Key Takeaways
- Swami Haridas established Banke Bihari Mandir in 1864, inspired by the love between Krishna and Radha.
- The temple, adorned with Rajasthani architecture, was initially revered at Nidhivan.
- You can visit daily from 7:45 AM to noon and from 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM. The schedule might change on weekends or during special events.
- It’s only about 1.5 kilometers from Vrindavan Railway Station, making it a quick 5-minute drive or a leisurely 20-minute walk.
- Getting there is easy. You can catch a bus from big cities like Delhi or hop on an auto-rickshaw from the station.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March (Winter season for pleasant weather) |
| Special Aarti | Mangla Aarti on Janmashtami and Radhashtami (5:30 AM) |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Photography | Not Allowed Inside the Temple Premises |
| Nearby Attractions | Prem Mandir, ISKCON Temple, Nidhivan, Radha Raman Temple |
| Dress Code | Modest attire recommended (Cover shoulders and knees) |
| Facilities | Cloakrooms, Drinking Water, Prasad Counters |
| Festivals | Janmashtami, Holi, Radhashtami |
Banke Bihari Mandir is a significant temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, located in the sacred city of Vrindavan. When you enter, you feel a strong sense of devotion in the air. The temple resonates with the chants of ‘Radhe Radhe,’ adding to the spiritual ambiance. Its design features detailed carvings and elaborate decorations that reflect the rich cultural history of Vraj. Many devotees visit to pray and receive blessings, especially during the Janmashtami festival. Lord Krishna is revered in his child form, captivating everyone with his divine presence.
Banke Bihari Mandir History
Delving into the history of Banke Bihari Mandir, we discover its rich spiritual roots in Vrindavan. The temple was founded in 1864 by Swami Haridas, a saint dedicated to Lord Krishna. Swami Haridas came across the idol of Banke Bihari, which represents Krishna and Radha’s love. Initially, this idol was worshipped in Nidhivan. Due to increased followers, it was moved to the current temple.
The temple showcases beautiful Rajasthani architecture from that period. The unique feature of the deity here is its closed-eye pose, which encourages a deep, personal spiritual experience rather than just watching rituals.
Timings and Distance
Banke Bihari Mandir opening and closing timings
Banke Bihari Mandir opens at 7:45 AM and closes at 9:30 PM, giving you plenty of time to visit. The temple is open in three parts during the day. It’s open from 7:45 AM to 12:00 PM, then closes for a bit.
It opens again at 4:30 PM and stays open until 9:30 PM. On weekends and unique festivals, times might change, so it’s best to check before you go. Make sure to arrive on time to fully enjoy the peaceful setting.
| Season | Day | Morning Timings | Evening Timings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Monday to Sunday | 7:45 AM – 12:00 PM | 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM |
| Winter | Monday to Sunday | 8:45 AM – 12:00 PM | 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM |
Distance from Vrindavan Railway Station
Banke Bihari Mandir is just 1.5 kilometers from Vrindavan Railway Station. That’s a quick 5-minute drive or a leisurely 20-minute walk. Arriving by train? You won’t need to plan much to reach the temple. You can choose to walk and enjoy the city’s lively streets, with temple bells ringing and the smell of street food in the air. Or, drive there fast. Either way, you won’t lose time getting to the temple from the train.
| Mode of Transport | Details |
|---|---|
| By Air | – Nearest Airport: Agra Airport (75 km) – Alternative: Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (160 km) |
| By Train | – Nearest Major Station: Mathura Junction (12 km) – Nearby Small Station: Vrindavan Railway Station (Limited services) |
| By Road | – From Delhi: 160 km via Yamuna Expressway (3-4 hours) – From Agra: 75 km via NH2/Yamuna Expressway (1.5 hours) |
| Local Transport | – From Mathura Junction: Rickshaw, Auto-rickshaw, or Taxi – Local transport within Vrindavan: Rickshaw, Cycle Rickshaw |
Transportation options
Let’s examine how to get to Banke Bihari Mandir. Depending on your starting point, there are a few options. If you’re flying, the nearest airport is in Agra, about 75 kilometers away. You can grab a taxi or hop on a bus from the airport. It’s about a two-hour drive.
If you’re coming by train, Vrindavan has a railway station just 5 kilometers from the temple. An auto-rickshaw can take you there in about 15 minutes. Buses are frequent and convenient for those coming from major cities like Delhi, which is around 150 kilometers away. They’ll drop you right in the center of Vrindavan.
Conclusion
Planning a trip to Banke Bihari Mandir? It’s really close to the Vrindavan Railway Station, so getting there’s easy. Dive into the beautiful love story of Krishna and Radha, explore the temple’s history that dates back to 1864, and enjoy the calm setting. You can drive there in five minutes or take a leisurely 20-minute walk. It’s an excellent opportunity to connect with a piece of timeless devotion. Make sure you don’t miss out on this spiritual experience.
Deepak Sharma is a passionate writer and avid traveler who specializes in uncovering the beauty and history of India’s attractions and temples. A graduate of Delhi University, Deepak has a deep-rooted love for his country and its rich cultural heritage.