- By Kashish Rai
- Wed, 06 Sep 2023 10:32 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Janmashtami 2023: Shri Banke Bihari temple is one of the most renowned temples of Lord Krishna. This sacred temple is situated in the town of Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh where Lord Krishna performed his transcendental pastimes. The idol of Shri Banke Bihari ji in the temple is a self-incarnated deity of the combined form of Goddess Radha and Lord Krishna, standing in a Tribhanga pose. Swami Haridas, a saint and musician from Vrindavan, is credited with manifesting this divine idol. Swami Haridas ji was the guru of well-known singer Tansen.
The ardent devotees of Lord Krishna from around the world visit this sacred temple due to its magnificence. Lord Banke Bihari is popularly addressed by the term “Bihari Ji” by his devotees in Braj. Earlier, he was named “Kunj Bihari” by Swami Haridas himself which simply means “the one who likes to spend his time in Kunj”. Let us know some unknown facts about this magnificent temple of Lord Krishna.
Janmashtami 2023: 7 Unknown Facts About Banke Bihari Temple
1. According to the local legends, Spiritual Guru Ramkrishna Paramhans visited to have darshans of the idol of Banke Bihari Ji and felt a high altitude of spiritual energy. Locals also believe that Paramhans Ji also got the live darshans of Lord Krishna.
2. It is believed that Swami Haridas Ji manifested the deity of Banke Bihari Ji with his sincere prayers. According to legend, Swami Haridas used to recite hymns every day along with chanting the glories of Lord Krishna. The divine musician's prayers were answered by Goddess Radha and Lord Krishna, who granted him their blessings. When the musician opened his eyes after his prayers, he discovered Banke Bihari Ji's lovely deity idol close by.
3. It is also believed that Swami Haridas Ji used to worship Banke Bihari Ji in Nidhivan prior to the construction of the temple. After the construction of the temple, the divine deity was shifted from Nidhivan to the premises of the Mandir.
4. After two minutes, a curtain is drawn across the idol of Banke Bihari Ji as it is believed that after getting pleased by his devotees’ love and affection, Bihari Ji follows them to their homes.
Also Read: Top 5 Ancient Lord Krishna Temples In India With Historical Significance
5. Devotees should keep their eyes open while having the darshans of Banke Bihari Ji as he enchants his devotees and after gazing at him for long, the devotee goes into a state of trance while shedding tears of ecstasy
6. The mangala aarti (early morning aarti) is only performed at the Banke Bihari temple on the day of Janmashtami. Similarly, the charan darshan or the holy darshans of the divine lotus feet of the Lord happens on the day of Akshay Tritiya only.
7. Since Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha are both supposed to have manifested as Bake Bihari ji, the idol is decorated in equal parts by men and women.
(Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its veracity. Before adopting any measures, consult an expert from the relevant field.)
