Miracle debunked: Vrindavan worshippers drank AC water
The worshippers who recently visited the Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan, India, queued to drink water flowing from an elephant statue attached to the wall. Many believed that a miracle had occurred, and they were drinking "Charan Amrit," or holy water from the feet of the god Krishna. It later emerged that they were actually drinking water from the air conditioning system.
In early November, a surprising video circulated on social media showing scenes from the Banke Bihari temple in the town of Vrindavan in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It depicts worshippers eagerly drinking water flowing from an elephant statue attached to a less-than-clean wall.
Some used cups, while others used their hands to sip a few drops or a few gulps. Some even bowed their heads to moisten their hair with the water dripping from the statue.
Worshippers were convinced they were witnessing a miracle. When water began flowing from the elephant statue, they believed it was "Charan Amrit," or holy water from the feet of the god Krishna. The reality, however, was quite different.
Worshippers drank water from the air conditioning system
After the video went viral, temple authorities decided to inform worshippers that the water they were drinking had no connection to Krishna. In fact, the fluid seeping from the pipes was water drained from the air conditioning system.
We respect the faith people have in God, but it’s essential to inform them. The water they believe to be ‘Charan Amrit’ is actually just water from the AC. The real ‘Charan Amrit’ would contain ingredients like Tulsi [ed. - holy basil] and rose petals," said Dinesh Goswami from the temple — said Dinesh Goswami from the temple, as cited by "The Economic Times".
Another cleric, Mohan Goswami, echoed this sentiment and stressed the importance of raising awareness among followers.
As the issue received more attention, some commenters praised the steadfast faith of the followers, while others expressed concerns about potential health risks from consuming water from an air conditioner.
