Famous Temples of Manipur

The state of Manipur is a doorway to the (Northeastern Region) and a fascinating destination for discerning tourists. Myth says that sighting of this magnificent land is because of the pleasure the Divine Power took in dance. Sanctified with a healthy climate known for its characteristic cultural prototype its evergreen picturesque beauty and devout pilgrimage sways the tourists a pleasant incitement to visit the state of Manipur.

Some of the popular pilgrimage sites are:

Shri Shri Govindaji Temple

Fast Facts:

• Deity: Lord Krishna
• Location: Kangla Palace, Manipur, India
• Known For: Islamic and Hindu Style of Architecture
• Constructed in the year: 1847
• Timings: 05:30 AM to 08:30 PM
• Best time to visit: September to April
• How to reach: Nearest railway station- Dimapur (215 km.), Nearest airport- Imphal international airport (8 km.).

The place of worship is located in the area of Kangla palace, Manipur.This place of worship was constructed during the reign of Maharaja Narasingh in the year 1847.Consequently because of the devastating earthquake that took place in the 1868, and the massive structure was distorted. This place of worship was then recreated by (Maharaja Chandra Kirti Singh) in the year 1869.Currently, the deity of Pakhangbais worshipped that belongs to the imperial family.

The shrine is constructed out of mud brick and is on the lifted plinth. It has 2 cells facing towards the east direction and a portico holds the gallery with a strong arrangement of prop that ropes the ray of bricks. According to the architecture, the shrine features the Parabolicformation of the arena in the West Bengal style and (salas) are in distinctive Hindu manner. The shrine possesses a rectangular base and the top is covered by a rectangular crown. The railings are designed in Islamic Style thus, it is believed to be an amalgamation of Islamic and Hindu style of architecture. The Govindajee Temple is a typical Vaishnavite Temple of Manipur.

Vishnu Temple

Fast Facts:

• Location: Bishnupur, Manipur, India
• Known for: Ancient architecture and Chinese Designs
• Built By: Maharaja Kiyamba
• In the year : 1467
• Dedicated To: Lord Vishnu
• Timings: 09 AM to 09 PM
• Best time to visit: March to November
• How to reach: Nearest railway station- Dimapur (202 km.), Nearest airport- Tulihal international airport (27 km.).

The tapering roofed place of worship is dedicated to (Lord Vishnu).Constructed in the year 1467, at the time of (Maharaja Kiyamba), the shrine is known for its Chinese designs and ancient architecture. This place is also renowned for extensive production of stones.

The lowliest layer commences of 0ne-two inches elevated platform. The brick covers at angles towards the entrance and the stairways have been tilted to make equivalent turn in a way that these appears to be a pleasant coherence of block layers in position. The structure of the temple is divided in 2 storeys, Lower Jangha, also called as (lower sanctum) and Upper Jangha also called as (upper sanctum).

The covered entrance in facade attains upto the pelmet in its stature. The pelmet area forms a ray of 5 stratum of block striding out a magnificent view of the temple.

Kaina Temple

Fast Facts:

• Deity: Lord Vishnu
• Location: M2G8+73V, Yairipok, Manipur 795138
• Known For: Picturesque locales and an ancient temple
• Timings: 05 AM to 08 PM
• Best time to visit: February to November
• How to reach: Nearest railway station- Imphal railway station (23 km.), Nearest airport- Imphal international airport (30 km.).

Kaina, a charming visitor’s site of (Manipur) that can be reached by crossing an expanse of (29 km) from the place Imphal. The holy place of (Sri Govindajee) is the major attraction of (Kaina) in the state of Manipur. Distantly from its spiritual significance, Kaina is also renowned to be an ascetically stunning place that is affluent with magnificence of natural environment.

