Dan Bihari Temple Barsana

Dan Bihari Temple is an 800 year old Hindu temple in Barsana, Uttar Pradesh. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is worshipped here in his playful and mischievous form.

Barsana, the birthplace of Sri Radha Rani, Lord Krishna’s beloved, is more than just a tourist destination in Uttar Pradesh; it is a celebration of Radha’s life and the eternal love between her and Lord Krishna. This religious destination in Uttar Pradesh celebrates Lord Krishna’s association with the town and Radha Rani, in addition to many temples dedicated to her life and upbringing.

The word “dan” means donation in Sanskrit while “bihari” is an affectionate term used to address Lord Krishna. The story goes that once a poor brahmin was unable to collect the money required for his daughter’s marriage. He remembered Krishna in his grief. Lord Krishna, touched by the poor man’s troubles, organised the gold equivalent of Radha’s weight and donated the money to him.

After this incident, the Dan Bihari Temple was established; ‘dan’ means to donate and ‘Bihari’ is Lord Krishna.This demonstrated Lord Krishna’s kindness and helpfulness to his devotees

Pilgrimage and Devotion

Thousands of pilgrims visit the Dan Bihari Temple each year to experience the divine energy of Krishna’s pastimes. The temple is not just a site of worship but also a place where devotees can immerse themselves in the playful and loving relationship between Krishna and Radha. Through these festivals and rituals, the temple helps keep alive the vibrant oral and performative traditions of Krishna worship that have thrived in the Braj region for centuries.