Shri Govindaji Temple

Introduction to the Shri Govindaji Temple

The Shri Govindaji Temple is a historic Vaishnavite shrine in Imphal, Manipur. It is one of the prime tourist attractions. The temple is next to the palace of the former Meitei rulers of Manipur.

Legend of the Shri Govindaji Temple

Maharaja Nara Singh built the Shri Govindaji Temple on January 16, 1846. However, it underwent heavy damage in the 1868 earthquake. Maharaja Chandrakriti rebuilt the temple on April 26, 1876. However, in 1891, the idols of this temple were moved to Kongma due to the Anglo-Manipur war. Later, Maharaja Church and Singh returned the idols to the temple in 1908.

The Architecture of the Shri Govindaji Temple

The Shri Govindaji Temple features traditional Nagara-style architecture. It is 16.95 meters high and 18.63 meters wide and entirely made of red bricks. It has two gold-plated domes, a paved court, and a large congregation hall. The entrance faces east.

The Mandapam, or congregation hall, is a double-storied independent building. A row of elephant heads at the cornice level of the first floor supports the inclined roof slabs. A mini temple tower was built as an extension of the Mandapam. There is another Mandapam in the temple known as the Natyashala, a colonnaded structure with arcades and idols fixed at the four corners of the roof.

The sanctum is on a square plan on a raised platform. The presiding deity of the Shri Govindaji Temple is Govindaji or Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu. His idol is 3 ft 11 inches and is etched on the bark of a Jackfruit tree. He blesses his devotees and his consort, Radha, in the central chamber of the sanctum. The other two chambers of the sanctum contain the idols of Krishna, Radha, Balabadhra, Jagannath, and Subadhra. A circumambulatory path surrounds the sanctum.

The temple has a beautiful garden and a small pond inside the premises. The pond has a cemented replica of Krishna's footprints.

Visitors can receive a wholesome vegetarian meal at the temple premises. The temple also conducts regular prayers and dance performances. The Chief Minister of Manipur is the Board President of the Shri Govindaji Temple.

The temple and the Mandapam underwent renovation in November 2012. The 30 kg of gold plating on the domes was removed for renovation and re-installed in August 2013. The Mandapam was also renovated. The temple's flooring was changed to tiles. The total cost for the renovation was eight crores.

Festivals in the Shri Govindaji Temple

Janmashtami, Karthik Purnima, Basanthi Purnima, and Holi are grandly celebrated here. The temple hosts Raas Lila during Holi. Kang or Ratha Yatra is held between June and July. Hordes of devotees visit the Shri Govindaji Temple on festival days from far-flung areas.