Located in a small town in Vrindavan, the Banke Bihari Temple is one of the most famous temples dedicated to Lord Krishna. In this temple, the idol of Lord Krishna is in tribhanga (triple-bend) posture.

A unique tradition of closing the curtain before Lord Krishna every minute takes place in this temple. It is believed that Banke Bihari's gaze is so overwhelming that a devotee who looks into his eyes for too long may be lost in them.

Let's understand the reason behind drawing curtains repeatedly at Banke Bihari.

Why Are Curtains Repeatedly Drawn Before Lord Krishna At Banke Bihari Temple?

According to the devotional tradition of the Haridasi Sampradaya, the spiritual lineage founded by Swami Haridas, the idol of Bihariji is considered a self-manifestation of Lord Krishna.

His eyes hold so much power and spiritual magnetism that devotees become completely mesmerised, losing all awareness of the external world.

In the temple's early history, some accounts say devotees who stood before the deity became so mesmerised that they were unable to move and were weeping for hours.

That is why the curtain was introduced not as a barrier but as an act of compassion, a gentle intervention to protect devotees from losing themselves completely in Bihariji's beauty.

Bihari ji's eyes hold so much power and spiritual magnetism that devotees become completely mesmerised (Image: Facebook/shribankebiharijivrindavan)

Another Reason Behind Repeatedly Drawing Curtains

Another theory popular among the devotees of closing the temple again and again dates back 400 years. During that time, curtains were drawn every few seconds.

Once, a childless widowed old woman visited Banke Bihari for the first time. When she saw Banke Bihari, she just kept gazing at his charming form and forgot all her sorrows and pains. After some time, she regained consciousness and decided to consider Banke Bihari as her son.

There was so much love and affection in that woman's eyes that even Banke Bihari considered himself her son and left with her. The next day, when the priest did not find Banke Bihari, they started searching for him, and while searching, they reached the old woman's house, where they found him.

Then everyone prayed to Banke Bihari and asked him to return to Vrindavan. Due to the fear of this incident, every minute since then, a curtain is drawn in front of Bihari Ji, so he does not become pleased with a devotee and follow him again.

 The curtain was introduced not as a barrier but as an act of compassion, a gentle intervention to protect devotees (Image: Facebook/shribankebiharivrindavan)

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The Absence Of Aarti With Fire At Banke Bihari Temple

Apart from drawing curtains at Banke Bihari, another unique tradition is followed at Banke Bihari Temple. Whereas in every Hindu temple in India, lighted lamps or camphor are waved before the deity, at Banke Bihari Temple no flames are waved before the deity during worship.

The reason is that Lord Krishna is worshipped in child form, who is believed to be uncomfortable around fire. The temple instead conducts a form of worship using water, flowers, and fans.

Similarly, bells and conch shells are also not present at Banke Bihari temple. Instead, the acoustic environment is shaped by the chanting of devotees and the singing of devotional songs.

These acts make worship more intimate and personal rather than formal.

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How To Visit Banke Bihari Temple?

The Banke Bihari Temple is in the old town area of Vrindavan, where devotees can reach on foot or by cycle-rickshaw.

Best Time To Visit: Early morning, just after opening, is ideal because it is less crowded.

Pro Tip: The lanes leading to the Banke Bihari Temple are narrow and can become extremely crowded, especially during evening darshan hours and festivals. It is advised to keep your belongings minimal, wear comfortable footwear that is easy to remove, and be prepared for a walk of approximately 10-15 minutes from the nearest vehicle-accessible road.

FAQs

1. How often are the curtains drawn at Banke Bihari Temple?

The curtains at Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan are drawn and reopened every 1 to 5 minutes.

2. Is the curtain-drawing ritual practised in other Krishna temples?

No, it is done only at Banke Bihari Temple.