MP Leishemba Sanajaoba urges Centre to save Manipur’s ancient Vishnu Temple

Imphal: A historic temple in Manipur is rapidly deteriorating due to neglect, poor restoration, water damage, weathering, lightning strikes, seepage, and the lack of consistent upkeep by managing bodies such as the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) or local endowments.

The Vishnu Temple, located in the Bishnupur district, is among the oldest known brick temples in Manipur. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple once housed his idol in the sanctum, although it is no longer present today. The structure is believed to have been built during the reign of King Khyamba (1467–1506 CE).

In this regard, Manipur’s titular king and the state’s lone Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament, Leishemba Sanajaoba, drew public attention to the issue in the Rajya Sabha on Monday.

Calling for the preservation and protection of the historic temple, located about 27 km from Imphal, Sanajaoba raised the matter during Zero Hour in the Upper House.

Built with brick and lime surkhi, the temple showcases a strong Burmese architectural influence and follows a square plan. It features a square garbhagriha and a rectangular porch extending southward. The structure stands on a plinth that rises vertically for ten steps and then recedes in three successive tiers.

He informed the Rajya Sabha that the Vishnu Temple in Bishnupur is one of Manipur’s oldest known brick temples. Constructed during the reign of King Kiyamba (1467–1506 AD), it displays a rare fusion of Meitei, Burmese, and Bengali architectural styles and stands as a significant cultural symbol.

“The temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, was built by King Kiyamba after he received a Vishnu emblem as a gift from a Shan king of Upper Burma,” he said.

He further stated that this ancient temple is a protected monument managed by the ASI under the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India.

“The Vishnu Temple is a crucial cultural and religious site representing Manipur’s early Hindu history and its deep cultural ties with neighbouring regions,” said the BJP MP. He urged the Central Government and ASI to make dedicated efforts to conserve, preserve, and develop the historic site.

The titular king also requested the Centre to appoint a permanent caretaker, a chowkidar, and a gardener to ensure proper maintenance, better visibility for visitors, and to promote the site as a heritage tourism destination.