Sanamahism Sanamahism , also known as Meiteism , or Lainingthouism is an ethnic religion of the Meitei people of Manipur, in Northeast India. It is a polytheistic religion and is named after Lainingthou Sanamahi, one of the most important deities of ...

is the indigenous religion of the

Meitei people The Meitei people, also known as Meetei people,P.20: "historically, academically and conventionally Manipuri prominently refers to the Meetei people."P.24: "For the Meeteis, Manipuris comprise Meeteis, Lois, Kukis, Nagas and Pangal." are a Ti ...

. It originated in the Kingdom of

Kangleipak Kangleipak was an ancient, lesser known civilisation, consisting of the modern day Manipur, India which is still known to some residents as Kangleipak, and other neighbouring regions. The Kangla served as the foremost capital city of this real ...

, and is still practiced in modern

Manipur Manipur () is a state in northeastern India with Imphal as its capital. It borders the Indian states of Assam to the west, Mizoram to the south, and Nagaland to the north and shares the international border with Myanmar, specifically t ...

, India, distinct from both the

Indosphere Indosphere is a term used for areas of Indian subcontinent, Indian linguistic influence in the neighboring Southern Asian, Southeast Asian, and East Asian regions. It is commonly used in areal linguistics in contrast with the Sinophone languages ...

and the

Sinosphere The Sinosphere, also known as the Chinese cultural sphere, East Asian cultural sphere, or the Sinic world, encompasses multiple countries in East Asia and Southeast Asia that were historically heavily influenced by Chinese culture. The Sinosph ...

. Sanamahism is a

polytheistic Polytheism is the belief in or worship of more than one Deity, god. According to Oxford Reference, it is not easy to count gods, and so not always obvious whether an apparently polytheistic religion, such as Chinese folk religions, is really so, ...

religion with thousands of

god In monotheistic belief systems, God is usually viewed as the supreme being, creator, and principal object of faith. In polytheistic belief systems, a god is "a spirit or being believed to have created, or for controlling some part of the un ...

s and

goddess A goddess is a female deity. In some faiths, a sacred female figure holds a central place in religious prayer and worship. For example, Shaktism (one of the three major Hinduism, Hindu sects), holds that the ultimate deity, the source of all re ...

es of varying power, quality, features, and character.

Principle deities

There are five main deities in Sanamahism: *

Atingkok Maru Sidaba Sidaba Mapu or Salailel is the Supreme god, creator of Universe and the Sky God in Sanamahism, the indigenous religion of Manipur. According to Meitei mythology, Sidaba Mapu, being the Creator of the Universe, from a philosophical theory know ...

creator Creator or The Creator may refer to: Film and television * ''Creator'' (film), a 1985 film starring Peter O'Toole, Vincent Spano, Mariel Hemingway, and Virginia Madsen * ''The Creator'' (1999 film), a French film written and directed by and sta ...

of the universe. *

Lainingthou Sanamahi Lainingthou Sanamahee (Meetei: ꯂꯥꯏꯅꯤꯡꯊꯧ ꯁꯥꯅꯥꯃꯍꯤ) is the Supreme Guardian God of mankind and the supreme deity of the household in Meetei religion and mythology. He originated from the ancient kingdom of Kangleipak ...

, protector and guardian of mankind. * Pakhangba , dragon god, ruler of the universe and destroyer of evil. A son of Salailen and

Leimarel Sidabi Leimarel Sidabi or Leimalel Sitapi is a goddess in Sanamahism, the indigenous religion of Manipur. She is the highest female divinity in the Meitei pantheon. She is the goddess of earth, of nature and the household. She is revered as the mothe ...

. *

, principle goddess of earth, nature and household. Mother of all living beings. Consort of

Salailen Sidaba Mapu or Salailel is the Supreme god, creator of Universe and the Sky God in Sanamahism, the indigenous religion of Manipur. According to Meitei mythology, Sidaba Mapu, being the Creator of the Universe, from a philosophical theory know ...

and the mother of Pakhangba. *

Imoinu Imoinu or Emoinu () is a goddess associated with household, hearth, family, fireplace, kitchen, wealth, peace and prosperity in Meitei mythology and religion of Ancient Kangleipak (Antique Manipur). She is frequently associated with Leimare ...

, an incarnation of Leimarel, Goddess of household, hearth, family, kitchen, wealth, peace and prosperity.

Guardians of the Directions

, there are ten directions, for which there are ten deities who are the protectors and the guardians.

