Vrindavan: The management committee of Vrindavan’s Shri Banke Bihari Temple has prohibited devotees from throwing flower garlands, sweets, peda and other offerings towards the deity. The decision aims to improve temple arrangements, prevent sacred offerings from falling on the floor and maintain the sanctity of the shrine.
An information board was installed above the Jagmohan on Monday, clearly informing devotees that throwing offerings towards Thakurji is prohibited. Temple staff and management personnel have also been instructed to stop anyone found violating the new rule.
Why has the temple management imposed the restriction?
The decision follows repeated instances of flower garlands and prasad landing on the floor after devotees threw them towards the deity. Tulsi garlands were also among the items falling to the ground, where they could be stepped on by visitors.
The temple’s limited number of bhandaris, who help manage offerings, has also made it difficult to receive and handle the items in an orderly manner. The management committee had previously sought the cooperation of temple sevayats to discourage the practice. However, after those efforts failed to produce the desired results, the committee decided to enforce a direct prohibition.
Committee continues efforts to improve temple management
The committee has introduced several measures in recent months to improve the handling of offerings and bring greater transparency to donations. Barcodes have been installed at various locations to allow devotees to make online contributions to the temple.
The management also tightened arrangements around the temple donation box after receiving information about possible interference with offerings placed there. In addition, it issued instructions regulating the number of bhandaris and how donations received from devotees should be handled.
At present, two bhandaris assist the seva adhikari at the temple, compared with approximately six previously.
Staff instructed to enforce the new rule
Under the latest directions, throwing sweets, peda, flower garlands or any other item towards the deity is strictly prohibited and may invite action. Temple employees have been directed to intervene immediately whenever they see devotees breaking the rule.
The management says the move is intended to keep darshan arrangements orderly and ensure that offerings and sacred items do not end up under visitors’ feet. The effectiveness of the new restrictions will depend on how consistently they are enforced and followed by devotees.
