Rajarshi Bhagyachandra was born in 1740 and ruled Manipur for forty years from 1759-1761 and 1763-1798.Rajarshi Bhagyachandra was so named as he is said to have received Shri Govindaji 's blessings. It was during the reign of Rajarshi that Hinduism in Manipur had reached its peak.

In Manipur his efforts to strengthen the role of Hinduism as well as to establish a movement that roots in Bhakti and leads to a vibrant culture are not forgotten in the rest of the world.
Rajarshi Bhagyachandra The inventor of the Ras Lila dance : Ningthou Ching-Thang Khomba

The contribution of Rajarshi in Manipurian society through the growth, mentorship and institutionalization of Vaishnavism may not be observable in any manner, but definitely can be seen in Manipur 's spiritual and civilised society. Yet his most significant contribution is to Shree Govindaji 's unparalleled devotion.

What was unlikely had it not been for the legendary dream of Radjarshi who, through his active interest in making the Vaishnavism a part of everyday Manipuri life and culture, had given new direction to the Vaishnavism. In 1776 he founded the Shree Govindaji Temple and inaugurated Radha Krishna 's divine idol and started the adoration of the Lord at the Royal Palace for the first time.In 1779, he performed the Raas Leela, which was eventually accepted as one of India's eight main classical dances.

Dance is widely accepted as the highest form of Spiritual expression and adoration for Shri Govindaji due to the pure devotion through expression in the Raas Leela. The dance style is also a prime example of the smooth fusion of Meitei's previous convictions with the philosophy of Vaishnav. Each step is symbolic and shows Krishna 's life and stories in Vrindavan.

Rajarshi further founded Nat Sankirtana, a crucial form of worship in Manipur, who saw the Vaishnavism aspects of Bhakti as reverence for God. A dynamic mix of rhythmic movements, music and rituals permeates all facets of Manipuri life. up to now.

Nat Sankirtana presents the special features of the Manipuri Vaishnavism in a similar way to Raas Leela. Not only for Manipur but also for Pre Vaishnav Meitei, it is syncretised. In addition, Rajarshi Bhagyachandra founded an official institution known as the "Pala Loishang of Nat Sankirtana" to protect, cultivate and regulate this art through study, organization and regulation.

Today, Nat Sankirtana has become a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Site to raise awareness of the community's heritage and culture. Its inclusion has been declared in 2013 in Baku, Azerbaijan at an eighth UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee session.

It was Rajarshi 's dream that made Vaishnavism not only a state faith but a life-style in Manipur.

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