Incarnations of Leimarel Sidibi

, the supreme goddess has incarnated several times in various forms with diverse attributes. *Hikubi Yaikubi , Goddess of gems. *

Irai Leima Irai Leima is a goddess in Sanamahism, the indigenous religion of Manipur. She is the goddess and the divine female personification of water and aquatic life. She is the consort of Irai Ningthou (literally, ''king of water''). Both are regarded ...

, Goddess of water, daughter of Salailen, the sky God, who sent her down to earth to bring prosperity to human civilization. *

Panthoibi Panthoibi (, ), also known as , is a goddess associated with civilization, courage, fertility, handicraft, love, victory, warfare and wisdom in the mythology and religion of Ancient Kangleipak (early Manipur). She is a consort of the God Non ...

Goddess of civilization, courage, fertility, handicraft, love, victory, warfare and wisdom. A consort of God

Nongpok Ningthou Nongpok Ningthou , also known as the Sovereign of the East or King of the East, is a deity in Sanamahism, the indigenous religion of Manipur. He is the ruling guardian deity of the eastern direction. Legend says Nongpok Ningthou and his consor ...

. *

Ngaleima Ngareima is the goddess of fish and aquatic life in Sanamahism, the indigenous religion of Manipur. She is a sister (or friend) of the goddesses, Phouoibi, Thumleima and Ereima. Myths Menstrual blood, hay, rice stalks, hentak (edible fish ...

, Goddess of fish and dweller in the underwater world. A daughter of Salailen, who sent her to earth to bring prosperity to humanity. *

Nongthang Leima In Meitei mythology and religion, Nongthang Leima () is the goddess of seduction, thunder, and lightning. She was created by Atingkok (or Salailen) to attract Haraba (Pakhangba). She mastered thunder and lightning in the chaos in the early ...

, Goddess of enchantment, seduction, thunder, and lightning. Created from the dazzling eyes of Salailen to seduce Pakhangba. *

Phouoibi Phouoibi or Phouleima is the goddess and the female personification of the agriculture, crops, fertility, grains, harvest, paddy, rice and wealth in Meitei mythology and religion of Ancient Kangleipak (early Manipur). She is the lover of A ...

, Goddess of agriculture, crops, fertility, grains, rice, harvests, and wealth. A daughter of Salailen sent to earth to bring prosperity. * Pithai Khongdaibi , Goddess of motherhood. * Silreima , Goddess of work and occupation. *

Thumleima Noinu Thumleima ( Meitei pronunciation: ''nói.nu tʰum.lə́i.mə'') or Thumkhong Lairembi () is the Meitei goddess of salt. About Thumleima (), the Goddess of salt is also known as Thumkhong Lairembi () She is a sister (or sometimes fr ...

, Goddess of

salt In common usage, salt is a mineral composed primarily of sodium chloride (NaCl). When used in food, especially in granulated form, it is more formally called table salt. In the form of a natural crystalline mineral, salt is also known as r ...

; a daughter of

. *

Yumjao Leima Yumjao Leima () or Yumjao Lairembi () or Yumjao Lairemma () is the mother goddess of house, household, royalty, rule and power in Meitei mythology and religion. She is designated as the all time ruling Queen Mother. Legend says she assumes a h ...

, mother goddess of house, household, royalty, and power.

Apokpa (ancestral deities)

The ancestral deities of every families and clans were called Apokpa. They are worshipped by their respective families (

Yumnak Yumnak is a family name (Sagei) In the Meetei society, and they speak Meetei Language. The name Yamunak as Pronounced "yoom-naak". Ethnic ''yumnaks'' are used in the Meetei /Meitei community including the Meitei Pangal and Meitei Bamon (Mani ...

) and clans (Yek Salai). *

Khuman Pokpa Khuman Pokpa or is the Apokpa, or ancestor god of the Khuman clan. He is regarded as the founder of the Khuman dynasty. He is one of the three members of the Mangang Luwang Khuman in Meitei mythology and religion. He represents the time of ...

* Pureiromba

Celestial gods

According to the ''Khenchonglol'' the Sun, Moon, seven planets, and are twenty seven stars which are referred to as deities *Nongmaiching (Sun) *Ningthoukaba (Moon) * Leipakpokpa (Mars) * Yumsakeisa (Mercury) * Sagolsen (Jupiter) * Irai (Venus) * Thangja (Saturn) * Shakok (Uranus) * Shamei (Neptune) * Sajik (

Arietis Aries is one of the constellations of the zodiac. It is located in the Northern celestial hemisphere between Pisces to the west and Taurus to the east. The name Aries is Latin for ram. Its traditional astrological symbol is (♈︎). It is on ...

