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
शाहजी मंदिर
Shahji Temple (Chhote Radha Raman)
A 19th-century marble jewel with twisted columns and the famous Basanti Kamra, opened only once a year.
TempleVrindavanChhote Radha Raman ji
The story: A merchant's gift, and a hall that opens once a year
Shah Kundan Lal of Lucknow, a wealthy jeweller, had a wish to give something worthy to Vrindavan. He built this temple in 1876 and installed Chhote Radha Raman as its deity. The story is one of generosity rather than a leela: it shows how pilgrims have always given back to Braj.
The Basanti Kamra (the spring room) is a hall with Belgian glass chandeliers and mirrors, opened to the public only on Basant Panchami and for a day or two around it (check locally). Its opening is a major event in Vrindavan. The festival ties to the Bhagavata's mention of spring in Vrindavan, with its blossoming trees, birdsong and the soft sound of Krishna's flute (Srimad Bhagavatam 10.21).
Where this is told
- Srimad Bhagavatam 10.21: Krishna's flute song in the spring forest
- The merchant story is documented history, not a scriptural leela
History
- Built in 1876 by Shah Kundan Lal and Shah Phundan Lal of Lucknow.
- Marble from Makrana; twisted spiral pillars; the Basanti Kamra with chandeliers from Belgium.
What to see
- Spiral marble columns in the verandah
- The Basanti Kamra (on Basant Panchami)
- Chhote Radha Raman deity
Key festivals
- Jan to Feb: Basant Panchami: Basanti Kamra opens
- Feb to Mar: Holi
Timings and rules
| Summer darshan | About 5:30 am to 12:00 pm, and 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm |
|---|---|
| Winter darshan | About 6:00 am to 12:00 pm, and 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm |
| Closed | Midday |
| Dress code | Modest. |
| Photos and phones | Photos of the facade are fine. Not in the sanctum. Check locally. |
Indicative. Check locally.
Parking and getting there
Parking
Near the Banke Bihari approach, lots on the main road.
Charge: About Rs 50 to 100. Check locally.
Restrictions
- Old-town lane, no cars
Cab drop and walk
Drop: Drop near Banke Bihari approach.
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 0.4 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: Morning.
Crowds: Quiet except at Basant Panchami.
Monkeys: Some.
Comfort
Footwear: Stand at the gate.
Toilets: Limited.
Accessibility: Steps.
Scams to avoid
- Photographers who claim a fee
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
When can I see the Basanti Kamra?
Usually only on Basant Panchami and for a day or two around it. Check locally.
Check locally
- Timings
- Basanti Kamra dates
- Photo rule
Last checked: 2026-10-23. Sources for timings, parking and rules:
Radhe Radhe. Walk with love, we will take care of the road.
Book a cab for Shahji Temple (Chhote Radha Raman)