A big question arises from Vrindavan, when the salary got stuck, did the system even stop the service of Thakur ji?

Regional News: Till late Wednesday night in Shri Banke Bihari Temple of Vrindavan, not on the bill related to naming of VB-Ji Ram Ji, but a serious matter related to the temple arrangements came to light. For the first time, Thakur ji was not offered child bhog and shayan bhog. The reason was clear, the confectioner had not received his salary for a long time. Among lakhs of devotees, Thakur ji remained present in darshan without offering anything. This incident is being seen as a break in the tradition that has been going on for years. Surprise and pain regarding this was clearly visible among the devotees.

How did the Bhog system suddenly come to a halt?

In Shri Thakur Banke Bihari Temple, Baal Bhog and Shayan Bhog are offered to Thakur Ji every day. This responsibility rests with the confectioner, who is paid a salary of eighty thousand rupees every month. But the confectioner has not been paid for the last few months. For this reason the confectioner refused to prepare the bhog. As a result, neither morning nor night offering was made. The servants did not have any food to offer to Thakur ji.

Why is there resentment among Goswamis?

There is huge anger among the Goswamis of the temple regarding this incident. Goswami community says that such carelessness in the service of Thakur ji is unforgivable. They allege that the system handling the responsibility of the temple could not ensure timely payment. Goswami clearly said that this is not just an administrative mistake but a matter related to the faith of the devotees. It is very sad that a tradition that has been going on uninterrupted for years is being broken like this.

Why were questions raised on the High Power Committee?

The arrangements of Shri Banke Bihari Temple are under the High Power Committee constituted by the Supreme Court. After the incident came to light, questions were raised on the role of the committee. Committee member Dinesh Goswami admitted that there was a delay in payment. He told that as soon as the information was received, orders have been given to Mayank Gupta to make the payment. Besides, strict instructions are also being issued to ensure that such a situation does not happen again in the future.

How many times does Thakur ji enjoy food every day?

According to temple tradition, food is offered to Thakur ji four times a day. Child enjoyment in the morning, royal enjoyment in the afternoon, Uthapan enjoyment in the evening and sleeping enjoyment at night. This system has been going on continuously for years. But this time the servants did not get the pleasure. This was the first time that Thakur ji remained in darshan without hair and sleeping pleasure. This is the reason why this incident is being considered historical and worrying.

What was the impact on the devotees?

Deep sorrow was seen over this incident among the devotees who came from India and abroad. Many devotees said that they had never seen Thakur ji giving darshan without offering food in their life. Devotees believe that transparency and timeliness in the arrangements of the temple is very important. There should be no negligence in any system related to faith. Devotees have demanded that accountability of those responsible should be fixed.

Is this a warning to the temple system?

This incident is being considered as a warning to both the temple administration and the High Power Committee. The question arises whether the tradition would have been broken if payment had been made on time. Now the focus is on how the system is improved further. Because Thakur ji’s service in Vrindavan is not just a process but is the center of faith and belief of crores of devotees.