Revisiting Hindu temples of Bamon Leikai

Revisiting Hindu temples of Bamon Leikai:POSTSCRIPT

noreply@blogger.com (lakshmi mongjam) — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 09:59:00 +0000

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.

Revisiting Hindu temples of Bamon Leikai: Ram Krishna Mandir

noreply@blogger.com (lakshmi mongjam) — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 15:57:00 +0000

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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Revisiting Hindu temples of Bamon Leikai: Shree Shree Radha Damodargi Mandir

noreply@blogger.com (lakshmi mongjam) — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 15:41:00 +0000

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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Revisiting Hindu temples of Bamon Leikai: Shree Shree Jagatbandhu Mandir

noreply@blogger.com (lakshmi mongjam) — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 14:13:00 +0000

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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Revisiting Hindu temples of Bamon Leikai: Shree Shree Gopaldeva Mandir

noreply@blogger.com (lakshmi mongjam) — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 11:59:00 +0000

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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Revisiting Hindu temples of Bamon Leikai: Shree Shree Jagannath Achouba Temple

noreply@blogger.com (lakshmi mongjam) — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 10:53:00 +0000

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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Revisiting Hindu temples of Bamon Leikai: Shree Rasesori Brajabidhu Temple

noreply@blogger.com (lakshmi mongjam) — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 09:17:00 +0000

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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Revisiting Hindu temples of Bamon Leikai: Bhuvaneswori Devi Mandir

noreply@blogger.com (lakshmi mongjam) — Sun, 11 Jun 2017 21:22:00 +0000

Bhuvaneswori Devi Mandir of Brahmapur Phurailatpam Leirak

Bhuvaneswori Puja during Durga Puja festival

Angaang palla performing on Bor-Numit during Durga Puja

Location: Brahmapur Phurailatpam Leirak, Imphal East,Manipur.

Owner of the temple: Kins of the Brahmapur Phurailatpam Sagei or sub-clan.

Deities worshipped: A stone idol of Bhuvaneswori Devi(Goddess Durga),the main deity besides Mahaprabhu, Radha-Krishna and Prabhu Nityananda.

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

Festivals celebrated: Main attraction remains the Devi Puja or the Durga Puja festival observed for the consecutive five days during the month of Mera (seventh month of the lunar calendar).During Puja, acrobatic Devi Dhrummel performance cum competition(type of pung cholom) at the Devi mandap is being held at evening and draw a huge crowd. Sangkirtana nupi palla (female team), nupa palla(male team) and angaang palla (children team) sing Devi-devotional praises daily.On Kwak-Jatra (Dussehra) day, the makeshift Devi idol is immersed in the Imphal River with local music-band performance and thundering fireworks.

Angaang-nupi palla performance on Kwak-Jatra day

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Revisiting Hindu temples of Bamon Leikai: Shri Krishna Temple, Guruaribam

noreply@blogger.com (lakshmi mongjam) — Sun, 11 Jun 2017 17:00:00 +0000

Shri Krishna Temple at Brahmapur Nahabam Guruaribam. Built during the reign of Maharaj Charairongba(1697-1709),this dome-shaped monument and its adjoining site are protected as historical monument under Manipur Ancient & Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act,1976.

Location: Brahmapur Nahabam Guruaribam Leikai, Imphal East, Manipur.
Deities worshipped: Wooden idol of Shri Krishna as the main deity. It was gifted to an ancestor of the Guruaribam sagei from Odisha. Vishnu, Mahaprabhu are among some of the deities worshipped in the temple.
Owner of the temple: Guruaribam sagei,sub-clan of Brahmapur Nahabam.
Daily rituals: Morning bhog arti and evening arti programme observed.

Shri Krishna and other idols worshipped at the temple.

The mandapa or front porch of the temple with the display board.

Festivals celebrated: Snana yatra (bathing festival) on full moon day, Purnima of Enga (3^rd month of Manipuri lunar calendar. Rath-Yatra (Kang Houba),Purna Yatra (Kanglen),Janmasthami etc are some of the festivals held annually. Kang is celebrated for nine days. At evening, children, men and women of the sagei and locality gather to perform Dasavatars Strotum (ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu) from Jayadeva’s Geet Govinda or Joydev at the mandap of the temple. Khichri is being served on a lotus leaf to visitors,day and night for the nine days.
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Revisiting Hindu temples of Bamon Leikai: Shree Shree Madanmohanji Mandir Phuramakhong

noreply@blogger.com (lakshmi mongjam) — Sat, 10 Jun 2017 16:54:00 +0000

Temple of Madan Mohanji at Brahmapur Nahabam Phura Makhong. Maharaj Chandrakirti(1834-1844)built this dome-shaped temple.Protected under the Manipur Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Site and Remains Act,1976.

Shree Shree Madan Mohanji and other idols worshipped at the temple

Located at:Brahmapur Nahabam Phura Makhong,Imphal East,Manipur

Deities worshipped: Wooden idol of Madanmohanji as the main deity.Idols of Radha Krishna were gifted to Eigya Thakur,ancestor of the Labuktongbam Sagei by the then Manipuri king,Chandrakirti Maharaj(1834-1844).It is believed to be carved out of the branch of the jack-tree of Kaina.

Owner of the temple:Labuktongbam Shantikumar Sharma and his family.

Daily rituals: Arti puja performed.

The display board outside the temple.

