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Shree Govindaji Temple is located in Manipur which is one of the star attractions of the city. It is a Hindu temple where the deities worshipped are the Hindu gods, Radha and Krishna Govinda. The temple has suffered severe damages in the past by several earthquakes.

Shree Govindaji Temple, Manipur built by one of the rulers of Manipur was again restored by another ruler, several years later to its original form. This temple of Shree Shree Govindaji was originally built in 1846 A.D. that was during the reign of Maharaj Nara Singh (1844-1846 A.D). It was then severely damaged in the great earthquake of 1868 A.D. The idols of Radha-Govinda were being partly damaged when parts of the temple collapsed in the earthquake (Cheitharol Kumbaba) Maharaj Chandrakirti (1859-86 A.D.) the then ruler of Manipur had reconstructed the temple in its original form. The temple is dedicated to Lord Govinda and His consort Radha.


The structure of this particular temple highlights a rectangular late medieval brick-built temple with a portico or separate verandah to the front entrance. The whole structure is double-celled type, along with an ambulatory passage running round the sanctum hall which measures 11.30 x 7.65 sq.m. Three flights of step lead to the sanctum hall from the northern, southern and eastern sides. The temple measures 16.95 m in length and is 18.63 m in breadth.

According to Hindu mythology there are 3 supreme powers which rule the earth and one of them is Lord Vishnu. Krishna is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu and he was the one who gave the famous sermons in the famous 'Geeta'. In the temple of Shree Govindaji, visitors can see the idols of Lord Krishna and Radha, who was his consort. The temple also has idols of Lord Jagathnath, another form of Vishnu. Tourists and devotees throng in large numbers to see the idols and worship in the temple. Shree Govindaji Temple, as the name suggests is dedicated to the Lord Krishna, also known as Govinda.

The tourists admire the temple structure which is built out of red bricks; the temple features a rectangular medieval style of architecture. The front entrance near the temple runs into a passage which finally leads to the hall for the main idols. The temple is about 16.95 meters in height and is 18, 63 meters in wide. Nestled in the hilly surroundings of Imphal, the temple is surely one of the best Manipur tourist spots.

The two multi-arched domes are raised to the cornice level /the arches of each dome converge at the base of the crown. The crown carries the Amalika-sila and then the kalasa with long pinnacle with the temple flag. Both the dome surfaces from above are covered with gold plate sheets. The facade is to the east.

The main deity of Shree Govindjee with his consort is placed in the central chamber. Jagannath, Subhadra and Balarama in the northern chamber and Balarama and Krishna in the southern chamber. The chambers are nicely maintained spick and span. The front arcades are provided with curtains. The temple is in Nagra style of Hindu temples. There is a kind of architectural maturity and richness which is reflected through the temple structure.

The morning rituals are punctually performed in strict discipline and in ritualistic manner. A music party is permanently engaged to perform music during the prayers. Several special festivals are being celebrated in this temple with particular display of Manipuri dances. This temple maintains the social order in Manipur valley.

Above the cornice is the first railing covering the terrace above the circumambulatory path. The first railing is having mini-shrines called salas, one each at the corners. There is no particular other superstructure over the portico roof after the first railing. The sanctum cube are raised up the terrace of the first railing, right up to the cornice, then the second railing which surrounds the two domes. Externally the sanctum wall does not show any partition but internally the partition walls divide it in to three chambers.

The crown carries the Amalika-sila and then the kalasa with long pinnacle with the temple flag. Both the dome surfaces from above are covered with gold plate sheets. The facade is to the east.

The main deity of Govindji with his consort is placed in the central chamber. Jagannath, Subhadra and Balarama in the northern chamber and Balarama and Krishna in the southern chamber.

Nearby tourist places to Shri Govindji Temple Imphal Itanagar

• Through Airways -the Indian Airlines connect Imphal, the capital of Manipur, with major cities like New Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati and Silchar.


• Through Railways- Dimapur, 215 kms from Imphal, is the nearest railhead. Another railhead is Jiribaum, a small town 225 kms from Imphal.


• Through Roadways - Imphal is connected by road with Guwahati (Assam) through National Highway No. 39 and Silchar (Assam) through National Highway No. 53.