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.