The crisis at Shri Banke Bihari Mandir and Barsana Temple: negligence, corruption, and the betrayal of devotion
By: Dr. Avi Verma
Shri Banke Bihari Mandir in Vrindavan and the Barsana Temple, revered for their deep connection to Shri Krishna and Radha Rani, are not just sacred sites; they are spiritual epicenters for millions of Hindus worldwide. Every year, countless devotees visit these holy places with unwavering faith to seek divine blessings. Yet, these sacred shrines are being tarnished by gross mismanagement, corruption, and an alarming lack of accountability.
At Banke Bihari Mandir, chaos reigns supreme. Poor crowd management creates near-stampede situations daily. Police personnel, though visible at entry and exit points, are absent where they are needed most—inside the temple. Those few present inside do little to manage the crowd, standing as mere spectators. Their failure to intervene or control the situation is nothing short of gross negligence.
Pujaris, instead of embodying the sanctity of their role, openly exploit devotees’ sentiments. For amounts ranging from ₹1,100 to ₹5,100 in the name of “Dakshina,” they push 50–70 people into the VIP barricaded area, which is designed to accommodate only 10–15 individuals. This greed-induced overcrowding compromises the safety of devotees, turning what should be a peaceful darshan into a nightmare.
I recently witnessed this appalling mismanagement firsthand. The temple was overcrowded, and in the VIP section, women were screaming for help as they struggled to breathe in the suffocating chaos. The indifference of the police personnel, who stood unmoved amidst the cries for assistance, was shocking and unacceptable.
The situation at Barsana Temple, though less chaotic, reflects similar mismanagement and corruption. The VIP area at Barsana is larger and can accommodate 50–70 people comfortably. Yet, the behavior of the Pujaris and the police personnel mirrors that at Banke Bihari. Pujaris openly demand bribes to grant easier access to the VIP section, and the police stand idly by, failing to ensure order or fairness.
The lack of accountability and rampant greed at these sacred sites diminishes the spiritual experience for devotees and undermines the sanctity of these temples. Such conduct is a betrayal of the faith and devotion of millions.
The Modi-Yogi double-engine government, which prides itself on preserving India’s heritage, must act decisively to address these issues. The following measures are urgently needed:
- Effective Crowd Management: Trained personnel must be deployed at both temples to manage the flow of devotees and prevent overcrowding.
- Strict Oversight of Pujaris: Pujaris must adhere to ethical standards, with strict penalties for exploitation or misconduct.
- Accountability for Police Personnel: Police stationed inside the temples must be proactive in maintaining order and addressing devotees’ concerns.
- Reform of VIP Systems: VIP areas should be managed transparently, with strict limits on the number of people allowed at a time to ensure safety and sanctity.
These sacred temples are not just historical monuments; they are living embodiments of devotion and faith. Mismanagement, corruption, and negligence have no place in such divine settings. It is the responsibility of the temple authorities, the police, and the government to ensure that these issues are addressed swiftly and effectively.
As the Publisher of IndoUS Tribune and a devotee, I urge the authorities to take immediate action. Let us preserve the sanctity of Shri Banke Bihari Mandir and Barsana Temple so that they may remain places of peace, devotion, and divine connection for generations to come.
Arvind Kejriwal Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Narendra Modi Atishi Manish Sisodia CP Delhi
Dr. Avi Verma
Publisher, IndoUS Tribune
President, Jagran TV Chicago
