Shree Govindajee Temple, Manipur

Address

Shree Govindajee Temple, Manipur

Kangla, Imphal, Laipham Siphai,

Manipur 795001

Moolavar

Radha Govindaji (Krishna)

Amman

Radha

Introduction

• Location: Imphal district, Manipur, India.
• Deity: Dedicated to Radha Krishna (Govindaji).
• Established: In 1846 by Maharaja Nara Singh.
• Rebuilt: In 1876 by Maharaja Chandrakriti.
• Significance: A prominent Vaishnavite temple and a central place of worship for the local community. Managed historically by the former king under the Manipur Merger Agreement of 1949.

Puranic and Historical Significance

• Founding: Commissioned by Maharaja Nara Singh to dedicate it to Shree Govindaji, the royal deity.
• Damaged by Earthquake: In 1868, the temple suffered damage but was restored by Maharaja Chandrakriti in 1876.
• Relocation of Idols: During the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891, the idols were relocated and returned in 1908, where they were reconsecrated.
• Maharaja Jai Singh’s Divine Vision: In 1776, Maharaja Jai Singh (Bhagya Chandra Karta) initiated the carving of the Govindaji idol, which was completed and consecrated in 1779.
• Ras Lila Festival: The temple hosted a five-day Ras Lila festival at Raas Mandal Pukhri, celebrating Krishna’s divine pastimes.

Special Features

• Architecture: Simple yet elegant, with two gold-plated domes and a large raised Mandop (Meitei term for Mandapa).
• Sanctum Sanctorum: Houses the main deities Govindaji (Krishna) and Radha.
• Side Chambers: Dedicated to Krishna and Balarama and Jagannath, Subhadra, and Balabhadra.
• Temple Surroundings: Serene, with a well-maintained garden, small pond, and tall trees bordering the open space.

Festivals

• Janmashtami (August): Celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna.
• Kang (Rathayatra) (June–July): A popular festival where devotees celebrate the chariot procession of Lord Krishna.

Century/Period

26 April 1876

Nearest Bus Station

Meitei for ‘Royal Palace

Nearest Railway Station

Dimapur

Nearest Airport

New Delhi

Location on Map

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