Inheritage Foundation
Preserving Our Past, Enriching Our Future
Documenting and digitizing India's architectural heritage, one site at a time
Banke Bihari Temple
Vrindavan (Mathura District), Uttar Pradesh, India, Uttar Pradesh
Temple
Rajput / North Indian Temple Style
Modern Era (19th Century)
Important Vaishnava Temple (19th C), managed by Goswamis/Trust.
Year Built
1862
Built By
Swami Haridas (established deity), Goswamis (built current temple structure)
Patronage
Goswamis of Vrindavan, Devotees
Banke Bihari Temple
overview
Overview data: 0% complete
Heritage Overview
Temple
Banke Bihari Temple
Located in the holy town of Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, Banke Bihari Temple is one of the most famous temples dedicated to Lord Krishna. Established by Swami Haridas, it enshrines the Tribhanga posture image of Banke Bihari (Krishna). The temple is unique for its tradition of drawing a curtain before the deity frequently, believed to protect devotees from being overwhelmed by the Lord's intense gaze. It's a major centre for Krishna bhakti, attracting throngs of devotees, especially during festivals like Janmashtami.
Location
Vrindavan (Mathura District), Uttar Pradesh, India(Uttar Pradesh)
Year Built
1862
Visit Information
Visiting Hours
7:45 AM - 12:00 PM & 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM, Daily (seasonal variations apply).
Entry Fee
Free entry.
Website
https://www.bihariji.org/Heritage Status
Important Vaishnava Temple (19th C), managed by Goswamis/Trust.
Preservation Status
Good, well-maintained active temple.
Historical Context
The discovery of the swayambhu (self-manifested) idol by Swami Haridas (c. 1478–1573) is central. Haridas, a luminary of the Nimbarka Sampradaya and guru to Tansen, represents the height of the Bhakti movement's devotional music and mysticism in Vrindavan. The idol remained in Nidhivan until the current temple was constructed much later (c. 1864), during a period of renewed patronage and temple building in Vrindavan under British rule. The unique 'parda' darshan reflects specific devotional practices established within this tradition to manage the intensity of divine encounter.
Archaeological Survey
N/A (Managed by Temple Goswamis/Trust).
Location Map
Architectural Details
Rajput / North Indian Temple Style
Modern Era (19th Century)
Built by
Swami Haridas (established deity), Goswamis (built current temple structure)
Materials
Sandstone, Marble (later additions/renovations)
Featured Image
Excavation Details
N/A - Relatively modern temple (mid-19th century). Historical documentation relates to its founding by Swami Haridas and subsequent construction.
Restoration Work
Regular maintenance of the 19th C structure by temple management.
Patronage
Goswamis of Vrindavan, Devotees
Construction Technique
Stone masonry, Arch construction (Rajasthani style)
Architectural Influences
2 items
Building Techniques
Use of arches, Jharokhas (balconies), Courtyard plan
Coordinates
27.581000, 77.697300
Accessibility Info
{"notes":"Extremely crowded temple in narrow lanes. Access involves navigating dense crowds. Temple floor can be uneven/slippery.","restrooms":"Limited facilities nearby, may be basic","wheelchair_accessible":"Difficult/None (due to extreme crowding and steps)"}
Visitor Facilities
5 items
Best Visit Times
Winter months (October to March) offer comfortable weather in Vrindavan. Holi and Janmashtami are peak festivals with extreme crowds. For darshan, early morning or late evening slots are less crowded than midday. The unique 'curtain darshan' happens frequently.
Seasonal Events
5 items
Visitor Restrictions
Modest attire covering shoulders and knees required. Footwear removed. Photography and videography strictly prohibited inside the temple. Be extremely vigilant about belongings due to monkeys and dense crowds. Follow queue systems if implemented.
View Count
4
Is Featured
Yes
Is Published
Yes
Completion Score
67
Completion Status
in-progress
Created By
68408625-44a5-46e3-b746-71290aac1079
Created At
2025-04-28T08:04:19.982836+00:00
Updated At
2025-04-28T08:04:19.982836+00:00