A small hill bounded by tranquil and awesome atmosphere, Kaina is situated (921 m) over the surface of the sea. The place of worship of Kaina’s (Sri Govindajee) is thronged by many devotees and tourists. The story of this admired temple of (Kaina) tells an interesting tale. It is said that (Sri Govindajee) once inculcated Manipuri’s Maharaja in his hallucination to build a place of worship in (Kaina). The exclusive attribute of this heavenly order was that shrine had to be constructed out of (jackfruit tree) placed in Kaina.

Therefore Sri Govindajee Temple was constructed. One of the main spiritual festival that is feted in the place of worship is Ras Festival. The local worshippers of Kaina carry out a particular dance at the time of the fiesta within the temple in which dream series of (Sri Govindajee) is executed with stunning terminology.

ISKCON Temple, Imphal

Fast Facts:

How to Reach

• By Road: ISKCON Temple is well connected to all major foremost places in Manipur or neighboring states via road network.
• By Airport: The closest airport to ISKCON Temple is Imphal Tulihal Airport.
• By Bus: ISKCON Temple is easily accessible by using Manipur State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) and some private bus services from all major towns of Manipur.
• By Train: The closest junction to ISKCON Temple is Dimapur railway station.

A beautiful temple that invokes divinity and spirituality in all believers of the Hindu faith, the ISKCON Temple of Manipur is known for its great religious significance and beautiful architectural styles. As you turn on the road that takes you from the airport to the heart of Imphal, you will come across an imposing structure standing aloft in the scenic precincts of lush green paddy fields –right alongside the road. The charming environs of this exotic temple beckon devotees and tourists alike– from all corners of the world.

Tranquil and serene, the temple stands tall within a grass-carpeted sprawling lawn and invokes the feelings of spirituality and peace. Its pagoda-like architecture is unusual for a temple and attracts with its unique designs, intricate carvings and other unique offerings. Best visited during the festival of Rath Jatra, that is celebrated with a lot of fanfare as Kang and Kanglen in Manipur; this temple is a haven for those looking for a peaceful place for mediation. During Janmashtami, the temple is thronged with devotees from all across the state and beyond and is a must visit indeed!

Hiyangthang Lairembi Temple

Fast Facts:

How to Reach

• By Road: Hiyangthang Lairembi Temple is well connected to all major foremost places in Manipur or neighboring states via road network.
• By Airport: The closest airport to Hiyangthang Lairembi Temple is Imphal Tulihal Airport.
• By Bus: Hiyangthang Lairembi Temple is easily accessible by using Manipur State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) and some private bus services from all major towns of Manipur.
• By Train: The closest junction to Hiyangthang Lairembi Temple is Dimapur railway station.

Hiyangthang Lairembi temple is an important place of worship of the Meitei community residing in Manipur. The temple has always been the center of faith & spirituality for the devotees. This temple is situated on a small hill in Imphal, thousands of devotees go there for peace and relaxation.

As you climb the majestic steps that lead to this very popular temple, you get some spectacular panoramic views of Imphal and its scenic environs. Thronged by millions of devotees and tourists during the Bor festival, this place of high religious importance is a must visit for one and all.

Sri Hanuman Thakur Temple

Fast Facts:

How to Reach

• By Road: Imphal is well connected to Dimapur, Kolkata and other main cities via road. So, one can easily reach here via hired taxi or private car.
• By Airport: Imphal has its own Airport that is at a distance of 8 km from the city center and the taxi fare is about Rs 150. This airport is well-connected to the major cities of India.
• By Bus: Nagaland and Manipur State buses operate from the towns of Aizwal, Dimapur, Itanagar, Kohima, Shillong and Agartala.
• By Train: Imphal doesn’t have its own railway station and the nearest railway station to Imphal is the Dimapur railway station which is located at a distance of 215 kilometres away from the city.

It is constructed in early 17th century; it is one of the oldest Hindu temple on the banks of the Imphal river close to the new palace compound – Imphal Manipur state.

The temple is built in Imphal on the bank of the Imphal River amongst the groves, Mahabali forest. It was built in 1725 AD by King Garib Niwaj.