Temples of Manipur

Temples of Manipur
Temples of Manipur serve as a great pilgrimage centre for a number of devotees. Many of the temples also narrate the religious history of the state.

Share this Article:

Temples of Manipur serve as a great attraction for the pilgrims and tourists from all over the country. Apart from being the religious centre for a sea of pilgrims, these temples are also famous for their exquisite architecture. Many festivals are also celebrated in these temples, the grandeur of which is worth experiencing.

Temples of Manipur Shri Govindji Temple of New Palace
Shri Govindji Temple of New Palace is situated in Imphal district of Manipur. Shri Govindjee is the main deity of this temple, placed in the central chamber. In the northern chamber of the temple idols of Lord Jagannath, Subhadra and Balarama are placed whereas Balarama and Krishna are the deities of southern chamber. The temple is located near the palace which was built by King Churachand. This spectacular temple is the biggest temple of the state. It exhibits splendid architecture. Many festivals are also celebrated in this temple where Manipuri dances are the prime attraction.

Shri Gopinath Mandir
This is another beautiful temple situated in Imphal district. It is also one of the biggest temples of the state which witnesses more than ten lakhs devotees every year. Shri Gopinath is the presiding deity of this temple. Celebrations of festivals like Diwali, Holi, Durga Puja and Janmashtami takes place with great religious fervour.

Vishnu Temple
It the oldest temple of Manipur, located in Bishanpur town. Built in 1507 AD, by King Kyamba, the temple has brick architecture with mud plastering.

Shri Hanuman Thakur Temple
Another temple of Imphal is Shri Hanuman Thakur temple, standing amidst the groves of Mahabali forest. It is an ancient temple built in 1725 AD by King Garib Niwaj. The temple was constructed with bricks however later a cement coating was provided to it. The architecture exhibits a hut type Bengali style. Stone idol of Hanumanjee, carved out of a single big stone is placed on the pedestal wall of the temple. The temple is a testament of the spread of the Hindu cult, Ramanandi, in the state. History states that this cult vanished from Manipur after the death of King Garib Niwaj.

Temples of Manipur Thangal General Temple
Thangal General Temple, in Wangkhai locality of Imphal, is another significant temple of Manipur. The temple was constructed in 1879 AD by Thangal General. Influence of Islam is very evident in the temple which is reflected in the decorations of the railings and the dome. The temple represents magnificent brick architecture.

Lord Sanamahi Temples
Lord Sanamahi Temples is an excellent example of emergence of diversity in architectural styles of Manipur. Located in first Manipur Rifle Ground of Imphal, the temple was built by King Kulachandra in 1891. The temple is dedicated to Lord Sanamahi. The temple was constructed in the Baptist style having a gothic roof. Two important festivals namely Cheiraoba and Honjnungha serve as the main attractions of this temple.

Leimapokpam Keirungba Temple
Leimapokpam Keirungba Temple is situated in Imphal district of Manipur. In the year 1875 AD, the temple was donated by Leimapokpan Keirungba. Built with brick architecture, it is adorned with exquisite artistry including floral and other motifs.

Shri Govindji Temple of Old Palace
Another ancient temple of Manipur is Shri Govindji Temple of Old Palace located at old Kangla palace area. The temple was the creation of King Narasingh in 1847 AD. The old temple however collapsed due to an earthquake after which it was rebuilt in the year 1869 AD by King Chandra Kirti Singh. It is dedicated to the deity Pakhangba is associated with the royal family clan of Ningthauja. The temple represents an amalgamation of Islamic and Hindu architectural styles.

Shri Radha Raman Temple
At Kanchipur, Shri Radha Raman Temple stands on a picturesque hill ridge. Maharaj Churachand established this temple in the year 1917 AD. The temple is dedicated to Radha Raman which is another name of Lord Krishna. It is exemplary of the spread of Vaishnavite cult in Manipur.

Lord Krishna Temple
Lord Krishna Temple is situated in at Brahmpur Guru Aribam Leikai, along the banks of Imphal River. King Charairongba was the patron of this temple which was built in 1704 AD. This brick temple houses different idols of Lord Krishna depicting the various stages of Lord Krishna`s life. The idols are manifestations of brilliant artistry.

Temples of Manipur, apart from being the religious centres, also narrates the religious history of the state. These are also the manifestations of excellent architecture adorned with pristine and intricate artistry.