Banke Bihari Temple closed – Rising water levels of the Yamuna River have hit Vrindavan hard, forcing a major route to the famous Banke Bihari Temple closed. The VIP pathway that many devotees use is now under water, with parking areas completely submerged.
Knee-Deep Water on Parikrama Marg
For the last six days, the Yamuna has been flowing above the danger mark. On Thursday, the river swelled further, pushing water into the Parikrama Marg. By evening, large stretches of the path had water reaching up to the knees of pilgrims. Despite warnings, some devotees were seen wading through the flooded lanes to reach the temple. Officials have appealed to avoid the Parikrama route for safety reasons.
Devotees Forced to Take Longer Route
With the VIP route closed, pilgrims now reach the temple only through the Vidyapeeth road. This detour is longer and has led to crowds thinning at the shrine. Local reports suggest that the number of devotees has dropped by nearly 30 percent in the past few days.
Administration on Alert
District Magistrate C.P. Singh confirmed that the Yamuna is still rising and Continuous rain and water released from Hathnikund (Tajewala) Barrage. It have pushed the river level to 166.56 meters, well above the danger level of 166 meters. Officials warn the situation may worsen in the next 24 to 48 hours.
A Difficult Time for Vrindavan
The Banke Bihari Temple usually sees huge crowds during this season, but with the Yamuna swelling, the town is struggling. Floodwater on the Parikrama Marg has not only cut off an important route but has also raised safety concerns.
The holy city is now facing one of its toughest tests. With the Yamuna rising each hour, the question is — how long before Vrindavan’s heart, the Banke Bihari Temple, becomes even harder to reach?
