Shri Bankey Bihari Temple: History | Significance | Rituals | Festivals
The Bankey Bihari Mandir is a renowned Hindu shrine devoted to Lord Krishna, who is said to be Lord Vishnu in human form. It is near to the Radhavallabh Ji Temple and is located in the holy city of Vrindavan, in the Mathura District. This temple is one of the holiest and most sacred to Lord Krishna in India, if not the entire globe. Many think that the name Bankey signifies 'bent in three places' and Bihari denotes the Ultimate Enjoyer, however, the name 'Bankey Bihari' also means 'one who walks or resides in the forest'. The temple's picture of Lord Krishna is in the Tribhanga pose.
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According to popular belief, The Lord visited here in person with His holy spouse and left behind a dark attractive figure as a homage to His ardent disciple Swami Haridas. The black-colored Idol is so startlingly attractive that staring into the image's clear eyes might make one forget their sorrows and pains. It is no surprise, however, that the Shrine attracts tourists from all over the world throughout the year.
History:
Swami Haridas is credited with founding the Bankey Bihari Temple, and it is reported that the Celestial Couple arrived in person and materialized as an image here to please the devotee. The god was subsequently removed from Nidhivan and installed in a new temple built in 1862 AD. This magnificent edifice is an architectural masterpiece that, in its splendour and splendor, pays homage to the glory of the Lord. The Goswamis are claimed to have helped financially to the building of this temple.
Significance:
Swami Haridas desired that his beloved Lord always be in front of his eyes, and the Divine pair answered his wish by merging into a single black celestial Idol of infinite beauty. Even now, this Idol adorns the sanctuary. The Idol's beauty is so entrancing that Darshan at the temple is never continuous, but is broken up multiple times by the curtain being drawn regularly. It is believed that if one gazes long enough into the eyes of Shri Bankey Bihariji, he will be charmed by its attractiveness and enter ecstatic raptures, eventually losing his self-consciousness. Another distinguishing element of this unusual temple is that no bells are rung, lest they awaken the Lord.
Rituals:
Many silver-plated and even solid-silver swings are on display at the Lord Krishna swing festival, popularly known as Jhulan Yatra. The Jhulan Yatra's primary day is the third day of the waxing moon when Shri Bankey Bihari is suspended in gold. In contrast to other temples, the curtain in front of the Deities is closed. Many times every minute, the curtain is dragged back and forth. If one stares into Shri Bankey Bihari's brilliant eyes for a lengthy period of time, one is said to go unconscious. The only temple where Krishna is not woken up in the morning by the ringing of temple bells. It is considered rude to awaken a sleeping child. He has been gently stirred.
Many swings embellished with silver plating and even solid silver are on display during the Lord Krishna swing festival, popularly known as Jhulan Yatra. The primary day of the Jhulan Yatra is the third day of the waxing moon when Shri Bankey Bihari is suspended in gold. Unlike at other temples, the curtain in front of the Deities is closed. The curtain is pulled back and forth numerous times each minute. If one looks into Shri Bankey Bihari's brilliant eyes for a lengthy period of time, one is said to go unconscious. The only temple where Krishna is not woken in the morning by the ringing of temple bells. It is considered rude to startle a sleeping child. He is gently stirred.
Festivals:
The temple celebrates various joyful events, with thousands of people from all around the world in attendance. Every day, the Seva is done in three parts: Shringar, Rajbhog, and Shayan, with devotees flocking to the shrine to catch sight of their beloved Bankey Bihari. Mangala Aarti is only done on Janmashtami once a year. Devotees are privileged to a view of the Lord's Lotus feet during Akshaya Tritiya, which occurs in April-May. The god may be seen carrying a flute and wearing a Mukut (Crown) on the fall full moon day, and he can be seen in full view during the Holi celebration on the last five days of the month of Phalguna.