Yogi Government’s Janmashtami Gift to Vrajavasis

Lucknow, August 14, 2025 — On the third day of the monsoon session of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, the Yogi Adityanath-led government introduced the Sri Banke Bihari Temple Nyas Bill, 2025, aimed at establishing a formal trust to govern the revered Banke Bihari Temple located in Vrindavan, Mathura district.

The bill seeks to replace an earlier ordinance issued on May 26, which is currently stayed by the Supreme Court. Despite the stay, the apex court has permitted the legislative ratification of the ordinance, subject to pending proceedings in the Allahabad High Court.

Under this legislation, the newly proposed trust would gain authority over all offerings, donations, and both movable and immovable temple properties—including idols, jewellery, bank drafts, cheques, and items received through hundi, daan, chadhawa, nazar, and other contributions. While the bill ensures continuation of customs and rituals established since the era of Saint Swami Haridas, it also entrusts the new body with responsibilities related to temple management, including appointment of priests, fixing darshan timings, determining salaries and allowances, ensuring visitor safety, and overseeing administrative functions.

As part of its modernization drive, the trust will also be tasked with facilitating world-class amenities such as dedicated prasad distribution points, designated darshan pathways for the elderly and differently-abled, drinking water facilities, seating arrangements, queue-management kiosks, cow shelters, kitchens, canteens, exhibition spaces, waiting areas, and lodging facilities—enhancements intended to elevate the pilgrim experience.

The trust’s composition includes 11 nominated members and 7 ex-officio officials. Nominated trustees must all be practicing followers of Sanatan Dharma, with backgrounds in Vaishnav traditions, other Sanatan streams, and social, academic, or professional spheres. Two members will represent the temple’s Goswami tradition—descendants of Swami Haridas—specifically the Raj-Bhog Sevadaar and Shayan-Bhog Sevadaar..

Ex-officio members include the Mathura district magistrate, senior superintendent of police, municipal commissioner, CEO of the UP Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad, CEO of the Banke Bihari Temple Trust, and an additional government nominee. If any of them is non-Hindu or unable to serve, a junior officer will be appointed in their stead.

Trustees will serve three-year terms, and meetings will be held quarterly—subject to a 15-day notice. Crucially, the trust may independently execute property transactions up to ₹20 lakh; anything above this threshold shall require state government approval.

Although the bill has been tabled and passed by voice vote, its implementation hinges on judicial outcomes. The Supreme Court’s interim stay and its direction to await the Allahabad High Court’s ruling mean the bill’s operationalization remains tentative.

With these legislative and institutional innovations, the Uttar Pradesh government aims to formalize temple administration while preserving centuries-old traditions—a balancing act at the intersection of heritage and modern governance.