Viral Video: Devotees Mistake AC Water for Holy ‘Charan Amrit’ at Mathura’s Banke Bihari Temple

A recent video from Mathura’s Banke Bihari temple has gone viral, showing devotees eagerly collecting and drinking water dripping from an elephant sculpture, believing it to be "charan amrit" or holy water. However, it was later revealed that the water came from an air conditioner installed near the temple’s sanctum sanctorum.

In the video, shared widely on social media, devotees can be seen using their hands and even paper cups to collect the dripping water, drinking it as a blessing and sprinkling it on their heads. This practice has led to concerns among health professionals, who caution against consuming the water, warning it could contain harmful bacteria.

Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, also known as “The Liver Doctor” on social media, spoke out on the issue, explaining that water from air conditioning units could be a breeding ground for infections, including Legionnaires' disease caused by the bacteria Legionella. He warned that inhaling droplets or drinking contaminated water could lead to severe infections, potentially affecting the lungs, brain, and nervous system.

Meanwhile, temple caretaker Ashish Goswami clarified that the water was not "charan amrit" and came from the AC unit, not the deity’s feet. He urged devotees to stop the practice, highlighting that "charan amrit" is only available within the temple and not from external sources.

Despite these warnings, some devotees continued to drink the water, convinced of its spiritual significance. One visitor expressed that it was a blessing to receive the water, linking it to their good "karma."

Social media reactions were mixed. While some users criticized the practice, labeling it as blind faith, others saw it as a reflection of personal beliefs.