The Banke Bihari Temple stands in Vrindavan, a town in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is also known as the Banke Bihari Mandir, and it is one of the most revered temples dedicated to Lord Krishna in his child form. Its address is Banke Bihari Gali, Vrindavan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh 281121.
What to expect
Visitors come for the darshan, the act of seeing the deity, and here it has a character of its own. The curtain before the image is opened and closed frequently, rather than remaining open for long periods as in many other temples. Many visitors find this unusual, and it shapes the rhythm of a visit: you wait, the curtain parts briefly, and then it closes again.
Planning your visit
- The temple lies in the lanes of Vrindavan, so allow time to walk and find it.
- Expect a busy atmosphere, especially around festivals and on weekends.
- Dress modestly and remove your footwear as is customary at Indian temples.
- For questions before you travel, the temple can be reached by phone at +91-565-2540021.
Vrindavan itself is closely tied to the life of Krishna, and many other temples and shrines are within walking distance of Banke Bihari. A visit here pairs well with time spent wandering the town's streets and its markets, which give a sense of the everyday life around the sacred sites.
