Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba has urged the Union Government to take swift action to preserve the centuries-old Vishnu Temple in Bishnupur during a Zero Hour intervention in Parliament on Monday.<\/p>\n
Sanajaoba noted that the temple, situated about 27 km from Imphal, stands on state-owned land and remains one of Manipur\u2019s most significant remnants of early religious architecture. Believed to have been constructed during the rule of King Kiyamba (1467\u20131508 AD), the temple features a distinctive Vishnu emblem attributed to the same period, highlighting historical ties with Upper Burma.<\/p>\n
He appealed for the temple to be declared a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), stressing the urgency of its conservation. The brick structure features a corbelled roof, a sanctum roughly 2m x 2m in size, and overall measurements of about 2.10m in height and 1.1m in width. Its design blends Burmese and Bengali architectural influences, showcasing the cultural exchanges of that era.<\/p>\n
The MP also called for the site\u2019s promotion as a tourist destination and recommended assigning a permanent caretaker\u2014such as a chowkidar and gardener\u2014to ensure proper upkeep. Safeguarding the Vishnu Temple, he said, is essential for preserving Manipur\u2019s Hindu heritage and reinforcing its cultural legacy.<\/p>\n
Sanajaoba concluded by urging the Government of India and the ASI to undertake immediate restoration and maintenance efforts to protect the monument for future generations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"