Banke Bihari temple Sevayats protest UP govt’s ordinance for proposed corridor.

Temple Turmoil: Sevayats of Banke Bihari Temple Resist Government’s Corridor Plan.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | Mathura | May 29, 2025:: In the sacred precincts of the Shree Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan, a bitter standoff has erupted between the Sevayat Goswami priests and the Uttar Pradesh government. The controversy surrounds the proposed Banke Bihari Temple Corridor Project, which the government claims will enhance devotee convenience and beautify the temple complex. However, the Sevayats vehemently oppose the plan, fearing it will erode their centuries-old traditions, structure, and rights.

A Legacy of Devotion

For generations, the Sevayat Goswami priests have dedicated their lives to serving Thakur ji, the deity enshrined in the temple. They consider the Shri Banke Bihari Temple as their personal property, passed down through the lineage of Swami Haridas ji’s descendants. The priests are adamant that the government has no right to interfere with their sacred duties or the temple’s management.

Protest and Outrage

On Wednesday, the Sevayats staged a strong demonstration against the government’s proposal. After performing the Rajbhog Aarti, they gathered in the temple’s courtyard, raising slogans against the government and expressing their outrage. Sevayat Ashish Goswami’s words echoed the sentiments of the community: “We have served Thakur ji from birth, dedicating our body, mind, and wealth. The government now wants to snatch Bihari ji from us at the behest of outsiders, which we will not tolerate at any cost.”

Local Hindu shopkeepers also registered their protests against the Vrindavan Corridor Fearing the business loss of them.

Fear of Dethronement

The Sevayats’ resistance stems from their fear that the government’s move is part of a larger design to empower a particular coterie of RSS-BJP priests. They point to the Kashi Vishwanath corridor project, where hundreds of old Hindu temples were razed, and local priests’ authorities were diminished. Similarly, in Ayodhya, the Ramjanmabhoomi Teerth Khestra Trust, controlled by the RSS-VHP, has taken over the management of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. The Sevayats of Banke Bihari Temple fear a similar fate, where they would be dethroned from their priesthood by an “obnoxious political nexus.”

A Threat to Tradition

The proposed corridor project, the Sevayats argue, is a form of religious intervention that threatens the temple’s very fabric. They claim that the government’s plan will not only alter the temple’s structure but also undermine its traditions and rights. Sevayat Himanshu Goswami’s words conveyed the depth of their despair: “If the government is intent on snatching our Thakur ji from us, then we have no right to live. We should rather be given euthanasia.”

A Standoff with No End in Sight

As the standoff continues, the future of the Banke Bihari Temple hangs in the balance. The Sevayats have announced that if the government does not back down, they would seek permission to make a will. The government’s move has sparked a wider debate about the role of religion in politics and the limits of state intervention in sacred institutions. For now, the temple remains a battleground, with the Sevayats determined to protect their heritage and traditions at all costs.
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_Agency Inputs.