Is it true that the deity here might just decide to follow you home? Today, we find ourselves before the sacred Shree Chandra Bihari Ji. This temple is not just a place of worship. It is a place where devotion meets art and history intertwines with faith.
Shree Chandra Bihari Ji is a significant representation of temple architecture. It was built in the early 17th century. This was during the reign of Mirza Raja Jai Singh I. He was known for his architectural contributions to Amber.
Mirza Raja Jai Singh I was also associated with the famous court poet Bihari. The temple originally housed icons of Lakshmi Narayan. Today the Shree Chandra Bihari Ji temple stands as a testament to the era. It is a reminder of the rich cultural and architectural heritage of the region.
Interestingly enough, the temple experienced a period of neglect. By the late 1980s, Jaipur was expanding. The low property values near Amber led to an influx of people. The ruins were used for habitation or building materials. Thankfully successful restoration attempts changed this. Tourist influx increased considerably.
The temple is dedicated to Banke Bihari. Banke Bihari is believed to be the combined form of Radha and Krishna. The deity was originally worshipped at Nidhivan Vrindavan. The icon was moved to its present temple around 1864.
The name Banke Bihari itself is quite evocative. “Banke” means bent. “Bihari” means enjoyer. Krishna is bent in three places. So he got the name Banke Bihari.
In this temple, Banke Bihari is worshipped as a small child. This is why there is no early morning aarti. Bells are not hanged as they might disturb Banke Bihari. Only on Krishna Janmashtami is mangala aarti performed.
Curtains are drawn closed repeatedly. This is done every five minutes. This is to avoid uninterrupted darshan. It is believed that Banke Bihari might accompany devotees home if the darshan is not interrupted. Only once a year does Banke Bihari hold a flute. This is on Sharad Purnima. Banke Bihari is placed in a swing only once in the month of Shravan.
The Shree Chandra Bihari Ji Mandir in Jaipur is more than a temple. It is a living embodiment of faith history and art. Its story is a testament to the enduring power of devotion. It is also about architectural preservation. May the blessings of Shree Chandra Bihari Ji be with you.