Vrindavan/Agra: Big changes are coming to the famous Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan. In a decision that will affect thousands of visitors, the temple’s new high-powered panel has banned the use of VIP passes. The temple management aims to bring equal access, improve safety, and ensure smoother crowd control inside one of India’s most visited shrines.
Ashok Kumar, a retired judge of the Allahabad High Court, chaired the fourth meeting of the temple management committee and officially announced the decision. The panel has mandated strict regulation of entry and exit through clearly marked gates. Additionally, the committee has instructed the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) to implement full arrangements within three days.
VIP Privileges Gone — Everyone in Queue Now
The committee said that all devotees will now have to use the same queue system, ending the long-standing Banke Bihari VIP entry system. Police and security guards will be deployed only at fixed duty points to keep the crowd moving in order.
To strengthen safety, private guards will be replaced with professional security agencies, with preference for retired soldiers. The temple said devotee comfort and safety were the top priorities behind these steps.
Officials Will Open Treasury Room After 54 Years
In a major update, the locked room next to the sanctum, known as the temple’s treasury. Now will be opened for the first time since 1971. A special supervisory team, including an auditor, civil judge, DSP of Vrindavan circle, and a Goswami community representative, will oversee the process. The entire operation will be recorded, and a signed list of items will be prepared.
Darshan Timings Changed
The daily darshan schedule has also been revised.
- Summer: 7 am to 12:45 pm, 4:15 pm to 9:45 pm
- Winter: 8 am to 1:45 pm, 4 pm to 9:15 pm
Along with this, devotees worldwide will now be able to connect through continuous live streaming of darshan.
Why This Matters
The new rules mean that every devotee, regardless of status, will stand in the same line. The panel believes this step will end chaos, reduce mismanagement, and bring back discipline inside the temple.
For lakhs of visitors who travel every year, this marks a big shift in how darshan at Banke Bihari temple will happen from now.
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