About Banke Bihari Temple
Shri Banke Bihari Temple is one of the most loved Krishna temples in Vrindavan, in the Braj region of Uttar Pradesh. The deity, Banke Bihari, shows Krishna in his charming 'tribhanga' pose, bent at three places. The darshan here is unique: a curtain is drawn in front of the deity every few minutes, a custom said to keep devotees from being overwhelmed by his gaze. The temple is always full of joyful bhajans and devotion.
The image of Banke Bihari is said to have appeared before Swami Haridas, the great musician-saint and guru of Tansen, at Nidhivan in Vrindavan, in answer to his devotion. It was worshipped in Nidhivan for many years before the present temple was built in 1864. Worship is still carried out by the Goswami descendants of Swami Haridas. Because Krishna here is seen as a child, there are no loud bells or conches, and the morning Mangala Aarti is held only once a year, on Janmashtami.
The temple is built in a Rajasthani style, with arched entrances, carved stone and an open courtyard before the sanctum. The deity is dressed in fresh clothes and ornaments every day. The surrounding lanes are narrow and lively, filled with shops selling flowers, sweets, dresses for Krishna and devotional items.
Banke Bihari Temple timings & aarti
Summer: usually about 7:45 AM – 12:00 PM and 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM. Winter: usually about 8:45 AM – 1:00 PM and 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Shringar Aarti | Shortly after opening in the morning |
| Rajbhog Aarti | Around noon, before closing |
| Shayan Aarti | At night, before closing |
| Mangala Aarti | Only once a year, on Janmashtami night |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Banke Bihari Temple
By air
Agra Airport – about 70 km; Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport – about 160 km.
By train
Mathura Junction – about 13 km; Vrindavan has a small local station with limited trains.
By road
Vrindavan is near the Yamuna Expressway and NH-19; e-rickshaws reach the temple lanes, but cars must park outside the old town.
Festivals at Banke Bihari Temple
- Krishna JanmashtamiAug/Sep
- Holi (Phoolon wali Holi)Feb/Mar
- Akshaya Tritiya (Charan Darshan)Apr/May
- Hariyali Teej (Jhulan)Jul/Aug
- Sharad PurnimaSep/Oct
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing recommended.
- Entry
- Entry is free and open to all. Crowds can be intense, so the elderly, young children and people with health conditions should take extra care.
- Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the worst crowds.
- Keep valuables to a minimum and watch out for monkeys that snatch glasses and phones.
- Avoid carrying children or the elderly into the main crowd on festival days.
- Walk or take an e-rickshaw; vehicles cannot reach the temple door.
- Check the season's timings, as they change between summer and winter.
Places to visit near Banke Bihari Temple
- NidhivanSacred grove where the deity appeared to Swami Haridas, about 1 km
- Radha Raman TempleHistoric Gaudiya temple, about 1 km
- ISKCON Vrindavan (Krishna Balaram Mandir)International Krishna temple, about 3 km
- Prem MandirWhite marble temple with evening light shows, about 3 km
- Keshi GhatRiverside ghat on the Yamuna, about 1.5 km
Frequently asked questions
What are the Banke Bihari temple timings?
In summer it usually opens about 7:45 AM–12:00 PM and 5:30–9:30 PM; in winter about 8:45 AM–1:00 PM and 4:30–8:30 PM.
Why is the curtain drawn repeatedly at Banke Bihari?
Tradition says the deity's gaze is so powerful that devotees could be overwhelmed, so a curtain is drawn every few minutes.
When is the Mangala Aarti at Banke Bihari temple?
It is performed only once a year, on Janmashtami night.
Which is the nearest railway station to Banke Bihari temple?
Mathura Junction, about 13 km away, is the main station with good connections.
What is Charan Darshan at Banke Bihari?
On Akshaya Tritiya, devotees can see the feet of Banke Bihari, which are covered for the rest of the year.
Is there a dress code at Banke Bihari Temple?
Modest traditional clothing recommended.
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