Shri Banke Bihari Mandir in Vrindavan is a celebrated Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. The deity, Banke Bihari Ji, is a self-manifested idol discovered in Nidhivan by the great saint Swami Haridas. The temple, built in 1864, is renowned for its unique form of worship. A curtain ('parda') is drawn before the deity every few minutes, based on the belief that the divine charm of Bihari Ji's eyes can render a devotee unconscious with spiritual ecstasy if viewed for too long. The temple also uniquely skips the early morning 'Mangala Aarti', as it is believed that the child-like Lord should not be woken so early. It is one of the most crowded and spiritually charged temples in the Braj region.
Summer Schedule (from Akshay Tritiya)
Morning Darshan. Shringar Aarti is at 08:00 AM. Temple closes after Rajbhog Aarti at 12:00 PM.
Temple is closed for the afternoon.
Evening Darshan. Temple closes after Shayan Bhog Aarti at 09:30 PM.
Winter Schedule (from Bhai Dooj)
Morning Darshan. Shringar Aarti is at 09:00 AM. Temple closes after Rajbhog Aarti at 01:00 PM.
Temple is closed for the afternoon.
Evening Darshan. Temple closes after Shayan Bhog Aarti at 08:30 PM.
Free Darshan for All
Entry and darshan at the temple are completely free for all devotees. There are no paid tickets or special passes.
Hariyali Teej (Jhulan Utsav)
The only day of the year when Banke Bihari Ji is brought out of the sanctum to sit on a magnificent golden swing ('hindola'). This event attracts enormous crowds.
Janmashtami
Celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. The temple holds special darshan and rituals throughout the night, with the main celebrations happening at midnight.