Sewadars, also referred to as Goswamis are also an important part of Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan where the tradition follows from the times of its establishment. Throughout his disciplinary practices, Swami Haridas initiated exclusive devotion to the deity, a tradition which continued with his disciples and followers who automatically became the Sewadars.
Some people believe that Swami Haridas was part of the Nimbarka Sampradaya of the Vaishnavites, a branch which particularly worshipped Radha and Krishna. Many people followed him and became devoted to his teachings; these followers were selected to be Sewadars of the temple. It was their duty to take part in daily puja, managing the temples, and keeping alive all the newest and older rituals and practices set by Swami Haridas.
With time, the Sewadar system developed formal organization structure over the years Sewadar. The disciples of the Swami Haridas were called Goswamis and many of them served the deity and took active participation in the management of the temple. These Goswamis are hereditary in nature, and it has been a tradition that temple services are performed by successive generations within the families of the Goswamis.
The Goswamis are not only administrators of the temple but are also spiritual preachers to devotees. They are advanced students in religious studies especially those pertaining to worship and devotion to Lord Krishna. It means that their occupation is diverse, including worship, management, and serving as the historical memory of the temple.
Presently the Sewadars in Banke Bihari Temple follow a clear structure of working and operate in a hierarchical manner. The temple is managed by the Goswami families, who are divided into different departments handling various affairs of the temple and rituals
- Daily Rituals and Pujas: They offer daily services and rituals which are also puja, and the specialities are – waking up the Lord with peacock feathers and music from a flute. It is their responsibility to dress up the idol in beautiful clothes and ornaments and to pull aside the curtain periodically for darshan.
- Festival Celebrations: Goswamis have a major part in managing and performing the various key rites of the temple like the Holi and Janmasthami. Such feasts draw thousands of faithful, and the Goswamis make sure that all the activities are carried out with zealous intent and requisite accuracy.
- Administrative Duties: This group is primarily responsible of the temporal aspects of the temple such as managing properties and funds, maintenance, and overall administration of the temple. They liaise with officials in the respective areas and see to it that the temple facilities will be adequate to host the many devotees that flock there more so during festivals.
- Spiritual Guidance: Thus, the Goswamis instructs the devotees in the rituals of the worship, the way of life of Swami Haridas and the real philosophical meaning of the worship. They also have discourses and also engage in Kirtans – or singing to propagate the message on the values of devotion to Lord Krishna.
The tradition of Sewadars is integral to the functioning and spiritual atmosphere of the Banke Bihari Temple. This practice has its essence in the working and the religious ambience of the Banke Bihari Temple. The Goswamis also make sure the temple is the active place where many people can come to pay devotion to the divine. Through preserving the temple’s culture and positively influencing the believers, the pandas play a critical role in sustaining the sanctity and veneration attributed to Banke Bihari.
At large, it can be described that the Sewadars or Goswamis of the Banke Bihari Temple are the caretakers of a tradition of dedication and commitment. This is a clear depiction of True Devotion towards their faith since they keep the temple as the symbol of Spiritual Bliss to the devotees from all over the world.