Rajya Sabha MP Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba on Monday raised the need for urgent preservation of the historic Vishnu Temple located about 27 km from Imphal in Bishnupur district, urging the Government of India during Zero Hour to take necessary steps for the protection and promotion of the structure.
Maharaja Sanajaoba informed the House that the ancient brick temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, built during the reign of King Kiyamba (1467–1508 AD), is among the earliest temples of Manipur and also one of its few ASI-listed protected monuments.
He highlighted that the temple’s architectural style reflects a distinctive blend, with a 2×2-metre sanctum, a height of 2.10 metres, a base measuring 1.1 metres, and a corbelled roof.
The MP stressed that the temple stands as a significant testimony to Manipur’s early Hindu history and its deep cultural ties with neighbouring regions.
Maharaja Sanajaoba urged the Centre to appoint a permanent caretaker, a chowkidar, and a gardener to ensure proper maintenance, continuous visibility for visitors, and to promote the site as a heritage tourism destination.
