About Shree Govindajee Temple
The Shree Govindajee Temple stands next to the palace of the former Manipur kings in Imphal, the capital of Manipur. It is dedicated to Radha and Govinda (Krishna) and is the most important Vaishnava temple in the state. For the Meitei Vaishnava community it is the spiritual heart of Manipur, and its large hall is a main stage for the classical Manipuri Raas Leela dance and for devotional sankirtan singing, traditions closely linked with this temple.
Vaishnavism became the court religion of Manipur in the 18th century. Tradition says that Maharaja Bhagyachandra, also known as Ching-Thang Khomba, saw Lord Govinda in a dream and had the deity carved from the wood of a sacred jackfruit tree. He is also credited with shaping the Manipuri Raas Leela as an offering to Krishna. The temple has been rebuilt more than once; the present building dates from the 20th century, after earlier structures were damaged by earthquakes and war, and it was raised under the patronage of the Manipur royal family.
The temple is known for its two large domes, which are covered in gold, rising over a simple, clean structure. In front of it stands a spacious open hall, or mandapa, where devotees gather for kirtan and where dance performances are staged on festival nights. The sanctum holds the images of Radha and Govinda, with other shrines for deities such as Jagannath, Balaram and Subhadra. Visitors often see devotees in white traditional dress, and the evening sankirtan with drums and cymbals is a memorable experience.
Shree Govindajee Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from early morning to around noon and again from late afternoon to evening. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Mangala aarti | Early morning, before sunrise (approx.) |
| Midday bhog aarti | Around noon (approx.) |
| Sandhya aarti and sankirtan | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Shree Govindajee Temple
By air
Imphal (Bir Tikendrajit) International Airport is about 8 km away.
By train
Manipur's rail line to Imphal is still being built; Dimapur in Nagaland, about 210 km away by road, is the usual railhead.
By road
The temple is in central Imphal, easily reached by auto or taxi. Imphal is linked by highway to Dimapur and Guwahati.
Festivals at Shree Govindajee Temple
- Yaoshang (Holi)Feb/Mar
- Kang (Rath Yatra)Jun/Jul
- JanmashtamiAug/Sep
- Ras Purnima (Raas Leela)Oct/Nov
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest clothing is expected; traditional Manipuri attire or simple white clothes are common among devotees. Remove footwear before entering.
- Entry
- Free entry.
- Attend the evening aarti and sankirtan for the most atmospheric visit.
- Raas Leela performances on Ras Purnima night draw big crowds; arrive early for a place.
- Ask before taking photographs, and avoid photography inside the sanctum.
- Check current travel advisories for Manipur before planning your trip.
- Combine the visit with Kangla Fort and the Ima Keithel market nearby.
Places to visit near Shree Govindajee Temple
- Kangla FortHistoric seat of the Manipur kings, about 1 km away
- Manipur State MuseumMuseum of Manipuri history and culture, about 1 km away
- Ima KeithelFamous market run entirely by women, about 2 km away
- Loktak LakeLarge freshwater lake with floating islands, about 45 km away
Frequently asked questions
Which deity is worshipped at Shree Govindajee Temple?
Radha and Govinda (Krishna) are the main deities, with shrines for Jagannath, Balaram and Subhadra as well.
What are the Shree Govindajee Temple timings?
It is usually open in the morning and again from late afternoon to evening. Check locally, as times can change on festival days.
How to reach Shree Govindajee Temple, Imphal?
Fly to Imphal airport, about 8 km away, and take a taxi or auto to the temple in the city centre.
What is the connection between the temple and Manipuri dance?
Tradition credits Maharaja Bhagyachandra, who established worship of Govinda, with shaping the Manipuri Raas Leela as an offering to Krishna, and it is still performed here on festival nights.
What is the aarti time at Shree Govindajee Temple?
Mangala aarti: Early morning, before sunrise (approx.); Midday bhog aarti: Around noon (approx.); Sandhya aarti and sankirtan: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Shree Govindajee Temple?
Modest clothing is expected; traditional Manipuri attire or simple white clothes are common among devotees. Remove footwear before entering.
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