What the temple says
Historical record The temple's history states that "the 'darshan' in the temple is never continuous but is broken by the curtain drawn on him regularly". Source: Official temple history (opens in a new tab) Each glimpse between closings is often called a jhanki.
Secondary sources Secondary sources describe the curtain being drawn every few minutes. Source: Wikipedia: Banke Bihari Temple (opens in a new tab) (tertiary) The temple does not publish an interval, and we have not timed it ourselves.
The power of the gaze
Religious belief The explanation most often given by devotees is that Banke Bihari's gaze is overwhelming, and that a devotee who looks into His eyes for too long may be lost in them. On this view the curtain lets devotees receive darshan in moments they can bear.
The Lord who followed a devotee
Religious belief A widely told story, found in several versions, describes a devotee who gazed at Banke Bihari with such love that the Lord followed her when she left Vrindavan, and was persuaded to return only after the Goswamis went after Him. In the story, the curtain is drawn from then on so that no devotee can hold the Lord's gaze long enough to draw Him away.
What the curtain means to devotees
Religious belief In the Haridasi tradition of Swami Haridas, the deity is served with intimate affection. Seen that way, the curtain is an act of care, protecting the beloved from too many eyes at once. Devotional poetry of Braj also values the longing felt when a glimpse ends too soon.
Related customs
- Historical record The temple does not have a daily Mangala service; Mangla Aarti is performed only on Janmashtami. Source: Official temple history (opens in a new tab); Official temple festival calendar (opens in a new tab)
- Secondary sources Secondary sources state that bells are not hung inside the temple. Source: Wikipedia: Banke Bihari Temple (opens in a new tab) (tertiary)
See our daily rituals page.
Taking darshan with the curtain
- If the curtain falls as you reach the front, wait. It is drawn back again.
- Have your prayer ready, because the glimpses are short.
- After a few glimpses, move aside so that others behind you can see.
Practical advice is on our plan your visit page, and the published schedule is on the timings page.
Frequently asked questions
How often is the curtain drawn?
The temple says only that the curtain is drawn "regularly". Source: Official temple history (opens in a new tab) Secondary sources describe intervals of a few minutes.