Manipur: Devotees throng Hiyangthang Lairembi Temple for ‘Bor Puja’ in Imphal

Since early morning, devotees gathered outside the temple complex waiting for their turn to get inside where Sandhi Puja of the Mera lunar month of the Manipuri calendar was offered at the temple itself. Speaking to reporters about the festival, a devotee said, “Today on this auspicious day of ‘Bor’ in Manipur, we feel really good and peaceful after visiting this famous temple of our goddess. This year, the crowd is not as much as it was last year, but the devotees are really happy and excited to visit the temple.”

“The devotees here comprise of very young children to old people. We see they are all feeling blessed after the temple visit. At this time in Manipur, I think such an auspicious day will definitely bring positivity to our minds and peace in our hearts. All the people, including myself, have prayed for peace in the state,” she added.

The devotees believe that their wishes would be fulfilled if they get the chance to attend the Puja, commonly known as “Bor”.

The Hiyangthang Lairembi Temple is an ancient temple of Goddess Hiyangthang Lairembi (also known as Irai Leima) of the Meitei community.The sacred building is situated on the hilltop of Heibok Ching in the Hiyangthang, Manipur. Devotees throng the holy site during the festival time of Lai Haraoba of Sanamahism as well as Durga Puja of Hinduism.

Worshippers believe that Goddess Hiyangthang Lairembi (alias Irai Leima) fulfils one’s wish if asked for a blessing on the “boon day” at the right time.The boon day (Bor Numit) coincides with the third day of the Hindu festival Durga Puja.