Banke Bihari Temple

The icon of Banke Bihari was originally worshipped by Svāmī Haridās under the name Kuñjbihārī. His disciples bestowed the name Bānke Bihārī due to the image's tribhaṅga posture. The icon's appearance is celebrated on Bihar Panchami. Formerly Bānke Bihārī was worshipped in Nidhivan, but was moved to the present location in the 19th century due a dispute between the sādhu and gosvāmī followers of Haridās. The gosvāmī's built the current temple and reside behind it. == In scriptures ==

upholding the Govardhan mountain in the Tribhanga pose 'Bānke' means 'bent', and 'Bihāri' or 'Vihāri' means 'enjoyer'. This is how Kṛiṣhṇa, who is bent in three places, got the name "Bānke Bihāri". According to Śrī Brahma-saḿhitā (verse 5.31), Brahma says the following about Kṛishna "I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, round whose neck is swinging a garland of flowers beautified with the moon-locket, whose two hands are adorned with the flute and jewelled ornaments, who always revels in pastimes of love, whose graceful threefold-bending form of Śyāmasundara is eternally manifest." ==Rituals==

In this temple, Banke Bihari is worshiped in the form of a small child. Thus, to avoid disturbing the deity, an early morning arti is not performed and bells are not hung anywhere inside the temple premises. Only on the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami, mangala aarti (early morning aarti) is performed. There is a popular belief that uninterrupted darshan will cause Banke Bihari to accompany devotees to their home and leave the temple empty. Therefore, the curtains are drawn every five minutes to avoid the uninterrupted darshan of Banke Bihari. Once a year, on the occasion of Sharad Purnima Banke Bihari holds the flute in His hands. Additionally, once in the month of Shravan Banke Bihari is placed in a swing. ==Gallery==

File:Bankebihari temple main gate Vrindavan.JPG|Entrance of Banke Bihari Temple File:Nidhivana Vrindavan Prakatyasthala bankebihariji.JPG|Nidhivana File:Bankebihari temple gate, sideview Vrindavana.JPG|Bankey Bihari Temple gate, sideview File:Flower garland sellers outside Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan.jpg|Garland sellers outside Banke Bihari Temple ==See also==