The Supreme Court has expressed deep concern over the increasing crowd at Thakur Shri Banke Bihari Maharaj Temple in Vrindavan and the safety of the devotees. The Supreme Court said that now there is a need to think differently. During the hearing in the court on Tuesday, the bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi stressed the need to prepare a comprehensive development plan for the temple complex and its surrounding areas.
SC said that the narrow streets and limited space of Banke Bihari temple is a big challenge. To ensure the convenience and safety of devotees, arrangements such as widening of roads, shelters, drinking water, toilets, emergency exits, public transport, and special facilities for senior citizens and women should be developed. The court directed the state government and the temple management committee to prepare and submit a detailed report. During the hearing, Chief Justice Surya Kant also narrated a historical anecdote related to Saint Haridas and Mughal Emperor Akbar.
Appointment of four Goswami through fair process
During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Nataraj told the court that the appointment of Char Goswami to the temple management committee was done through a fair and impartial process. He said applications were invited and interviews were conducted to ensure representation of both Shayan Bhog and Raj Bhog groups, after which selections were made.
Subsequently, the court noted the inclusion of Rajat Goswami and Shailendra Goswami from the Shayan Bhog group and Gopesh Goswami and Himanshu Goswami from the Raj Bhog group in the committee.
It is inappropriate to interfere in traditions
During the hearing, the Court expressed hope that the new members would give suggestions to improve the religious practices and daily management systems of the temple, which would further improve the overall administration of the Banke Bihari Temple. Meanwhile, senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for the temple management committee, submitted before the court that certain religious rituals have been performed at specific times and places for centuries and no changes should be made in them. He argued that it is unfair to interfere in these traditions in the name of administrative convenience.
Objection to bright halogen lights
Advocate Shyam Diwan also said that the use of bright halogen lights inside the temple premises is against the religious sentiments of the devotees, as Banke Bihari ji is worshiped as a living deity. He also objected to the amount of Rs 1 lakh fixed for the special summer puja.
Chief Justice narrated an anecdote related to Emperor Akbar
During the hearing, Chief Justice Surya Kant also narrated a historical anecdote related to Saint Haridas and Mughal Emperor Akbar. He told that it is mentioned in the district gazetteer that this temple was built by Saint Haridas and Akbar himself had come with Tansen in disguise to seek his blessings. Akbar, who had come with Tansen in disguise, was very pleased with what he saw there and offered some reward to Saint Haridas.
The blind saint Haridas replied that he did not want anything for himself; Instead, he requested to give land for the temple. Despite his lack of eyesight, he knew that Akbar was actually standing in front of him.
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