Festivals celebrated: Jhulon leela (commemorating Radha Krishna love story at Vrindavan) celebrated generally for five days.It is observed from the eleventh day, Ekadasi of Thawantha(5^th month of the lunar calendar) till Purnima,full moon night.
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Revisiting Hindu temples of Bamon Leikai: Shree Shree Chhatchakra Mandir Hanjabam

noreply@blogger.com (lakshmi mongjam) — Sat, 10 Jun 2017 14:50:00 +0000

Shree Shree Chhatchakra Mandir of Hanjabam Sagei

Location: Wangkhei Thangapat Mapan Puritmayum Leirak, Imphal East, Manipur.

Deities worshipped: Idols of Jagannath and Radha Krishna, Nara Singh(common deity of the Hanjabam Sagei) worshipped on an annual rotation basis.

Owner of the temple: Wangkhei Thangapat Mapan Hanjabam Sagei and kins.

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

Main deities worshipped at the temple

Festivals celebrated: Snana Yatra, Rath Yatra and Purna Yatra are the main attractions of the temple.

[Reference: Takhel Ngamba, Hanjabam Sagei Puya,May 1998]

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Revisiting Hindu temples of Bamon Leikai: Shree Shree Radha Madanmohanji Mandir Adhikarimayum

noreply@blogger.com (lakshmi mongjam) — Sat, 10 Jun 2017 11:43:00 +0000

Shree Shree Radha Madanmohanji Mandir estd. 8th July 1984.

Main idols worshipped at the temple

Location: Brahmapur New Thumbuthong Adhikarimayum Leirak, Imphal East.
Owner of the temple: Kins of Adhikarimayum sagei or sub-clan of Adhikarimayum Leirak.
Deities worshipped: Idols of Gopaldeva, Radha Madanmohanji,Shiva,Krishna Baldeva and Bangkabihari Thakur (co-owned deities of Adhikarimayum sagei).
Daily rituals: Morning bhog (food) arti and evening arti observed.

Hari-Uthan Lai-Lengthokpa at night time

Sagei lai-lengba(shifting of Krishna Baldeva idols)

Festivals celebrated: Hari-uthan is the main festival of the Adhikarimayum sagei.On Hiyangei Dwadasi i.e., twelfth day of the eight month in the Hindu lunar calendar,Hari-uthan marks the awakening of the Lord from His royal slumber.Marigold garlands,serving of puffed rice balls, popcorns and khichri signify this festival. Commencing from the day,Shree Hari Sangkirtana is performed for 5 days continuously till Hiyangei full-moon night at the mandap(front porch of the temple). A crowd always gather around the mandapa to sing the hymns of the Kirtanas(devotional narratives of Lord Krishna).Besides Hari-Uthan,Shivaratri,Govardhan Pooja,Janmasthami and Maghasaptami are some of the annual festivals.

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Revisiting Hindu temples of Bamon Leikai: Prelude

noreply@blogger.com (lakshmi mongjam) — Fri, 09 Jun 2017 21:01:00 +0000

Culture is a privilege, a gift of human civilization entrusted to us by our forgone generation. Such is the fabric of culture enwoven into the system of every sane human soul that brings out the uniqueness and individuality that make itself stand out among the crowd of millions of diverse people around the world. Vaishnavism literally translates into the tradition of worshipping Vishnu (Supreme God of the Hindus) as the cardinal deity. In Vaishnavite's doctrine, the Gods Vishnu, Brahma and Maheshwar (Lord Shiva) forms a Hindu Trinity or Trimurti. However, the Manipur Vaishnavas or followers of Vaishnavism worships Krishna-Radha besides Lord Vishnu. Krishna and Radha becomes the dominant form of worship with the passing tradition. Since the 1470's the people of Manipur began worshipping Lord Vishnu under the ruling King Kiyamba(1467-1523) of Manipur.

Brahmapur Holi Dal Joypatra at Shree Shree Govindajee Temple,Palace Compound.

In 1704, King Garibniwaz aka Meidingu Pamheiba(1709-1748) was inducted into Vaishnava tradition and under his rule, Vaishnavism became the state religion. It is believed King Garibniwaz's grandson King Bhagyachandra aka Chingthangkhomba(1763-1798) brought about a wave of Lord Krishna devotion that made the entire state Krishna conscious. It was during his time Rasa Leela or the form of dance depicting love and affection between Lord Krishna and his consort, Radha (Rasesori)during the full-moon night of the Hindu lunar calendar, was introduced. Rasa Leela and Nata Sangkirtana became the important features of religious function.

Among the other regions of Manipur, Brahmapur or Bamon Leikai is one of the locality inhabited by Brahmins as the dominant population. As the name suggests "Land of Brahma"(Brahma is the creator god of the Hindu) nestles in the Imphal East District of Manipur across the Imphal River flowing to the west. The one and only pristine Shree Shree Govindajee Temple at Palace Compound is situated at the neighborhood. Hanuman Thakur Temple,Mahabali (built during Garibniwaz' reign in 1725 AD) stands at the Imphal River bank at Brahmapur Nahabam. Commonly known as "Bamon Leikai" to outsiders, the large locality has a unique and unfading custom of practising rituals and ceremonies associated with Goura Sampradaya, a popular sect or school of Hinduism of Northern India. It is believed and said that this particular sect can be traced to its origin, West Bengal 500 years ago with its founding proponent, Shree Shree Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.With the adoption of Chaitanya Vaishnavism, the life style of Bengali Vaishnava society of 18th century AD gained acceptance to this society as an integral part of Vaishnavic way of life.Since then the lineal traditions have been carrying on.

Reference:Wikipedia,Cheitharol Kumbaba.

How to reach Bamon Leikai?