Vrindavan, August 20, 2025 – In a bold move that has stirred up talks among devotees and leaders, Jagadguru Rambhadracharya, the well-known Ramkatha storyteller and Padma Vibhushan winner, has come out strongly against the Uttar Pradesh government’s handling of the Banke Bihari Temple. Speaking to reporters at Tulsi Peeth Chhattisgarh Kunj in Vrindavan during his week-long telling of the Shrimad Bhagwat Katha, he made it clear he disagrees with the state’s push to control the famous Krishna shrine through a new trust.
Rambhadracharya, who is respected across India for his deep knowledge of Hindu scriptures and his lively narrations of Lord Ram’s stories, didn’t hold back. “I do not agree with this decision,” he said plainly. He pointed out what he sees as unfair treatment, asking why Hindu temples are being singled out for government takeover when mosques and churches are left alone. He raised concerns about the plan to set up a trust and build a big corridor around the temple, saying it could hurt the independence of religious places. This comes at a time when many are already upset about the changes, fearing they might mess with old traditions.
The issue started earlier this year when the Yogi Adityanath government brought in the Uttar Pradesh Shri Banke Bihari Ji Temple Trust Ordinance in May. The idea was to create a board with government-picked members to handle the temple’s day-to-day running, money, and crowd control. The temple in Vrindavan draws thousands of people every day, especially during festivals, and there have been sad incidents like stampedes in the past. Just last week, on August 13, the state assembly passed a bill to make this official, replacing the ordinance. It sets up a group of 18 trustees, including officials like the Mathura district magistrate and experts from Vaishnav and other Sanatan Dharma groups. The government says this will make things better for visitors, with better paths, waiting areas, and safety measures in a new five-acre corridor costing around Rs 500 crore.
But not everyone is on board. Priests from the Goswami family, who have looked after the temple for generations, call it a grab for power and money. They say the state wants to use temple funds for the project, which goes against what the Allahabad High Court said before. Even the Supreme Court stepped in recently, questioning why the government was in such a rush to push the ordinance without proper talks. On August 5, the court called it a “tearing hurry” and suggested pausing the committee’s work until more hearings. The next court date is set for later this month.
Rambhadracharya’s words add weight to the growing chorus of voices against the move. As a blind scholar who has inspired millions with his teachings, his stand might sway more people. On social media, folks are split – some praise the government for modernizing the temple, while others worry it’s eroding Hindu customs. One activist posted a video of upset priests, calling it a betrayal by the BJP, which promised to free temples from state control.
The Yogi government stands firm, saying the trust follows the traditions of Swami Haridas, the temple’s founder, and won’t change any rituals. They point to the need for better setup after past accidents, like the 2022 stampede that killed two people. But with big names like Rambhadracharya speaking up, this debate over who controls sacred spots is far from over. Devotees hope for a middle ground that keeps the temple’s spirit alive while making it safer for all.
