Situated in the Brahmapuri area of Khandela in the Sikar district, the Banke Bihari Temple is much more than a mere place of worship, encapsulating within its walls a unique and historic tale of Krishna devotion dating back approximately 600 years. The revered idol of Lord Krishna established here has a direct connection to the life and profound spiritual journey of the eminent devotee Karmati Bai. Every year during the auspicious festival of Janmashtami, the special rituals and celebrations held at this ancient temple make these age-old traditions and public faith even more distinctive.
Special Ritual Bath with 108 Medicinal Herbs on Janmashtami
According to the temple priest Bihari Lal Parekh, special worship of Lord Krishna takes place twice on the holy day of Janmashtami. On the morning of the festival, the entire temple premises are attractively decorated using mango leaves and lanterns. Following this, a grand ritual bath or abhishek of the deity's idol is performed using a mixture of 108 special medicinal herbs. This unique ritual lasts for roughly two and a half to three hours, after which Prasad is distributed among the gathered devotees.
Midnight Celebrations and Resounding Chants
As night falls, preparations for the birth celebrations of Lord Krishna reach their peak within the temple grounds. Right at 12 midnight, special worship is conducted to mark the divine advent of Lord Krishna. Amidst the ringing of bells and enthusiastic chants by devotees, the birth anniversary is celebrated with great fervor. However, the biggest highlight of this temple is not just the Janmashtami festival, but the ancient legend that links the presiding idol of Krishna here to the unwavering devotion of Karmati Bai.
References in Shri Nabhaji's Bhaktamal Text
The spiritual depth and devotion of Karmati Bai find detailed mention in the renowned text Bhaktamal composed by Shri Nabhaji. A specific verse from the text, highlighting her pure and unblemished devotion, translates to her remaining spotless amidst the difficult age of Kaliyuga. According to accounts, Karmati Bai, born in Brahmapuri of Khandela, was a devoted follower of Lord Krishna since her early childhood. When she reached the age of 12, her marriage was arranged into a Joshi family in Sanganer, but on the very first night after her departure ceremony, she chose to leave worldly life behind and set off toward Vrindavan.
Walking to Vrindavan and Undergoing Severe Penance
It is said that Karmati Bai reached Vrindavan on foot alongside fellow pilgrims and immersed herself completely in the devotion of Krishna. According to the narrative in Bhaktamal, she performed an arduous penance for 18 days without consuming any food or water. Pleased by her intense devotion, Lord Krishna himself appeared before her in the guise of a sage and fed her with his own hands. When her father and the priest of the Shekhawat king of Khandela, Parshuramji, learned of her arrival in Vrindavan, they traveled there to bring her back home.
The Idol Emerges from the Yamuna River
Karmati Bai adamantly refused to return home with her father. When her father stated that he could not return empty-handed, she retrieved an idol of Lord Krishna from the Yamuna River and handed it over to him, while imparting teachings on the devotion of Krishna. Parshuramji brought the idol back to Khandela and consecrated it in Brahmapuri. It is widely believed that the idol worshipped in the Banke Bihari Temple today is the very same ancient deity, maintaining a tradition of roughly 600 years. Following the acquisition of the idol, Parshuramji's life also transformed, leading him into deep devotion for Krishna.
The Shekhawat King's Visit to Vrindavan and Renunciation
The story does not end here, as the subsequent chapter is equally inspiring. When the Shekhawat king of Khandela learned about the profound devotion of Karmati Bai, he traveled to Vrindavan to meet her. There, the king found Karmati Bai shedding tears by the banks of the Yamuna River out of longing for Krishna. Witnessing her immense devotion deeply moved the king's heart. He had a small hut constructed for Karmati Bai near Brahmakund, and upon returning to Khandela, the king himself dedicated his life to the worship of Lord Krishna.
