The origins of the Mahabali Temple date back to the early 18th century. It was officially constructed in the year 1725 AD by the powerful and visionary Manipuri King Garib Niwaj, who was also historically known as Pamheiba. King Garib Niwaj played an instrumental role in popularizing and institutionalizing Vaishnavism within the Kingdom of Manipur, having been heavily influenced by the teachings of Shantidas Goswami, an ascetic Ramanandi preacher who arrived from Sylhet.
The construction of this temple marked a pivotal shift in the religious and cultural landscape of the kingdom, aligning it with broader subcontinental Hindu traditions while retaining a distinctly Manipuri flavor. It remains the only temple in Manipur dedicated exclusively to Lord Hanuman originating from that medieval era. Recognizing its immense historical and architectural value, the shrine is meticulously preserved as a protected historical monument by the State Archaeology Department of Manipur.
