A unique confluence of devotion and religious fervor was witnessed on the auspicious occasion of Sharad Purnima at the Thakur Banke Bihari temple located in the Rangbari area of Kota. On this special day, the deity appeared before devotees dressed in pristine white garments, creating a breathtaking spiritual atmosphere. Seated inside a white bungalow, Banke Bihari was adorned with approximately three and a half kilograms of silver ornaments, drawing massive crowds of worshippers who queued up from early morning to catch a glimpse of the mesmerizing sight. The entire temple premises were also illuminated with special festive lighting.
Rajendra Khandelwal, associated with the temple, shared that Thakur Shri Banke Bihari holds a flute only on the day of Sharad Purnima. It is the sole day throughout the entire year when devotees get the opportunity to witness this exclusive form of the deity. On this occasion, the Lord is specially dressed in white attire and silver jewelry, while the divine aura radiating from within the white bungalow deeply attracts worshippers from far and wide.
Unique Adornment Featuring Silver Crown And Flute
During the Sharad Purnima celebrations, the deity was adorned with jewelry crafted from roughly three and a half kilograms of silver. This exquisite collection included a silver crown weighing one and a quarter kilograms, a flute weighing approximately 325 grams, a waist belt weighing 250 grams, and anklets weighing one and a quarter hundred grams. Additionally, the deity also wears gold ornaments such as bangles and a nose ring. Following this elaborate ornamentation, an unending stream of devotees kept visiting the temple for continuous darshan.
Rajendra Khandelwal mentioned that ever since the consecration of the deity in the temple back in the year 2010, a monthly Harinama Sankirtan circumambulation has been regularly organized. Carrying on the tradition, a Harinama Sankirtan procession was taken out through various streets of Rangbari starting at 6:30 AM on Sharad Purnima, which successfully concluded upon returning to the temple. This was followed by the commencement of special darshan for devotees from 7:30 AM onwards, while large numbers of people also arrived to offer prayers during the evening hours.
Nighttime Bhajan Sadan And Maha Ras Festivities
To mark the festivities of Sharad Purnima, a devotional musical evening and Maha Ras were organized from 9:00 PM to 12:00 midnight. Held under the guidance of Allen Director Govind Maheshwari, the program provided attendees with an immersive experience of devotional music. Past midnight, special Amrit Kheer prasad was distributed among the devotees gathered at the venue. The consumption and distribution of kheer prasad carry immense religious and cultural significance on the night of Sharad Purnima.
Rangbari Temple Resembles A Second Vrindavan
Rajendra Khandelwal noted that the Banke Bihari temple in Rangbari serves as a major center of deep faith for Krishna devotees. While regular worshippers visit the shrine every single day, catching a glimpse of the flute-holding form of the deity on Sharad Purnima holds supreme religious importance. Filled with devotional singing, regular aartis, and the captivating decoration of the Lord, the temple complex appeared completely immersed in Krishna devotion, with visitors describing the sacred atmosphere as reminiscent of a second Vrindavan.
