On Wednesday, 16th March, 2022 (13th day of the month of Lamta, as per Meetei Calendar), a newly built shrine of ‘Ima Panthoibi’ was dedicated at the campus of the Ramakrishna Mission School, Uripok, with due observation of all indigenous customary rituals & traditions associated with such ceremonies.
The temple dedication ceremony was conducted from 8:00 am to 10:00 am by Maichou Maibam Athouba Khuman under the overall guidance of Maichou Keithellakpam Chaobi Mangang. ‘Maichou’ is a honorary title given to senior priests associated with indigenous rituals & practices followed by Meitei community.
More than 100 people, including the Management Committee members, the school staff and the representatives of local clubs & Meira Paibi organisations of the adjoining Leikais (colonies) attended the dedication ceremony.
One of the main teachings of Sri Ramakrishna was, “As many faiths, so many paths”. “God has made different religions to suit different aspirants, lives and countries … all doctrines are only so many paths; but a path is by no means God Himself. Indeed, one can reach God if one follows any of the paths with whole-hearted devotion.” God is Infinite and infinite are ways to worship the Divine.
Thus, the Mission upholds & respects, with highest esteem, all the cultural & traditional practices & customs associated with the local populace, wherever its branch centre is located.
Some of the images of the dedication ceremony are given below:
