POSTSCRIPT:Revisiting temples of Bamon Leikai

    The practice of Vaishanava tradition unveils the extensive system of observance of festivals and rituals like Shivaratri,Janmasthami,Akshaya Tritiya(Kalen Tritiya),Phairen Panchamni (Saraswati puja) in all the temples. Every temple worship its own Shal Chakra or Shringam (aniconic representation of God) believed to be the life-force or energy surrounding the different forms of life on earth.
     It is of great interest and wonder,how history unfolds and the quest for learning grows. I would love to shed light on some facts told or recorded by the kins and elders of the respective sageis (sub-clans).  

The naked bronze idols of Radha Krishna was gifted by a Burmese Nepali Brahmin to the ancestor of Aribam Sagei of Brahmapur Aribam Leikai Mandalay Leirak,reportedly during early 18th century AD. A protected art entity under the Antiquities and Art Treasures Rules,1973,Govt of Manipur.

Few years back,the bronze Gopaldev idol on the left is reported to be stolen from the temple.After a mad huntdown,the idol was found at the same place from where it got stolen(as shown above).Though none was arrested in the case.Since then,the temple is strictly closed from public.

This bronze Gopaldeva idol is a protected entity under the Antiquities and Art Treasures Rules,1973,Govt of Manipur.This heavyweight idol belongs to early 18th century and was brought to Manipur from Mandalay,Burma(then) after the Seven Years' Devastation by an ancestor of the Aribam Sagei of Brahmapur Aribam Leikai Mandalay Leirak(same pic shown above)  

According to "Om Jagannath Swami Nayan- Pathgami Bhabtu May" Laipubam Sagei Genealogy written by Shree Laipubam Bhagawatdev Sharma,2005 published.The book tells about the journey of the legendary three deities from Jagannath Khetra,Odissa(then)to Sana Konung(royal palace)of Manipur during Meidingu Charairongba's time (1697-1709).The grand ancestor,Purushottam and his spouse Lakshmipriya were in service of worshipping the deities back then in Khetra.They decided to return to their homeland,Manipur but the old-widowed owner of the idols could not relent to their wish. Repeated epiphanies compelled the couple to fled carrying the idols along with them.An incident has been narrated in the book that Goddess Subhadra idol was found missing during the journey.When it came to the couple's notice,they cried and pleaded God to bring back the Goddess idol.It was a momentary flash of light that brought back the Goddess back to them.They crossed the Kwai river to reach Manipur kingdom.Since then,the deities are worshipped at the temple of the Laipubam Sagei of Brahmapur Laipubam Leikai.

 Sources: Aribam Ghanashyam Sharma,Laipubam Shivananda Sharma.

 References:Laipubam Sagei Genealogy and Cheitharol Kumbaba.

RAM KRISHNA MANDIR: Revisiting temples of Bamon Leikai

Goddess Bhumeshori,the main deity worshipped.

Location: Brahmapur Nahabam Bishnulatpam Leirak. Imphal East, Manipur.

Idols worshipped at the temple.

Deities worshipped:Stone idol Bhumeshori (Goddess Durga),main deity of the Sagei. Idols of Bishnu, Radha Krishna, Balram Krishna, Jagatbandhu and Gopaldev are worshipped at the temple.

Owner of the temple: Bishnulatpam Sagei of Brahmapur Nahabam Bishnulatpam Leirak.

Daily rituals: Morning bhog arti and evening arti programme observed.

Festivals celebrated: Durga Puja for five days and Devi Dhrummel performance at the mandap(congregation hall or front porch) of the temple.

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SHREE SHREE RADHA DAMODARGI MANDIR: Revisiting temples of Bamon Leikai

Shree Shree Radha Damodargi Mandir of Brahmapur Nahabam Bachaspatimayum Leikai.

Idols worshipped at the temple.

Location: Brahmapur Nahabam Bachaspatimayum  Leikai, Imphal East, Manipur.

Deities worshipped: Fourteen number of idols of Gods and Goddesses. Shree Shree Radha Damodar are the original idols of the Bachaspatimayum sagei. Shree Shree Ram Krishna, Shree Shree Jagatbandhu , Shree Shree Nityainanda Achouba, Shree Shree Gourachandra Macha, Nityainanda Macha, Shree Shree Brajamohan Brajamohini and Gopaldeva(all donated or gifted) are the other idols worshipped here.The sagei has been serving for nearly 216 years.

Darshan of Bhagawan Shree Shree Jagatbandhu by devotees on Rath-Yatra.Pic courtesy B.Romesh Sharma.

Owner of the temple: Bachaspatimayum sagei(sub-clan) of Brahmapur Nahabam Bachaspatimayum Leikai.

Daily rituals:Morning Bhog arti and evening arti programme observed.

Festivals celebrated: Snana Yatra, Ratha Yatra and Purna Yatra are the main festivals of the temple. Jayadeva or Joydeb performed every evening during Kang. Khichri is being served to the guests visiting the temple. 

Source:Shree Bachaspatimayum Haridas Sharma.

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SHREE SHREE JAGATBANDHU MANDIR MANDALAY: Revisiting temples of Bamon Leikai

Shree Shree Jagatbandhu Mandir of Brahmapur Aribam Leikai Mandalay Leirak.

