‘Allow Deity To Rest’: SC Seeks Response On Change In Darshan Timings At Vrindavan’s Banke Bihari Temple

Last Updated:December 15, 2025, 13:49 IST

During the hearing, the supreme court made sharp observations about the way the Banke Bihari temple functions after noon.

Supreme Court | File Image

The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice on a plea challenging the recent changes in darshan timings and religious practices at the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh. The plea has been filed by members of the Goswami community, from which the temple’s priests have traditionally been drawn.

A Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant sought responses from the Uttar Pradesh government, district authorities and the temple’s management committee, which had ordered the revised timings. The court has listed the matter for hearing in the first week of January.

What court said?

During the hearing, the court made sharp observations about the way the temple functions after noon. “After closing the temple at noon, they do not allow the deity to rest even for a minute. They exploit it the most at this time," the Bench remarked.

The court expressed concern over practices that allegedly allow special or paid rituals when the temple is officially closed, questioning whether such arrangements undermine religious discipline and tradition.

Petitioners cite tradition and rituals

The petitioners argued that the Banke Bihari Temple has historically followed a seasonal schedule, with different darshan timings during summer and winter. These timings, they said, are closely linked to internal rituals and customs, including allowing the deity adequate rest during the day.

They also claimed that the revised schedule has disrupted essential religious practices, particularly the Dehri puja. This ritual is traditionally performed by the Goswami community and takes place when the temple remains closed to the public. Suspending it on the grounds of crowd control, the petitioners said, was unjustified.

Arguments from temple priests

Senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for the temple priests, told the court that temple timings are sacred and must be respected. “Timings are sacrosanct. It has to be maintained," he said.

He added that proper regulation is needed to prevent overcrowding and avoid incidents such as stampedes. Divan stressed that the issue was not merely about timings but about preserving long-standing traditions. He also argued that there should be no system of privileged darshan for select devotees.

Earlier court intervention

Earlier, the Supreme Court had declined to directly entertain a similar challenge and had instead set up a high-powered committee to oversee the temple’s daily functioning. The committee is headed by former Allahabad High Court judge Justice Ashok Kumar.

The court’s latest notice signals a fresh examination of how religious tradition, crowd management and administrative control are being balanced at one of Vrindavan’s most revered temples.

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