Hanuman Thakur Temple

History

District tourism notes a later cement coating over the brick structure and that the mandapa partially shadows the main temple profile, preserving a rare Bengal hut-type form in the valley.

The official page states that after Garib Niwaj’s death the Ramanandi cult vanished from Manipur, leaving this temple as key evidence in the region’s religious history.

Stories

A Brick Temple of 1725

The Imphal East district administration records that the Hanuman Thakur temple was built of brick in 1725 by King Garib Niwaz. It stands on the bank of the Imphal river among the groves of the Mahabali forest, and is described as the only temple built during his reign. It is a hut-type temple in the Bengal style, with a mandapa in front that partly shadows the main shrine. The whole structure was later given a coating of cement.

The Short Reign of the Ramanandi Faith

Garib Niwaz, who ruled Manipur from about 1709 to 1748, made Hinduism the state religion in 1717 and in 1724 changed the kingdom's name from Kangleipak to the Sanskrit Manipur. The Hanuman Thakur temple recalls the spread of the Ramanandi sect in this period. According to the district administration, the Ramanandi cult vanished from Manipur after his death. The temple is therefore treated as important evidence in the state's religious history.

Good to know

1725 CE brick temple attributed to Garib Niwaj on district tourism

Ramanandi heritage in hut-type Bengal style

Riverside Mahabali forest setting within Imphal

Getting there

Nearest airport: Imphal (Tulihal). Nearest railhead: Dimapur. Located at the heart of Imphal per district tourism.