2025.08.22 (Vrindavan Today News): A viral video from the Shri Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan has ignited fresh debate on the unchecked spread of “VIP culture” in sacred spaces. The footage, which surfaced on social media on Thursday, shows a group of so-called VIP devotees seated on chairs inside the temple’s Jagmohan (the hall in front of the sanctum), while a personal security guard stands close by with a firearm slung over his shoulder, simultaneously filming the scene on his mobile phone.
For devotees who revere the temple as one of the holiest shrines in the Krishna-bhakti tradition, the imagery has come as a shock. Many have expressed outrage that a place meant for humility, devotion, and surrender has been turned into a private space for privilege and display.
Although it is unclear when exactly the video was recorded, its circulation has sparked widespread anger among ordinary worshippers. Hindustan, which reported the incident, clarified that it does not independently verify the authenticity of the viral footage.
A Long-Standing Issue
The Banke Bihari Temple, dedicated to Shri Krishna in his beloved form as Banke Bihari, has long struggled with the question of special treatment for the elite. Traditionally, the temple’s hereditary Goswami priests have arranged private or priority darshan (viewing of the deity) for their yajmans—patrons or close associates. However, in recent years, such practices have expanded to include government officials, police personnel, and even administrative staff, often pushing ordinary devotees to the margins.
Just weeks ago, another video caused controversy: a police officer was seen facilitating dehri poojan (worship at the temple threshold) for a VIP devotee, once again raising concerns about inequality in access to the deity.
Voices of Dissent Within the Temple
Even within the temple’s traditional custodianship, opinions are sharply divided. Himanshu Goswami, a member of the sevayat (priestly) family, acknowledged that rituals have historically taken place in the Jagmohan, but condemned the presence of firearms and the installation of chairs before the deity.
“It is not appropriate to bring weapons into the sacred hall or to sit on chairs before Thakurji,” he remarked.
Another priest, Naveen Goswami, emphasized the importance of humility and discretion on the part of worshippers:
“Before sitting on a chair in front of the deity, a devotee should exercise his or her conscience. Such conduct does not reflect reverence.”
Faith Versus Privilege
For many ordinary devotees, the controversy goes beyond a single video. It reflects the growing tension between genuine spiritual practice and the encroachment of social privilege in sacred spaces. The sight of VIP devotees seated comfortably while countless others jostle in long queues has led to a deepening sense of alienation.
At its heart, the Banke Bihari Temple represents an intimate and egalitarian vision of devotion, where all stand as equals before the deity. The intrusion of armed guards and exclusive seating arrangements strikes at the very spirit of that tradition.
As the debate continues, the episode has become more than just a local scandal; it serves as a reminder of how India’s sacred spaces are increasingly caught in the crosscurrents of modern privilege, public expectation, and the timeless call of devotion.
