Another important place of worship of the Meitei community residing in Manipur is the “Hiyangthang Lairembi Temple Complex” that always invokes a feeling of spirituality in its devotees. All travelers in Imphal long to visit the sprawling precincts of this delightful temple. The temple is actually built by perching on a tiny hillock. “The Hiyangthang Temple” is the home of the Goddess “Hiyangthang Lairembi”. It is situated at Hiyangthang, Langthabal Kendra under Imphal East District which is a few kilometers away from the heart of Imphal city. This temple remains as a place to explore great serenity and tranquillity personified.
Being a temple perched on a small hillock and dedicated to the Goddess Hiyangthang Lairembi, this temple is a must visit place for all travelers on a tour of Imphal. The place is so filled in peace that it would invoke you a sense of pleasure and spirituality after you visit the temple. So, once you reach the entry gate you find the Majestic steps leading you to the temple from where you can have a panoramic view of the Imphal and its surrounding areas.
The temple faces to the eastwards with three rectangular doors of the same size, where resides the idols of the Goddess Hiyangthang. The seven store grand structure of the mandir is really heart captivating when you stand watching the enchanting beauty of the complex. On the ground floor, there are several pillars in blue which adds to the charm of the architecture of the complex. The complex is built in white tiles all over the floors, colored in white, brick-red and windows of deep blue glasses on each external walls of the stores.
Just facing to the front of the mandir, there is a large “Mandapa” for accommodation of thousand devotees. The mandapa is built in simple brown cement on the floor. One can also find statues of different tigers inside the temple complex when you explore all corners of the temple. Other sites inside the temple includes the –“Imagi Chaithafam”(area for washing the Goddess), ‘Prasad fangfam” ( area for eating Prasads), ‘Khut hamfam” (area for washing Hands). Besides these there is also a very large and tall structure of brick-red coloured, where a big ringing bell is fixed in the centre. Many devotees come to worship the ‘Hiyangthang Lairembi’ at all times of the year to seek blessings and also to obtain serenity. It is at this time when all devotees ring the holy bell by holding the hanging rope from the bottom of the structure. The temple is open on all days of the week and any devotee can come during morning and evening time of the day. The visiting time is open from 5.00 to 12.00 p.m. and from 4.00 to 9.00 p.m. The entry is almost free and you are all welcomed by the majestic steps, which is always ready to lead you towards the Goddess at the complex.
The most important occasion organized at the “Hiyangthang Lairembi Temple Complex” is the “Bor Khurumba”. Many devotees come to attend at this time of the year to worship the Goddess and also to enjoy the panoramic view of the Imphal city with its scenic environments. It is at this time that many people rush from early morning to offer flowers and fresh fruits to the Goddess and come to get blessings from the temple. The highly religious place is thronged by thousands of devotees and tourists during the “Bor festival”. Due to over loaded crowd at the place, many cops are on duty to control and managed the traffic in the “Hiyangthang Temple Complex”.
So, the “Hiyangthang temple complex” is a perfect destination for a great time with all your dear ones. Imphal is not just the place for sightseeing, but it also enables you to steal a self-indulgent moment for yourself as well. Next time you visit Manipur, come and enjoy the attractions of this popular tourist spot. And yes, for all visitors’ I remind you not to forget your camera to capture special moments at the “Hiyangthang Lairembi Temple”. I bet, this sacred place would fill your heart with special memories when you go back home.
You can easily reach the Hiyangthang Temple by traveling through the “Mayai Lambi Road” and the Hiyangthang road, either by passenger auto or by private vehicles. So, relax yourself and chill the gift of life. Come and explore the unique excellent work of the architects used in designing this adorable temple. Yes, don’t waste your holidays sitting idle at home because you people are gonna love it for sure.
"Connecting Your Soul To The Sacred" 