shri-gopinath-temple

Manipur

Shri Gopinath temple

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map

January

1.6 - 25.7 °C

February

3.8 - 28.4 °C

March

7.6 - 31.9 °C

April

12.1 - 33.0 °C

May

15.4 - 33.4 °C

June

19.3 - 33.0 °C

July

20.9 - 32.7 °C

August

20.6 - 33.0 °C

September

18.8 - 32.9 °C

October

13.3 - 32.2 °C

November

6.4 - 29.5 °C

December

2.8 - 25.9 °C


Major Airports :

Bir Tikendrajit International Airport (IMF), Imphal

Nearest Railway Station :

Imphal Railway Station (IMPAL)

Major Airports :

Bir Tikendrajit International Airport (IMF), Imphal

Exploring a milestone of Vaishnavi Hinduism

Amidst the verdant landscapes of Imphal, in the city of Manipur, lies the illustrious Gopinath Temple. Commissioned in the year 1905 by the Maharaja of the era, this architectural marvel is one of the largest and most revered temples in Manipur.

Steeped in legend and infused with divine grace, the origins of the Gopinath Temple trace back to a profound tale of royal benevolence. Legend has it that the Gopinath temple was a gift to the state from the Maharaja of Manipur. The idol of Shri Gopinath was crafted from the heart of a mighty tree trunk and bears witness to the reign of Maharaja Karta. As fate would have it, during a war, the king encountered Keshori, a tribal woman from Ningthoukhong. Their bond blossomed into marriage, and from their union, Prince Puraraj emerged. Under his tender care, the sacred idol found its home first in Konung Leikai, Kwasiphai, and then in Ningthoukhong, where it remains the object of devout worship to this day.


Each year, over ten lakh worshippers, travellers, and seekers of spiritual solace converge upon the hallowed grounds of the Shri Gopinath Temple, drawn by its aura of divine sanctity and historical significance. Whether seeking divine blessings or revelling in the joyous festivities of Holi, Diwali, Janmashtami, or Durga Puja, visitors are enraptured by the temple's ethereal beauty and vibrant spiritual atmosphere.

The gift of King Khe-Khomba

Shri Gopinath Temple was built at a time when Vaishnavi (worshipping Lord Vishnu) Hinduism was growing rapidly in the region. But the reason behind the rise of Vishnu worship can be traced to a tale that began in 1467 A.D. when a king named Kyamba took the throne in Manipur. 

Kyamba had big dreams of expanding his kingdom, so he conquered a neighbouring place called Kyang, a kingdom in the Kabow Valley. He was wise in his relations with neighbouring kingdoms, especially the Pong Kingdom ruled by King Khe-Khomba. They had a strong friendship, thanks to Kyamba's skillful diplomacy. One day, Kyamba and King Khe-Khomba decided to join forces and attack Kyang together. They emerged victorious and celebrated their success with a grand feast, using golden vessels. They even exchanged scholars and servants as a gesture of goodwill.


shri-gopinath-temple
Timings

Opening time - 06:00 AM

Closing time - 08:00 PM

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shri-gopinath-temple

As the story goes, King Khe-Khomba presented Kyamba with a special gift – a statue of the god Vishnu, along with some delicious guava fruits and dal. Kyamba placed the statue in Lumlangdong, and from then on, it became known as Bishnupur, which means "the abode of Vishnu”. This marked the beginning of Vishnu worship in Manipur, and the Shri Gopinath Temple became one of the most significant temples established in that era.

Whether seeking spiritual enlightenment, cultural enrichment, or simply celebrating festivals with gusto; Shri Gopinath Temple will make an indelible mark in your heart forever.

Best time to visit

The ideal months to visit Shri Gopinath Temple are between September and April.