INDIA, Dec. 9 -- A historic temple in Manipur is rapidly deteriorating due to neglect, poor restoration, water damage, weathering, lightning strikes, seepage, and the lack of consistent upkeep by managing bodies such as the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) or local endowments.

The Vishnu Temple, located in the Bishnupur district, is among the oldest known brick temples in Manipur. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple once housed his idol in the sanctum, although it is no longer present today. The structure is believed to have been built during the reign of King Khyamba (1467-1506 CE).

In this regard, Manipur's titular king and the state's lone Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament, Leishemba Sanajaoba, drew public attention to the issue ...