2025.05.14 (Vrindavan Today News): Devotees offer various things to Banke Bihari, including flowers, sweets, fruits, and other items, as symbolic expressions of devotion and respect. These offerings are seen as ways to connect with and honor their beloved Lord. But to everyone’s awe a Canadian devotee offered a garland made of dollars recently. In a remarkable act of devotion that has stirred both awe and admiration, the devotee offered a garland made entirely of U.S. dollar bills worth $10,000 to the revered Thakur Banke Bihari Maharaj in Vrindavan.
The temple, usually adorned with floral and gem-studded garlands, was momentarily enveloped in surprise and reverence as the deity of Shri Banke Bihari was seen adorned with green-hued U.S. currency. The rare offering, captured in a now-viral video, has become a topic of wide interest among spiritual circles and international devotees.
Ashish Goswami, a priest (sevayat) at the Banke Bihari temple, shared that the devotee who made this extraordinary offering hails from Canada, where the U.S. dollar holds significant financial value. “This garland is not just about monetary worth,” said Goswami. “It is a reflection of the devotee’s deepest faith and love. In his eyes, the most precious element from his world—the dollar—was the most fitting tribute to his beloved Lord.”
The act is believed to be a heartfelt expression of gratitude, as the devotee’s prayer had been answered by Lord Banke Bihari. In return, the offering of the dollar garland symbolized his unshakable devotion and acknowledgment of divine grace.
While the spectacle of currency replacing traditional offerings may appear unusual to some, those familiar with the Bhakti tradition understand that true devotion transcends materiality. “Banke Bihari is moved not by gold, silver, or jewels, but by pure emotion and surrender,” Goswami emphasized. “This garland of dollars is imbued with exactly that—love, gratitude, and unwavering faith.”
In a world where spirituality and modernity often appear to be at odds, this offering stands as a vivid reminder that divine connection knows no cultural or economic boundaries. Whether through petals or paper currency, it is the spirit behind the offering that truly matters.
