Titular king of Manipur, Leishemba Sanajaoba, on Wednesday inaugurated a narrative photo gallery "Sanagi Ningshing Sagai" which highlights 19 eminent personalities behind the establishment and development of Sanamahi Temple at the sacred location of Heiying Khongban Uphong Yumpham in Imphal West.
The 19 personalities are Maharaja Kullachandra who inaugurated the Lainingthou Leimarel's Sana Sanglen; former chief minister Yangmaso Shaiza who was the Leingak Mapurel Athouba; Oinam Chaoba Khuman and Heisnam Kumar Mangang who were the Mapari Sathouba Pathou; former chief minister RK Ranbirsana, former deputy chief minister Leishangthem Chandramani, Karam Maipak Meitei, Irom Jatra Meitei, Keisham Narahari (Ibohal) Mangang, Yengkhom Krishna Meitei; Ahanthem Nillamani, Ningombam Ibotomba, Chingsubam Akaba and Irengbam Lukhoi who were the president of Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board; Langpoklakpam Bheigyachandra who had served jail term in movement for Sanamahi religion; Toudam Ibotombi Mangang (Maibarel); Thounaojam Achou Meetei (Athouba) and Ningombam Manikchand who was the vice-president of Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board.
Sanajaoba, who is also the Rajya Sabha MP, also inaugurated the Amaiba Loisang, Amaibi Loisang, Pena and Umanglai Loishang which portray the roles, attires and descriptions of amaiba, amaibi, pena and Umanglai of the Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board (LSTB).
The inauguration is a part of a month-long observance of the Mera Tha (a sacred month of the Meitei lunar calendar).
Newly indulged members of the Ningol Loisang and Piba Loisang, LSTB also took oath during Wednesday's programme. The oath taking ceremony was administered by the titular king.
Sanajaoba said, “It is, indeed, a great privilege to honour the late souls who have given a big contribution in the uplifting and preserving of Sanamahi culture and religion.”
Member secretary of LSTB, M Shivadutta Luwang, in his keynote address, said the “Sanagi Ningshing Sagai” will be open to the public between 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM on all working days.
The function was also attended by MLA L Rameshwor, who is also the PDA chairman, as president and former minister, RV Mingthing, as guest of honour.
