Mathura,

18 Oct (HS): Today's Dhanteras festival is considered very historic and special

for Mathura district. The secret of the Toshakhana (treasure) which was closed

for the last 54 years in the temple of Thakur Shri Banke Bihari Ji Maharaj of

Vrindavan was buried for years, which is now being opened on Saturday, the day

of Dhanteras, on the orders of the temple's High Powered Temple Management

Committee. The team has entered the temple. Meanwhile, Goswamis are creating a

ruckus. They demand that whatever comes out of the treasure should be broadcast

live on a screen outside the temple. Everyone's eyes are fixed on the

Toshakhana. It is being said that this treasure includes gold and silver

jewellery, precious items, ancient heritage and religious gifts, which have

been locked for decades.

It

is noteworthy that this entire process is being carried out under the Supreme

Court's directives and under the supervision of the High Power Management

Committee. The committee decided on September 29 to open the temple's

Toshakhana, or treasury room. Preparations were in full swing since

then, and finally, the lock was broken after 3 pm on Saturday. According to those

associated with the temple, the room where the treasure is kept is located

adjacent to the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. This room has been closed for

a long time, and only a select few priests and administrative officials were

aware of its existence. Now, when it is opened, what will be found inside

remains a mystery. Devotees can be seen arriving in large numbers to witness

this historic moment.

The

Deepdan controversy also arose due to ignoring the orders: A new controversy

erupted at the Banke Bihari Temple late Friday evening. The High Power Temple

Management Committee's orders regarding the lighting of lamps were ignored. The

committee had directed that only seven lamps be lit in the semi-constructed

hall outside the temple, each containing no more than 50 grams of oil. It was

also decided that the lighting of lamps would begin after sunset and conclude

before the aarti of Thakurji. However, on Friday, more than two dozen lamps

were lit in the Jagmohan area, directly in front of the temple's sanctum

sanctorum, defying the rules. A large crowd gathered there, and several priests

participated in the lighting of the lamps.

Goswamis

question the committee: The temple's sevayat Goswamis expressed their

displeasure, stating that they were not allowed to offer lamps, even though

they were being offered inside the temple. Goswami Ashokji said, The

tradition of lighting lamps at Jagmohan is an old one, but the committee banned

the lighting of lamps inside the temple, allowing only seven lamps to be lit in

the hall. Now, that very order is being violated inside the temple. The

Goswamis also stated that they would write to the committee complaining about

this matter and demanding an investigation into the entire matter.

Enthusiasm

and curiosity among devotees: The news of the opening of the Banke Bihari

Temple's treasure trove has created an atmosphere of devotion and excitement

throughout Mathura. Many devotees are considering it a religious and historic

moment. Security has been tightened around the temple to prevent chaos among

the crowd of devotees. Once the treasure is opened, many untold stories and

mysteries related to the temple's history are expected to be revealed. Devotees

believe that Thakurji's treasure will hold not only wealth but also a glimpse

of faith and tradition.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi