the Rajasthani style with arches and pillars adding to its magnificence.