New Delhi: The Central Government has recently granted a Foreign Contribution Regulation Act license to the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, enabling it to legally receive and manage foreign contributions.
This decision comes in response to the temple’s frequent receipt of foreign currencies through offerings and donations from devotees across the globe.
Renowned as one of India’s most revered religious sites, the Banke Bihari Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple is home to a unique idol of Lord Krishna, known as Banke Bihari, which represents his divine play in a distinctive posture. As a prominent destination for spiritual pilgrims worldwide, the temple attracts substantial international offerings.
The FCRA license application was submitted by a court-appointed management committee overseeing the temple’s affairs.
According to sources familiar with the Ministry of Home Affairs, “The license was approved after the due application process and court approval. The temple receives significant amounts of foreign currency in its offerings and intends to accept additional donations from abroad to support its activities.”
Previously managed by a family of priests, the temple’s administration transitioned to a court-formed management committee in response to increasing operational demands. This committee applied for the FCRA license to establish a formal mechanism for managing foreign contributions in compliance with Indian regulations.
With the license now granted, the temple can use foreign donations to improve its maintenance, expand infrastructure, and support charitable initiatives. The management committee anticipates that this move will significantly enhance the temple’s ability to serve its devotees and sustain its operations.
The shift in the temple’s management structure reflects the growing administrative complexities associated with its popularity and international recognition.
The temple has become a focal point for receiving substantial foreign donations, highlighting the need for a transparent and regulated framework for handling these contributions.
The approval of the FCRA license represents a milestone in the temple’s efforts to align its operations with legal standards while ensuring it continues to meet the needs of its global devotee base.