The treasury Room of Banke Bihari Temple Opened After 54 Years Amid High Drama and Curiosity
2025.10.18 (Vrindavan Today News): The long-sealed toshakhana (treasury room) of the famous Thakur Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan was opened on Saturday after a gap of 54 years, sparking massive curiosity among devotees and local residents alike. The opening took place under the supervision of a High-Power Committee, constituted on the directions of the Supreme Court.
The process began around 1 p.m. after the temple’s regular darshan hours were closed for the day. Before opening the toshakhana, special rituals and worship were performed, as it is believed that Lord Sheshnag himself guards the divine treasury.
The entire operation was conducted under tight security, with full video documentation of every step. However, tension arose when two baby snakes were discovered during the process, causing a brief commotion in the temple premises. Officials from the Forest Department later took the reptiles away safely.
The inspection continued until about 4 p.m., revealing the following items inside the sealed chamber:
One damaged wooden chest
3 large degs (metal cooking vessels), 3 big kalashas (pots), and 1 parat (plate)
4 round stone objects, 4 wooden railings, and a large wooden platform
Two small boxes meant for storing ornaments
A Newspaper February 2, 1970
A small silver umbrella
According to the committee, no particularly valuable or unusual items were found on the first day. Further examination will be carried out on a later date to be announced by the committee.
Officials present during the process included City Magistrate Rakesh Kumar, SP City Rajeev Kumar, ADM Pankaj Verma, CO Sandeep Singh, and other members of the High-Power Committee.
However, the opening soon turned controversial. Members of the Goswami community, traditionally associated with the management of the temple, strongly objected to the procedure, claiming that the operation was conducted without prior notice and in the absence of the committee chairman Ashok Kumar, the District Magistrate, and the SSP. They also alleged that no representative from the Goswami community was included in the team present during the opening.
The situation grew tense as some devotees began raising slogans in protest, and a brief verbal altercation occurred between community members and committee officials, including member Dinesh Goswami.
Committee member Shailendra Goswami, however, sought to calm tempers, stating, “I am also part of the Goswami family.”
The episode has once again brought the spotlight on the management and transparency issues surrounding the historic Banke Bihari Temple, one of Vrindavan’s most revered and visited shrines.