Location: Brahmapur Aribam Leikai Mandalay Leirak, Imphal East, Manipur.

Deities worshipped: Naked bronze idol of Gopaldeva brought from Mandalay, then Burma gifted to an ancestor of Aribam Sagei by a Nepali-Burmese Brahmin post Seven Years’ Devastation (1819-1825) period. The place inhabited by the kins of this great  ancestor of Aribam Sagei came to be known as Mandalay Leirak. The wooden idols of Jagatbandhu, Subhadra and Ballabhadra, naked bronze idols of Radha Govinda and Radha Krishna (wood) are worshipped at this temple.

Shree Shree Jagatbandhu Subhadra Ballabhadra worshipped at the temple.

Shree Shree Krishna Radha bronze idols worshipped.Registered under the Antiquities and the Art Treasures Rules,1973,Government of Manipur.  

Owner of the temple: Aribam Sagei(sub clan) of Brahmapur Aribam Leikai Mandalay Leirak, Imphal East.

Shree Shree Gopaldeva and Radha Krishna (wood) idols of the temple.Gopaldeva idol(left side)registered under the Antiquities and Art Treasures Rules,1973,Govt. of Manipur. 

Daily rituals: Morning bhog arti and evening arti programme observed.

Festivals celebrated: Snana Yatra (bathing festival of Lord Jagatbandhu), Rath Yatra and Purna Yatra celebrated annually. Rath Yatra has been observed for more than 110 years from now.

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SHREE SHREE GOPALDEVA MANDIR: Revisiting temples of Bamon Leikai

Shree Shree Gopaldeva Mandir of Aribam Leikai. 

Location: Brahmapur Aribam Leikai, Imphal East, Manipur.

Owner of the temple: Late Adhikarimayum Lal Kanhai Sharma and his family.

Shree Shree Gopaldeva, Radha Krishna worshipped at the temple.

Deities worshipped: 

Gopaldeva and Radha Krishna idols.

Daily rituals: Morning madhur bhog (sweet preparation in the form of kheer) arti observed.

No significant festivals observed.

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SHREE SHREE JAGANNATH ACHOUBA TEMPLE: Revisiting temples of Bamon Leikai

Shree Shree Jagannath Subhadra Ballabhadra and other idols worshipped at the temple.

The majestic temple as seen from New Thumbuthong Bridge. 

Location: Brahmapur Laipubam Leikai, Imphal East, Manipur.

Deities worshipped: Wooden idols of Shree Shree Ballabhadra Subhadra Jagannath are the main deities. The legendary idols were brought to Manipur by Purushottam, ancestor of the Laipubam Sagei from a widow at Jagannath Khetra ( Puri )Odisha, during the reign of `Maharaj Charairongba(1697-1709).

Owner of the temple: Laipubam Sagei(sub clan) and kins of Brahmapur Laipubam Leikai, Imphal East, Manipur.

Daily rituals: Morning bhog arti and evening arti programme observed.

Darshan of Shree Shree Jagannath Subhadra Ballabhadra by devotees on Rath-Yatra.PC. L.Rocky Sharma.

Performance of Joydev at the mandapa during Kang.(PC L.Rocky Sharma)

Laipubam nupi palla sangkirtana performance on Snana Jatra.

Festivals celebrated: Snana Yatra ,the most significant Rath Yatra and Purna Yatra of Jagannath Achouba are celebrated with pomp and grandeur annually. During the nine days of Kang, Dasavatara Strotras (ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu) from Jayadeva’s Geet Govinda are recited at the mandap of the temple. Children, men and women alike joined the recitals and after which Khichri is served to each and everyone present. A large crowd of people is usually seen during these days.

Reference: Om Jagannath Swami Nayan Lakpa Laipubam- Laipubam Sagei lairik

Devotees having Bhagawan Prasadi,Khichri after Joydev.(PC L.Rocky Sharma)

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SHREE RASESORI BRAJABIDHU TEMPLE:Revisiting temples of Bamon Leikai

Shree Shree Jagatbandhu idol (on front) and Shree  Rasesori Brajabidhu(rear) on Snana Yatra,9th July 2017.

Shree Rasesori Brajabidhu and the adjoining mandapa of the temple during Jhulon celebration.Pic courtesy A.Pupu Sharma

Arti programme in process 

• Location: Brahmapur Aribam Leikai Aribam Leirak, Imphal East, Manipur.
• Deities worshipped: Shree Rasesori Brajabidhu (stone idol brought some 200 years ago), Gourachandra, Nityainanda, Gopaldeva and Jagatbandhu, being the common deity of the Aribam Leirak Aribam Sagei.
• Owner of the temple: Aribam Leikai Aribam Leirak Sagei and kins, Brahmapur, Imphal East.
• Daily rituals: Morning bhog arti and evening arti programme observed.
• Festivals celebrated: Jhulon leela, Snana Yatra, Rath Yatra, Purna Yatra and Hari-Uthan are some of the main festivals celebrated annually.

Aribam Jhulon Nupi Palla while performing sangkirtana during a Jhulon evening.Pic courtesy A.Pupu Sharma


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