Radha Bihari Misthan Bhandar (Banke Bihari temple market)
Mathura peda and khoya sweets. The shop's own claim is a sweet shop here since 1965
गोपेश्वर महादेव
Gopeshwar Mahadev
Shiva as a gopi: the Lord of Lords who put on a woman's dress to see the Rasa Lila.
TempleVrindavanShiva as Gopeshwar, with Gopi Shringar
The story: Shiva came to the Rasa as a gopi
When Krishna began the Rasa dance in the forest, Shiva, the greatest of all Vaishnavas, wished to join. The gatekeeper, Yogamaya, or by some versions Vrinda Devi, would not let any male in. So Shiva dressed as a gopi, with bangles and a nose-ring, and was welcomed in.
Krishna recognised him, smiled and let him stay. Since then he has been called Gopeshwar, the Lord of the gopis. The temple's Shiva linga is dressed each evening in a woman's finery (shringar), which is why many call it Gopi Shringar.
The tale is local tradition. The Rasa Lila itself is in Srimad Bhagavatam 10.29 to 10.33, and the Bhagavatam also calls Shiva the best of Vaishnavas (Srimad Bhagavatam 12.13.16).
Where this is told
- Srimad Bhagavatam 10.29 to 10.33: Rasa Lila
- Srimad Bhagavatam 12.13.16: Shiva as the best of the Vaishnavas
- The dress story is local tradition
History
- Traditional place of Shiva as Vrindavan's guardian; ancient shrine, rebuilt many times.
- Exact dates not documented. Check locally.
What to see
- The Shiva linga in gopi dress
- Evening shringar
- The small courtyard
Key festivals
- Feb to Mar: Maha Shivaratri
- Jul to Aug: Shravan Mondays
Timings and rules
| Summer darshan | About 5:00 am to 12:30 pm, and 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Winter darshan | About 5:30 am to 12:30 pm, and 3:30 pm to 8:30 pm |
| Closed | Afternoon |
| Dress code | Modest. |
| Photos and phones | Not inside the sanctum. Check locally. |
Indicative. Check locally.
Parking and getting there
Parking
Near Vamshi Vat in the old town; ask the driver for the closest lot.
Charge: About Rs 30 to 50. Check locally.
Restrictions
- Old-town lanes
Cab drop and walk
Drop: Drop at the nearest road.
Walk: 5 minutes.
Town-wide parking and transport rules: Vrindavan guide.
Distances and nearby places
| From Mathura Junction | About 13 km |
|---|---|
| From Banke Bihari, Vrindavan | About 1 km |
| From Delhi Airport (IGI) | About 175 km |
Distances and drive times are approximate and vary with traffic and diversions.
Practical tips
Timing and crowds
Best time: Evening for the shringar.
Crowds: Light.
Monkeys: Yes.
Comfort
Footwear: At the gate.
Toilets: Limited.
Accessibility: Steps.
Scams to avoid
- Few
Where to eat nearby
Lakshman Prasad Kachori Wale (Banke Bihari area)
Khasta bedai and kachori with aloo sabzi, from a generations-old stall
Agarwal Mithai Wale (near the police chowki at Banke Bihari)
Urad-dal kachori in desi ghee, potato-pumpkin sabzi, fresh curd
Purohit Ji's kachori (Banke Bihari gali)
Kachori; one source gives Rs 25 each, which may be stale
Stalls on the lanes to Banke Bihari (Loi Bazaar)
Hot jalebi, peda, chaat, rabri, kulfi. Liveliest in winter evenings
This list comes from desk research in published guides and listings. We have not visited these places for this guide. Walk and drive times are rough, and opening hours, prices and onion/garlic policy can change, so check locally before you go.
Common questions
Why is Shiva dressed as a gopi?
By tradition Shiva entered the Rasa Lila in that form.
Check locally
- Exact location and timings
- History and dates
Last checked: 2026-10-23. Sources for timings, parking and rules:
Radhe Radhe. Walk with love, we will take care of the road.
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