Bal bhog delay at Banke Bihari temple not due to payment, real reason will surprise you

Bal Bhog delay sparks temple controversy

A centuries-old tradition at Mathura’s Banke Bihari Temple was disrupted on 15 December, when the daily Bal Bhog offering to Lord Banke Bihari could not be served on time. The delay, a first in the temple’s history, has sparked anger among the sevaks, who criticised the management for failing to uphold the ritual.

Initially, the delay was blamed on kitchen staff arriving late. However, the actual cause was the sudden illness of the main craftsman responsible for preparing the prasad. Mayank Agrawal, appointed by the temple’s High-Powered Management Committee, explained to Local 18, “The main craftsman had to return home immediately as his wife fell ill. He consulted a doctor and then resumed preparations, which led to the delay in delivering Bal Bhog.”

Agrawal also clarified that reports suggesting the delay was due to non-payment to the halwai were “completely false.” The temple management released a video of Agrawal addressing the incident.

The sevaks expressed outrage over the unprecedented lapse, saying, “Such an incident has never occurred. What could be more shameful than keeping the Lord hungry? The management has completely failed.”

Beyond the delay, temple staff also criticised the High-Powered Committee, alleging that decisions are made behind closed doors by its members and the temple president, without consulting any of the priests. According to them, the committee “simply plays their own tune and ends the matter without discussion,” raising concerns over transparency and accountability in temple operations.

The incident has drawn attention to the challenges of maintaining age-old rituals and the responsibilities of temple management in ensuring they are carried out without disruption.