The Shri Thakur Banke Bihari Ji Temple has transitioned to a new administrative structure. On Monday, the Uttar Pradesh government enacted the Uttar Pradesh Shri Banke Bihari Ji Mandir Nyas Ordinance-2025, establishing a new trust to oversee and manage the temple.
Mathura: The state government took a significant step on Monday regarding the management of the Thakur Banke Bihari Temple, delivering a considerable blow to the temple's sevayats (priests). Following a Supreme Court order, the government issued an ordinance forming the 'Shri Banke Bihari Ji Mandir Nyas' (trust). This trust will operate under the Department of Charitable Endowments. This government decision comes at a time when the temple sevayats have filed a fresh appeal against the Supreme Court's ruling. Despite this, the formation of the trust clarifies the path for future action.
It is noteworthy that on May 15, the Supreme Court approved the state government's proposal to create a national-level trust for better temple management. The court also ordered the purchase of five acres of land from the temple's funds to create a temple corridor.
Supreme Court's Seal of Approval and Swift Government Action
The Supreme Court approved the state government's proposal to establish a national-level trust to ensure transparent and well-organized temple administration. The court also ordered the purchase of five acres of land from the temple's funds for corridor construction. Meanwhile, Governor Anandiben Patel approved the ordinance, giving it legal effect. With its implementation, the temple's administration will now directly fall under the Department of Charitable Endowments.
- Trustees in Two Categories: A Balance of Experience and Administration
- The new trust will have two types of trustees—nominated and ex-officio.
- Nominated trustees (11 members) will include three prominent saints, munis, mahants, or acharyas from the Vaishnav tradition.
- Three scholars, academics, entrepreneurs, or social workers associated with other branches of Sanātana Dharma will be included.
- Three members will be from any other Hindu tradition.
In addition, two sevayats from the Goswami tradition associated with the temple—one from Rajbhag seva and one from Shayanbhog seva—will also be part of the trust.
Ex-Officio Trustees Will Be Government Representatives
Ex-officio trustees (maximum 7 members) will include the District Magistrate (DM), Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Municipal Commissioner, CEO of the Braj Tirth Vikas Parishad, an officer from the Department of Charitable Endowments, and the CEO of the Shri Banke Bihari Ji Mandir Trust. The state government may include other officials as needed.
All trustees will serve for a maximum of two terms. The trust's CEO will be a full-time officer appointed by the state government, holding a position equivalent to an ADM.
Sevayats' Discontent, Plea for Reconsideration in Supreme Court
Temple sevayat Devendranath Goswami has filed a fresh appeal in the Supreme Court against the government's move, which will be heard by a bench of Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma on May 28. The sevayats allege that the government has taken a unilateral decision, bypassing traditional systems, which is against the temple's cultural identity.
The trust will now manage the temple's finances, pilgrim amenities, discipline, employee appointments, and security. This arrangement is considered instrumental in strengthening the temple's global reputation, crowd management, and improving digital services.
