Banke Bihari temple treasury: The Goswami households, the hereditary ‘sevayat’ (caretakers) of the temple, keep in mind that earlier than 1990 the Banke Bihari Temple was a quiet shrine visited by solely a small variety of devotees.
Latest reviews concerning the so-called “treasure” of Banke Bihari Temple in Uttar Pradesh’s Vrindavan have reignited public curiosity. Nevertheless, sources linked to the temple make clear that the place examined by the Excessive-Energy Committee will not be the true treasure chamber in any respect. Opposite to common perception, the actual wealth of Banke Bihari will not be hidden in historical vaults however safely saved in fashionable financial institution lockers.
A glimpse again to 1971
The true historical past of the temple’s treasure dates again to 1971 when the unique vault of Banke Bihari was first opened. No matter valuables had been found at that time- gold, silver, ornaments, and cash- had been securely deposited in a financial institution locker. Apparently, one ceremonial workers (or chhadi) couldn’t match contained in the locker as a consequence of its measurement, so it remained throughout the temple’s treasure room. This single element led to many years of mythmaking across the concept of an untouched “hidden hoard” nonetheless resting beneath the temple.
How the actual treasure moved to banks?
Members of the Goswami households, who’re hereditary sevayats (caretakers) of the temple, recall that till round 1990, the temple noticed comparatively few guests and modest choices. There have been occasions when even day by day worship rituals and choices confronted challenges as a consequence of restricted funds.
Nevertheless, as devotional tourism expanded within the Nineties, crowds started to surge and with them got here a move of donations- gold, silver, jewellery, and money. The temple committee quickly formalized the donation system. Since then, each donation acquired via providing ‘bins’ (gullak ) is correctly recorded and transferred to the financial institution. As we speak, the financial institution accounts, not dusty vaults, home the tangible wealth of Banke Bihari.
“The financial institution is immediately’s treasure”
Anand Vallabh Goswami, a member of the Banke Bihari Sevayat household, confirms that the actual treasure of the deity lies completely throughout the banking system. Each coin and each valuable decoration donated in devotion finally strengthens that divine reserve. In his phrases, “What individuals name the treasure isn’t empty, but it surely’s not buried within the temple anymore. The true treasure of Banke Bihari now lies within the financial institution.”