Hindu temple
Banke Bihari Temple
Also known as Shri Banke Bihari Ji, Bankey Bihari.
In short
Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan is among the most beloved Krishna shrines in the Braj region. It enshrines Krishna as Banke Bihari — 'the one bent in three places' — a deity revealed by the mystic Swami Haridas. Its Holi and Janmashtami celebrations draw immense crowds.
Reviewed by the Godify team · Last updated
Key facts
- Presiding deity
- Krishna
- Significance
- A celebrated Krishna temple of Vrindavan
- Location
- Vrindavan (Mathura district), Uttar Pradesh
Significance
Krishna is worshipped here as Banke Bihari, the divine flute-player standing in the graceful threefold-bent pose. The image is said to have been revealed to Swami Haridas, the 16th-century saint and musician, at Nidhivan.
The temple keeps unusual customs born of intimacy with the Lord: no bells or conches are sounded, and a curtain is drawn over the deity again and again during darshan, so that his gaze does not overwhelm the devotee.
History
The temple was established in the 19th century for the image revealed to Swami Haridas at Nidhivan, and remains one of the spiritual hearts of Vrindavan and the Braj tradition of Krishna bhakti.
How to reach
In Vrindavan, Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh. The nearest hubs are Mathura (rail) and Agra; Delhi is about three to four hours by road.
Related
More temples
About Banke Bihari Temple
Who is Banke Bihari?
Banke Bihari is Krishna in his threefold-bent pose as the divine flute-player, worshipped at Vrindavan; the image was revealed to the saint Swami Haridas.
Why is Banke Bihari temple famous for Holi?
Vrindavan's Banke Bihari temple holds some of India's most exuberant Holi celebrations, with flowers and colours showered in the Braj tradition of Krishna's play.
Offer a prayer to Krishna
Ask Bhagavan for a mantra or verse to offer at this temple, or bring whatever is on your heart — free, private, any hour.
Talk to Bhagavan