Banke Bihari Temple Trust got approval in the UP Assembly

August 13, 2025

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly has taken a historic step to make the management of the world famous Shri Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan more systematic and transparent. 

On Wednesday, August 13, on the third day of the monsoon session, the House approved the Banke Bihari Temple Trust Formation Ordinance. With this, the Banke Bihari Corridor Ordinance Bill was also passed. The purpose of this decision is not only to protect the religious traditions of the temple, but also to provide high-level facilities to millions of devotees.

Trust has full rights over the properties

The provisions of the ordinance make it clear that the trust will own and control all the movable and immovable assets of the temple, including the idols installed in the temple, offerings made within the premises and its precincts, gifts, property given in support of religious ceremonies, cash offerings, bank drafts, cheques, jewellery, hundi collections and grants. All these resources will be used for the development and management of the temple.

Responsibility to protect and manage traditions

The government has clarified that the trust has been formed keeping the traditions and customs of Swami Haridas Ji intact. The festivals, rituals and worship practices in the temple will continue as before without any change. The trust will decide the time of darshan, appoint priests and determine their salaries and allowances. Along with this, the security of devotees, queue management and administrative arrangements will also be the responsibility of the trust.

Modern facilities for devotees

One of the main objectives of the formation of the trust is to provide better and modern facilities to the devotees. Under this, a systematic system of distribution of prasad, separate darshan path for senior citizens and disabled people, drinking water facilities, benches for rest, cow shelters, Annakshetra, kitchen, hotel, inn, exhibition room, canteen and waiting room will be developed. All this will make the experience of the devotees visiting the temple even more pleasant.

Structure of the Trust

There will be a total of 18 members in the trust, including 11 nominated and 7 ex-officio members. The nominated members will include 3 from Vaishnav traditions, 3 from Sanatan Dharma traditions, 3 from any Sanatan branch and 2 from Goswami tradition (representatives of Raj-Bhog and Shayan-Bhog sevadars). All members will be Sanatani Hindus and their tenure will be 3 years. The ex-officio members will include Mathura DM, SSP, Municipal Corporation Commissioner, CEO of Braj Teerth Kshetra Vikas Parishad, CEO of Temple Trust, representative of the state government and other nominated officials.

Meetings and financial powers

The trust meeting will be held every three months, for which information has to be given 15 days in advance. The trust can purchase movable or immovable property worth up to Rs 20 lakh on its own, government approval will be required to purchase property worth more than this. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will be an ADM level officer, who will conduct administrative work.

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