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Shri Govindjee temple of New Palace
This is the main temple of Manipur. It enshrines the
royal deity Shri Govindjee. The temple is situated near the present palace.
It was built by king Churachand. The royal deities were shifted from the
old Govindjee temple of Kangla palace to this temple on its completion.
The surroundings are very suitable for the site of temple. There is a
beautiful Vatica (the temple garden), a lake and a big ground with lofty
trees in the periphery.
The temple structure has been constructed in a palatial form raised on
a square and on sufficiently high pedestal. It is the most magnificent
and biggest temple of Manipur. In front, it has the portico. It can be
considered two celled type, the internal sanctum and the outer jacket
with pradakshna path. The internal cell is partitioned by two septica
walls. The outer cube and the portico cube are constructed in the form
of massive pillars raised at intervals in the arcade system. Above the
arch, the walls goes up to the cornice. Above the cornice is the first
railing covering the terrace above the circumambulatory path. The first
railing is having mini-shrines called salas, one each at the corners.
There is no other superstructure over the portico roof after the first
railing. The sanctum cube are raised up the terrace of the first railing,
right up to the cornice, then the second railing which surrounds the two
domes. Externally the sanctum wall does not show any partition but internally
the partition walls divide it in to three chambers. Then the two multi-arched
domes are raised fro the cornice level /the arches of each dome converge
at the base of the crown. The crown carries the Amalika-sila and then
the kalasa with long pinnacle with the temple flag. Both the dome surfaces
from above are covered with gold plate sheets. The facade is to the east.
The main deity of Govindjee with his consort is placed in the central chamber.
Jagannath, Subhadra and Balarama in the northern chamber and Balarama and Krishna
in the southern chamber. The chambers are nicely spick and span. The
front arcades are provided with curtains. The temple is in Nagra style of Hindu temples.
The architectural maturity and richness
is reflected through the temple structure.
The idol of Lord Govindjee and his
consort are made of the special wood and from the left out wood were made the
idols of Jagannath, Subhadra and Balarama. The idols are decorated with
Muktas on special occasions. Krishna and Balarama idols are made pf plaster and
given charming combination of colours. The temple is the centre of religious activities of Manipur.
It is now
controlled by committee in which some important priests and persons of
the town are members. The morning are punctually performed in strict discipline and in ritualistic manner.
A music party is permanently engaged to perform music
during the prayers. Several special festivals are celebrated in this temple with
particular display of Manipuri dances. This temple maintain the social order in
Manipur valley. |
