The Sanamahi Temple in Imphal stands as a testament to the enduring spiritual traditions of the Meitei people and their complex relationship with power and faith during the tumultuous Ahom period. While its precise origins remain shrouded in the mists of time, with oral traditions intertwining with fragmented written records, the temple’s documented history begins to solidify during the reign of Meitei King Kyamba (1485-1515 AD). He is credited with formalizing the worship of Sanamahi, a pre-existing deity in the Meitei pantheon, elevating him to a prominent position alongside other important gods like Lainingthou Sanamahi and Imoinu. This act of royal patronage laid the foundation for the temple's future significance.

The 16th and 17th centuries witnessed the consolidation of Meitei power under a succession of kings who continued to support the Sanamahi faith. King Mungyamba (1562-1597) is particularly noteworthy for his efforts in standardizing religious practices, which likely impacted the rituals performed at the Sanamahi Temple. However, it was during the reign of King Charairongba (1697-1709) that a significant shift occurred. Influenced by his Brahmin advisors, Charairongba embraced Hinduism, specifically the Gaudiya Vaishnavism branch. This led to a period of religious upheaval in the kingdom. While Charairongba initially attempted to synthesize Hinduism with the indigenous Meitei faith, later rulers, particularly Pamheiba (Garib Niwaz, 1709-1748), pursued a more aggressive policy of Hinduization.

Pamheiba’s reign marks a critical juncture in the history of the Sanamahi Temple. His forceful imposition of Vaishnavism resulted in the destruction of many traditional Meitei shrines and the suppression of indigenous religious practices. Sacred texts were burned, priests were persecuted, and the worship of Sanamahi and other traditional deities was driven underground. The Sanamahi Temple itself likely suffered damage or neglect during this period, its prominence diminished by the ascendance of Vaishnava temples. This era of religious persecution deeply impacted the Meitei cultural landscape and forced the Sanamahi faith to adapt and survive in secrecy.

Despite the suppression, the embers of the Sanamahi tradition continued to glow amongst the Meitei people. The resilience of the faith is evident in its survival through oral traditions, clandestine rituals, and the preservation of sacred objects within families. While the Ahom kingdom, to Manipur's west, was experiencing its own internal struggles and facing external pressures from the Burmese, the Meitei kingdom remained under the sway of Vaishnavism for several generations. The Ahom period, though not directly responsible for the temple's construction, provided the backdrop against which the Sanamahi faith, and by extension the temple's significance, was tested and ultimately preserved.

The late 18th and early 19th centuries saw a resurgence of Meitei nationalism and a renewed interest in the indigenous faith. With the decline of the Ningthouja dynasty and the rise of British influence, space opened for the re-emergence of suppressed traditions. The Sanamahi Temple, though likely altered from its original form, became a focal point for this revival. Its reconstruction and the resumption of open worship symbolized the enduring spirit of the Meitei people and their connection to their ancestral beliefs.

The Sanamahi Temple, therefore, stands as more than just a religious structure. It is a living embodiment of the Meitei people’s spiritual journey, a testament to their resilience in the face of religious persecution, and a symbol of their cultural identity. Its history, intertwined with the rise and fall of dynasties and the complex interplay of religious and political forces during the Ahom period and beyond, offers a unique window into the rich tapestry of Manipur’s past. The temple’s continued existence serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring power of faith and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.