The Supreme Court has made strict comments on the special Vip Puja in Shri Banke Bihari Temple of Vrindavan. Chief Justice Surya Kant has said, ‘When the doors are closed for common devotees, then special pujas are conducted for those who pay huge fees. The deity is not even allowed to rest. This is a kind of exploitation.
The Supreme Court has made this comment while hearing the petition of Shri Banke Bihari Mandir Management Committee. This management committee consists of the Goswamis who traditionally run the management of the temple. These days, a high powered committee formed on the orders of the Supreme Court is handling the administration of the temple. The organization of Goswamis has reached the Supreme Court against some instructions of the High Powered Committee.
Actually, the High Powered Committee has asked to increase the darshan time of the devotees. Goswamis say that this is creating hindrance in the traditional worship rituals of the temple. Hearing the case, the court said that when the temple is closed for common devotees, then VIP puja is conducted. This is the time of God’s rest. They should be allowed to rest.
Senior advocate Shyam Diwan, appearing for the petitioner, agreed with the court’s concern, but said that no such complaint has come to the fore. At present, he has come to the court to tell that due to extension of darshan time of the devotees, the internal puja rituals are being affected. This has also affected the traditional Dehri Puja. After a brief cross-examination, a bench of 3 judges headed by the Chief Justice issued a notice to the High Powered Committee on the petition. The court has said that the hearing will be held in January.
