Vrindavan’s Banke Bihari Temple Rejects Demand to Stop Using Muslim-Made Attires

Vrindavan: Priests at the famed Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan firmly rejected a demand to stop using attires made by Muslim artisans for the deity, saying that religious discrimination has no place in temple traditions, reported by PTI.

The demand was raised by Dinesh Sharma, a leader of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Mukti Sangharsh Nyas, who urged the temple authorities to ensure that Lord Krishna's attires are crafted only by those who adhere to "religious purity".

In a letter to the priests, the right-wing group argued that the deity’s attire should not be made by those who "consume meat and do not respect Hindu traditions or cow protection".

‘We Don't Discriminate’ – Temple Priests Reject Demand

Speaking anonymously to PTI, a temple priest called the demand to exclude Muslim artisans “impractical.” He explained that nearly 80% of skilled artisans creating the deity’s attires, crowns, and intricate ‘zardozi’ work are Muslims.

“Not just attire, but even the temple’s iron railings, grills, and other structures are crafted by them. How can we inspect the personal purity of every artisan?” he asked.

Judging Artisans by Religion is Unfair

Temple priest Gyanendra Kishore Goswami firmly rejected the demand, stating that artisans should not be judged based on their religion. He pointed to examples from Hindu scriptures where both virtuous and sinful individuals were born into the same family.

“If Kansa, a sinner, was born in the same lineage as Lord Krishna's grandfather Ugrasen, and if Prahlad, a great devotee of Vishnu, was born to the demon Hiranyakashipu, how can we judge artisans based on their faith?” he questioned.

Practical Challenges in Implementing Demand

Goswami also highlighted the logistical difficulties, explaining that the deity requires around a dozen outfits daily and thousands over a year. “Devotees who offer attires ensure purity themselves before getting them made,” he added.

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Muslim Artisans Have a Long Association with Temples

The priest emphasized that Muslim artisans have historically contributed to temple traditions. “In Vrindavan, most intricate crowns and dresses for the deity are made by Muslim artisans. In Kashi, Rudraksha garlands, sacred to Lord Shiva, are crafted by Muslim families,” he said.

He also cited an example from history, mentioning that Mughal emperor Akbar had gifted perfume to Swami Haridas, a revered saint associated with the temple, for Lord Krishna’s worship. “Even today, musicians from the Muslim community play the ‘nafiri’ (a traditional wind instrument) during special occasions,” he added.

Temple administrator Umesh Saraswat clarified that the temple’s priestly lineage has the sole authority over the deity’s attire and rituals. “Our role is limited to managing the temple premises and logistical arrangements,” he said.

Temple Begins Grand Holi Celebrations

Even as the controversy emerged, the Banke Bihari Temple began its grand Holi celebrations from Monday with Tesu flower and saffron-infused coloured water on the occasion of Rangbhari Ekadashi of the Falgun Shukla Paksha.

The tradition of wet Holi was also observed in temples across the Braj region, marking the official commencement of festive celebrations.

In the Jagmohan hall of the temple, Thakur Banke Bihari Maharaj, dressed in white and seated on a silver throne, sprinkled colours on devotees using gold and silver water guns, marking the beginning of Holi with colours at all temples in the region.

Priests Explain Rituals of Holi Celebrations

Temple priest Prahlad Vallabh Goswami described the traditional rituals, saying, "On Rangbhari Ekadashi, pure saffron-infused colour is prepared for Banke Bihari Ji. The sevayats first sprinkle this colour on the deity using gold and silver pichkaris (water guns), marking the traditional beginning of Holi."

He added, "Now, every day until Purnima (full Moon), Holi will be played in the temple with Tesu flower colours, chandan (sandalwood), abir, and gulal."

On Dhulandi, the day after Holi, Thakur Ji does not sprinkle colours on devotees. Instead, he adorns a pink royal attire, sits on a golden throne, and watches his devotees play Holi, Goswami said.

A traditional 'chaupai' (procession) was also taken out by the temple sevayats, with members of the Goswami community singing devotional Holi songs and congratulatory verses.

Other Temples Join the Celebrations

Apart from Banke Bihari Temple, Holi celebrations with Tesu colours also began at Thakur Radha Vallabh, Thakur Radha Damodar, Thakur Radha Shyamsundar, Thakur Radha Raman, Thakur Radha Gopinath, Thakur Madan Mohan temples, as well as at Yashodanandan Dham and Goda Haridev temples.

Sevayats sprinkled Tesu and saffron-infused colours on devotees, creating a vibrant and divine atmosphere filled with hues of red, pink, blue, and yellow, officials said.