Special Darshan Facility Planned for Goswami Community's Yajmans at Banke Bihari Temple

Vrindavan: Devotees associated with the Goswami community may soon receive a dedicated entry facility at the Shri Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan. Under the proposed arrangement, yajmans (devotees associated with temple-serving Goswamis) will be allowed entry after completing advance registration. Authorities are also considering an on-the-spot registration facility for emergency situations.

The proposal was discussed during a meeting of the High-Powered Committee, constituted under the directions of the Supreme Court, at the auditorium of Shaheed Laxman Bhawan on Saturday. Several other issues concerning temple management and arrangements for devotees were also reviewed.

Improved Arrangements Ahead of the Kartik Month Rush

The meeting, chaired by retired judge Ashok Kumar, focused on managing the increasing number of visitors during the Kartik month and making darshan more convenient.

Committee members agreed that arrangements should be designed to minimise inconvenience while ensuring smooth access for devotees. It was also decided that the committee would conduct an on-site inspection of the temple premises after the meeting. Further decisions will be taken following the inspection, and the proposed arrangements will subsequently be implemented.

Apart from the special entry proposal for yajmans of Goswami sewayats, the committee also discussed appropriate darshan facilities for visitors from government departments, political circles and the media.

What Did the Committee Say About Temple Offerings?

Speaking after the meeting, committee chairman Ashok Kumar said devotees from different parts of the country visit the temple in large numbers. The administration is working on arrangements that accommodate everyone while ensuring that ordinary devotees do not face difficulties.

He also shared details of the increase in offerings received at the temple. According to him, approximately Rs 5.37 crore has been collected from the temple's donation boxes over the past two-and-a-half months. Counting of four donation boxes is still pending, with an estimated additional collection of Rs 50-60 lakh.

With the remaining boxes yet to be counted, the temple's total income for the period is expected to reach nearly Rs 6 crore. This represents an increase of approximately Rs 1.5 crore compared with the corresponding period last year.

Senior Officials and Temple Representatives Attend Meeting

The meeting was attended by committee member Mukesh Mishra, District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police Shlok Kumar, District Judge Vikas Kumar, Mathura Munsif Pratyush Nandan, Rajbhog Sewayat Shailendra Goswami, Rajat Goswami, Shayan Bhog Sewayat Gopesh Goswami, Himanshu Goswami and Circle Officer Sandeep Singh, among others.