Top 9 Famous Temples in Manipur to Visit

Manipur, a state rich in culture and traditions, is famous for its vibrant dance forms. Amidst its simplicity, Manipur is a treasure of ancient temples carved in spirituality and architectural marvels.

Each temple whispers the tales of devotion and embraces the divinity. The serene tranquillity delivers peace into the hearts of visitors.

While visiting the state, don’t forget to explore the famous temples in Manipur that foster peace and tranquillity.

1. Shri Govinda Temple | Wangkhei Keithel Ashangbi, Imphal

Dedicated to Lord Krishna, Shri Govinda temple was beautifully built years ago and is well maintained to date. The temple is visible from a distance because of its golden building.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March.
• Temple Timings: 5 am to 1 pm and 4 pm to 8:30 pm - Every day.
• How to Reach: Located at Imphal city, the state capital, easily accessible by road.
• Nearby Railway Station: Dimapur.
• Nearby Airport: Bir Tikendrajit International Airport, Imphal.
• Nearby Bus Station: ISBT, Imphal Guwahati Bus Stand.

2. Sanamahi Temple | Jiribam, Imphal

Dedicated to Lord Sanamahi, one of the famous temples in Manipur, Sanamahi Temple is built in octagonal shape, and the roofs are pyramid-form with a whitish finish.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February.
• Temple Timings: 24 hours - Everyday.
• How to Reach: Located in Imphal city, easily accessible by road.
• Nearby Railway Station: Jirighat.
• Nearby Airport: Bir Tikendrajit International Airport, Imphal.
• Nearby Bus Station: Jiribam Jiribam Bus stand.

3. Mahabali Temple | Wangkhei, Imphal

Mahabali temple holds a special place in the hearts of the state's people. The temple is filled with the chants of Hanuman devotees who are visiting for inner peace and the cleansing of the heart.

• Best Time to Visit: November to February.
• Temple Timings: 5 am to noon and 4 pm to 9 pm - Everyday.
• How to Reach: Located at Imphal city alongside the river, easily accessible by road.
• Nearby Railway Station: Vangaichungpao.
• Nearby Airport: Bir Tikendrajit International Airport, Imphal.
• Nearby Bus Station: ISBT, Imphal Guwahati Bus stand.

4. Radha Krishna Chandra Iskcon Temple | Imphal

The Iskcon temple is another famous temple in Manipur visited by numerous pilgrims from all over the world. The temple beholds the deities of Lord Krishna and Radha worshipped by the Indians.

• Best Time to Visit: November to February, during the festival of Janmashtami.
• Temple Timings: 4:30 am to 9 pm - Everyday.
• How to Reach: Located in Imphal city, easily accessible by road.
• Nearby Railway Station: Thingao.
• Nearby Airport: Bir Tikendrajit International Airport, Imphal.
• Nearby Bus Station: ISBT, Imphal Guwahati Bus stand.

5. Nityananda and Narsimha | Imphal

The tails behind the formation of this temple are quite famous among the people of Manipur. Their strong beliefs are the mere reason for the temple being prevalent.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March.
• Temple Timings: 8 am to 12 pm and 8:30 pm to 12:30 pm- Everyday.
• How to Reach: Located in Imphal city, easily accessible by road.
• Nearby Railway Station: Kaimai Railway Station.
• Nearby Airport: Bir Tikendrajit International Airport, Imphal.
• Nearby Bus Station: ISBT, Imphal Guwahati.

6. Shyam Rai Temple | Rajdarbar, Dalmadal Para, Bishnupur

Shyam Rai temple in Imphal showcases the fusion of cultures of Manipuri and Bengali. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the architectural structure depicts the stories of Hindu mythology.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March.
• Temple Timings: 9 am to 5 pm - Everyday.
• How to Reach: Located in Imphal city, easily accessible by road.
• Nearby Railway Station: Vangaichungpao.
• Nearby Airport: Bir Tikendrajit International Airport, Imphal.
• Nearby Bus Station: ISBT, Imphal Guwahati.

7. Jorebangla Temple | Rajdarbar, Dalmadal Para, Bishnupur

Built-in the 18th century, it is one of the oldest temples in Manipur. It is popular due to its unique structure, which adds to its allure and makes it more divine. The walls are carved with episodes from Ramayana and Mahabharata.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March.
• Temple Timings: 7 am to 7 pm - Everyday.
• How to Reach: Located at Bishnupur, accessible by public bus or private cars.
• Nearby Railway Station: Dimapur.
• Nearby Airport: Bir Tikendrajit International Airport, Imphal.
• Nearby Bus Station: ISBT.

8. Sridhara Temple | Bishnupur

One of the most peaceful places in Manipur is Sridhara temple, which is surrounded by greenery that exudes simplicity and spirituality. The architectural designs depict the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March.
• Temple Timings: 24 hours - Everyday.
• How to Reach: Located in Bishnupur, accessible by public bus or private cars.
• Nearby Railway Station: Dimapur.
• Nearby Airport: Bir Tikendrajit International Airport, Imphal.
• Nearby Bus Station: Imphal Guwahati.

9. Hiyangthang Lairembi Temple | Hiyangthang Mayai Leikai, Hiyangthang town

Dedicated to Goddess Lairembi, it is one of the sacred temples devoted to female deities. The intricate designs and vibrant colour depicts energy and positive vibes among visitors.

• Best Time to Visit: September to February.
• Temple Timings: 5 am to 12 pm in the morning and 4 pm to 9 pm in the evening - Everyday.
• How to Reach: Hiyangthang town, accessible by public bus.
• Nearby Railway Station: Jiribam, Kaimai.
• Nearby Airport: Bir Tikendrajit International Airport, Imphal.
• Nearby Bus Station: Lamka Bus Station, ISBT.

Temples in Manipur not only deliver peace to the hearts of visitors but also exude the richness of the traditional culture Manipur is known for. The state is also well known for its jewellery, a part of which is highly perceivable in the temples.