Banke Bihari Prakatya Diwas 2023: Lesser-Known Facts About Shri Banke Bihari Manifestation Of Lord Krishna And Goddess Radha

Banke Bihari Prakatya Diwas 2023: On the fifth day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Vikram Samvat 1562 Margashirsha, due to intense devotion to Swami Haridas, Shri Banke Bihari Ji Maharaj manifested in Vrindavan's Nidhivan. Bihar Panchami is the name given to this celebration commemorating Bihari ji's manifestation. On Bihar Panchami day, 56 bhog, a variety of fragrant flowers, golden jewellery, dry fruit pudding (kheer), and yellow clothing are presented to Thakur ji. On Bihar Panchami, people commemorate the arrival of Shri Banke Bihari ji and the exceptional love that Swami Haridas ji Maharaj had for Bihariji. This year, Bihar Panchami or Lord Banke Bihari’s Prakatya Diwas is being celebrated on 17th December 2023. 

Let us check out some interesting and lesser-known facts about Shri Banke Bihari's manifestation of Lord Krishna and his consort goddess Radha Rani.

 Shri Banke Bihari Laal Ji is revered as the combined form of Radha Rani and Lord Krishna. (Image Source: Instagram)

Banke Bihari Prakatya Diwas 2023: Lesser-Known Facts About Banke Bihari Laal 

- The words "supreme enjoyer" and "bent at three angles" are represented by the terms "Banke" and "Bihari" in the name Banke Bihari. The representation of Lord Krishna holding the flute in his right hand and his right knee bending over his left is symbolic of the message. 

- The temple was founded by Tansen's master, Swami Haridas, who is the source of the temple's history. For his students, Swami Haridas once sang a stanza in Nidhivan in Vrindavan. He was singing when Lord Krishna and Radha appeared in front of him. It was then that Swami Haridas requested the union of the celestial couple. At his desire, Radha and Krishna united to make the Banke Bihari idol. It is thought that this exact statue is kept in the Banke Bihari Temple.

- It is stated that receiving the Lord's darshan relieves sorrow, and many devotees experience raptures of delight simply by catching a glance of the Deity. A highly revered deity, Bankey Bihari stands for Lord Krishna's innocent antics. When Lord Krishna was a kid, stories circulated about his ability to provide comfort and safety to anybody who came to him and sought sanctuary under his lotus feet. 

- During the celebration of Akshaya Tritiya, which takes place in April or May, followers are fortunate enough to catch sight of the Lord's Lotus feet. The deity can be seen in full view during the Holi festival on the final five days of the month of Phalguna. He can also be seen with a flute and wearing a Mukut (Crown) on the autumn full moon day.

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- The god is treated and adored like a child, and the rituals performed are all modelled after the care and love we give a small kid.