Kaina

 

Kaina (also spelt Koina) is a famous religious centre of Manipur. It is a hillock elevated to a height of 921 m above sea level. It is located only 29 km from Imphal, the capital city of Manipur. It is a peaceful place gifted with a picturesque location.

There is a beautiful Shri Govindaji temple nestled on this hillock whose foundation was laid by the Maharaja Jai Singh who had deep faith in Shri Govindaji. The shrine is carved out in a jack fruit tree. The legend goes that one night Lord Govindaji appeared in the dream of the Maharaja and asked him to build a shrine dedicated to him. It was to be carved out of jack fruit tree which was then growing at Kaina.

The central chamber of the sanctum sanctorum has images of Govindaji with Radha carved out of special wood. In the adjoining Northern chamber are installed the images of Jagannath, Subhadra and Balabhadra which are carved out of the remaining special wood.  The Southern chamber has images of Balabhadra and Krishna made of Plaster of Paris in colourful shades. The front of the sanctum has an arcade covered with a curtain. The images are covered with crowns or Mukuts on special festival days.

An ethnic group of Manipur known as the Meithis are ardent devotees of the Lord of this temple.

Janmashtami festival and Rath Yatra or Kang during June-July are the most important festivals celebrated in the temple. During Kartik Purnima, Basant Purnima and Holi (Halangkar), Ras Lila dances are held in great enthusiasm in the temple precincts.

Source:

http://www.incredible-northeastindia.com/manipur/kaina.html

http://www.indianscriptures.com/sacred-places/temples/temples-of-manipur

http://kangleipakima.blogspot.in/2012/08/manipur-tourist-place-kaina.html

 

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