By Ardhu 
Table of Contents
The Aarti “Shri Banke Bihari Ki Aarti” is a devotional hymn dedicated to Shri Banke Bihari, a beloved form of Lord Krishna worshipped primarily in the famous Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan. This form of Krishna is depicted as youthful and playful, often standing in a charming posture with three bends (tribhanga). In this Aarti, devotees express their deep love and devotion towards Krishna, praising his divine beauty, his playful leelas (divine pastimes), and the grace that flows from his feet.
Shri Banke Bihari Ji Ki Aarti: Experience the Divine Grace of Lord Krishna
Shri Banke Bihari Teri Aarti Gaau,
Hey Giridhar Teri Aarti Gaau |
Aarti Gaau Pyare Aapko Rijhau,
Shyam Sundar Teri Aarti Gaau |
Baal Krishna Teri Aarti Gaau ||
Mor Mukut Prabhu Sheesh Pe Sohe |
Pyari Bansi Mero Man Mohe |
Dekha Chhavi Balihaari Main Jau |
Shri Banke Bihari Teri Aarti Gaau ||
Charanon Se Nikli Ganga Pyari,
Jisne Saari Duniya Taari |
Main Un Charanon Ke Darshan Paau |
Shri Banke Bihari Teri Aarti Gaau ||
Daas Anaath Ke Naath Aap Ho |
Dukh Sukh Jeevan Pyare Saath Aap Ho |
Hari Charanon Mein Sheesh Jhukau |
Shri Banke Bihari Teri Aarti Gaau ||
Shri Haridas Ke Pyare Tum Ho |
Mere Mohan Jeevan Dhan Ho |
Dekha Yugal Chhavi Bali Bali Jau |
Shri Banke Bihari Teri Aarti Gaau ||
Aarti Gaau Pyare Tumko Rijhau |
Hey Giridhar Teri Aarti Gaau ||
Shri Banke Bihari Teri Aarti Gaau ||
Meaning and Interpretation
Shri Banke Bihari Teri Aarti Gaau, Hey Giridhar Teri Aarti Gaau |
Translation: I sing your Aarti, O Banke Bihari, I sing your Aarti, O Giridhar (the lifter of Govardhan Hill).
Interpretation: The devotee begins by expressing their intention to sing the Aarti in honor of Banke Bihari, a cherished form of Krishna. By referring to him as Giridhar, the devotee recalls the divine act of Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect his devotees.
Verse 1:
Verse 2:
Aarti Gaau Pyare Aapko Rijhau, Shyam Sundar Teri Aarti Gaau | Baal Krishna Teri Aarti Gaau ||
Translation: I sing your Aarti, dear Lord, to please you; I sing your Aarti, O Shyam Sundar, and your Aarti, O Child Krishna.
Interpretation: In this verse, the devotee praises Krishna in his different forms—Shyam Sundar, representing his dark and beautiful form, and Baal Krishna, his playful and innocent child form. The Aarti is sung to express devotion and to win Krishna’s favor.
Verse 3:
Mor Mukut Prabhu Sheesh Pe Sohe | Pyari Bansi Mero Man Mohe | Dekha Chhavi Balihaari Main Jau | Shri Banke Bihari Teri Aarti Gaau ||
Translation: The peacock crown looks beautiful on your head, O Lord, and your sweet flute captivates my heart. Seeing your image, I am utterly devoted. I sing your Aarti, O Banke Bihari.
Interpretation: This verse describes the divine appearance of Krishna, highlighting his peacock feather crown and the melodious flute that enchants all who hear it. The devotee expresses complete surrender and admiration for Krishna’s beauty.
Verse 4:
Charanon Se Nikli Ganga Pyari, Jisne Saari Duniya Taari | Main Un Charanon Ke Darshan Paau | Shri Banke Bihari Teri Aarti Gaau ||
Translation: From your feet flows the sacred Ganga, which purifies the entire world. I seek the blessing of having a glimpse of those feet. I sing your Aarti, O Banke Bihari.
Interpretation: This verse acknowledges the divine power of Krishna, whose mere touch gave rise to the holy river Ganga, symbolizing purification and liberation. The devotee longs for the darshan (holy vision) of Krishna’s feet.
Verse 5:
Daas Anaath Ke Naath Aap Ho | Dukh Sukh Jeevan Pyare Saath Aap Ho | Hari Charanon Mein Sheesh Jhukau | Shri Banke Bihari Teri Aarti Gaau ||
Translation: You are the lord of the helpless and the master of the destitute. You are with us in both sorrow and joy. I bow my head at your feet, O Hari, and I sing your Aarti, O Banke Bihari.
Interpretation: The devotee recognizes Krishna as the protector and caretaker of all, especially those who are helpless and needy. By bowing at Krishna’s feet, the devotee seeks refuge and expresses unwavering devotion.
Verse 6:
Shri Haridas Ke Pyare Tum Ho | Mere Mohan Jeevan Dhan Ho | Dekha Yugal Chhavi Bali Bali Jau | Shri Banke Bihari Teri Aarti Gaau ||
Translation: You are the beloved of Shri Haridas, and you are the treasure of my life, O Mohan (Krishna). Seeing the divine couple (Radha and Krishna), I am overwhelmed with devotion. I sing your Aarti, O Banke Bihari.
Interpretation: Krishna is remembered as the cherished deity of Swami Haridas, a great saint and devotee. The verse also highlights the devotee’s adoration for the divine couple, Radha and Krishna, and their profound love.
Cultural and Religious Significance
The Aarti of Banke Bihari holds a special place in Hindu worship, particularly in Vrindavan, where the famous Banke Bihari Temple is located. This Aarti is sung with great devotion during the daily rituals in the temple, drawing thousands of devotees who seek to experience the divine presence of Krishna. It is especially significant during festivals like Janmashtami, Radha Ashtami, and other celebrations of Krishna’s divine pastimes. The Aarti is not just a song, but a means of connecting deeply with Krishna and experiencing his grace and blessings.
Conclusion
The Aarti of Banke Bihari is a powerful expression of love and devotion to Lord Krishna. It celebrates his divine attributes, his enchanting form, and his eternal presence in the lives of his devotees. By singing this Aarti, devotees seek to connect with Krishna on a deeper spiritual level, invoking his blessings and grace. The Aarti encapsulates the essence of bhakti (devotion), reminding us of the joy and fulfillment that comes from loving and serving the divine.