Shri Govindaji Temple

Lord Krishna (Govindaji)

Imphal, Manipur

Folktale & Sacred Story

Tradition holds that Maharaja Bhagyachandra, an ardent devotee of Krishna who ruled Manipur in the second half of the 18th century, received a vision of the Lord directing him to carve an image of Govindaji from a particular jackfruit tree at Kaina, outside Imphal. He began carving the idol in 1776, and it was completed and consecrated in November 1779 in a temple built within his own palace. When the first Govindaji temple was built, Krishna is said to have appeared again to the king, revealing in a vision his mystic Ras dance -- including the distinctive skirt costume the king then had his court's finest dancers adopt, giving rise to Manipur's Ras Lila tradition.

Most Revered Practice

The temple's most celebrated practice is the Ras Lila, the dance-drama depicting the divine love of Radha and Krishna performed by gopis in resplendent traditional attire; any major Vaishnava festival in Manipur must be inaugurated here first. Ras Lila performances are held with particular grandeur during Holi, Basant Purnima and Kartik Purnima, alongside Janmashtami and Rathayatra.

Prasadam & Offerings

Prasadam details not independently verified — confirm locally.

Temple Speciality

Govindaji Temple is the largest and most important Vaishnava temple in Manipur, built beside the former royal palace and topped by two gold-plated domes. It is historically significant as the temple from which the Manipuri Ras Lila tradition -- now recognized as part of India's intangible cultural heritage -- is said to have originated under royal patronage.

Why Pilgrims Visit

Visitors come both for its role as Manipur's premier Krishna shrine, with its striking twin gold domes and royal-palace setting, and for the chance to witness or learn about the Ras Lila, one of classical India's most distinctive devotional dance traditions.

History & Legend

Built in the 19th century adjacent to the former royal palace by the Manipuri kings after their embrace of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, it became the spiritual centre of Manipuri Vaishnavite culture.

Divine Significance

Famed for hosting the classical Manipuri Ras Lila dance performances, a UNESCO-recognized intangible tradition depicting Krishna's life.

Darshan Timings

Generally open during morning and evening hours for darshan and aarti, with a midday closure customary at Vaishnava temples of this kind (please confirm exact timings with the temple before visiting, as they vary by season and festival).

How To Reach

Nearest airport: Imphal (Bir Tikendrajit International). The temple is within Imphal city.

Where To Stay

Hotels across Imphal city, a short ride from the temple.

Local Food Nearby

Imphal's Ima Keithel (Mother's Market) is a short distance away and a good place to sample Manipuri staples such as eromba, singju and chak-hao (black rice) kheer.

Contact & Official Info

Contact Manipur Tourism.

Location Map

View on Google Maps → (24.797798, 93.948486)