The Supreme Court of India has granted the Uttar Pradesh government permission to utilize the funds of the revered Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan for the development of a grand corridor around the temple. This significant decision clears the way for the state to acquire five acres of land surrounding the temple using the temple’s own funds.
While approving the request, the apex court directed that any land acquired for the project must be registered in the name of the temple deity, Shri Thakur Banke Bihari Ji. The decision comes in the backdrop of the state government’s ₹500 crore development plan aimed at creating a corridor modeled after the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor in Varanasi.
Background: High Court’s Objection
Previously, on November 20, 2023, the Allahabad High Court had rejected the state’s plea to use temple funds for the project. The High Court had permitted the construction of the corridor but insisted that the state bear the expenses from its own treasury and not utilize donations or funds belonging to the temple trust.
The Uttar Pradesh government, however, argued that if it were to finance the land acquisition and construction independently, the property would legally belong to the government. This would raise concerns about integrating the corridor seamlessly with the temple complex and allowing temple authorities to manage it. To ensure temple management retains operational control, the state asserted that the project must be funded through temple resources.
Project Details
The proposed corridor, spanning five acres, is designed to mirror the architectural and infrastructural success of the Kashi corridor. It will feature visually captivating elements, including shrines of Radha-Gopal, Radha-Bihari, and Keshav-Ji of the Gaudiya Math, enhancing the devotional ambiance for pilgrims.
Facilities planned within the corridor include a large waiting area, cloakrooms, shoe storage, potable water stations, medical aid, and childcare services. The upper level of the corridor will cover 10,600 square meters, while the lower level will span 11,300 square meters.
Pilgrim Capacity and Acquisition Plan
Once completed, the corridor will enable approximately 10,000 devotees to have darshan at the temple simultaneously. For its construction, the state will acquire over 276 properties in the vicinity, including 149 residential units, 66 commercial establishments, and 57 mixed-use buildings.
The corridor will also revamp the circumambulatory path around the temple, giving the sacred space a renewed structure and form.