) * Thaba (

Musca is a small constellation in the deep southern sky. It was one of 12 constellations created by Petrus Plancius from the observations of Pieter Dirkszoon Keyser and Frederick de Houtman, and it first appeared on a celestial globe in diameter p ...

) * Khongjom Nubi (

Pleiades The Pleiades (), also known as Seven Sisters and Messier 45 (M45), is an Asterism (astronomy), asterism of an open cluster, open star cluster containing young Stellar classification#Class B, B-type stars in the northwest of the constellation Tau ...

) * Apaknga (Lunar mansions) * Sachung Telheiba ( A Orionis) * Likla Saphaba (Orion) * Chingcharoibi ( G Geminorum) * Chungshennubi (

Cancer Cancer is a group of diseases involving Cell growth#Disorders, abnormal cell growth with the potential to Invasion (cancer), invade or Metastasis, spread to other parts of the body. These contrast with benign tumors, which do not spread. Po ...

) In

Meitei mythology Meitei mythology (or Manipuri mythology) () is a collection of myths, belonging to the religious and cultural traditions of the Meitei people, the predominant ethnic group of Manipur. It is associated with traditional Meitei religion of Sanam ...

, there are seven celestial goddesses, the ''Lai Nuraa Tare'' , the creation of the Lord

and seven nymphs or '' helloi taret'', who are the daughters of the

Salailen Sidaba Sidaba Mapu or Salailel is the Supreme god, creator of Universe and the Sky God in Sanamahism, the indigenous religion of Manipur. According to Meitei mythology, Sidaba Mapu, being the Creator of the Universe, from a philosophical theory know ...

Gods of the Underworld

Laikhurembi Laikhurembi is a goddess in Sanamahism, the indigenous religion of Manipur. She is the goddess of justice, good counsel, divine law, order and secrecy.Folk Culture of Manipur - Page 194 - Moirangthem Kirti Singh · 1993 She is the chief Queen ...

, Goddess of argument, justice, good counsel, divine law, order, retribution and secrecy. Queen of the Underworld kingdom and a consort of God

Thongalen Thongalen (also, Thongalel, Thongaren or Thongarel) is the god of the dead and the king of the underworld in Meitei mythology and Sanamahism, the indigenous religion of Manipur. He is the Guardian God of the nadir.. He is the ancestor-god ...

. *

Lainaotabi Leima Lainaotabi is a goddess in Sanamahism, the indigenous religion of Manipur. She is the youngest wife of God Thongalel of the underworld kingdom (). Thongalel sent her to be the wife of Poireiton, her brother-in-law. Lainaotabi gave bir ...

, Goddess of weaving, magic, and witchcraft, a consort of God

and later a concubine of

Poireiton Chingkhong Poireiton is a prince of the Khamnung (underworld kingdom) and a younger brother of Thongaren, the god of death in Meitei mythology and Sanamahism, the indigenous religion of Manipur. He is best known as a cultural hero ...

. *

Thongak Lairembi Thongak Lairembi, is a divine female personification of the death who guards the door of the entrance to the underworld. Description Thongak Lairembi (), also known as Langol Lairemma (), is a goddess in Sanamahism, the indigenous religion of ...

, gatekeeper of the Underworld Kingdom and consort of

. *

, King of the Underworld and the God of Death.

Umang Lai

There are more than 365 forest deities or ''Umang Lai'' in

. They are always associated with a

sacred grove Sacred groves, sacred woods, or sacred forests are groves of trees that have special religious importance within a particular culture. Sacred groves feature in various cultures throughout the world. These are forest areas that are, for the most ...

. The term ''Umang Lai'' is also used to refer to the sacred abodes of the deities. * Nongshaba , Lion God who protects humanity from evils. A son of Salailen. *

Konthoujam Tampha Lairembi Konthoujam Tampha Lairembi or Chingphuron Konthousu () is a goddess in Sanamahism, the indigenous religion of Manipur. She was formerly a mortal being belonging to the Haorok Konthou clan (Konthoujam clan). Mythology Konthoujamba and Kont ...

, Queen of Heaven. *

Mongba Hanba Mongba Hanba is a forest god in Sanamahism, the indigenous religion of Manipur. He is mainly worshipped in the sacred forest Mongba Hanba Umang on the banks of the Imphal River. History On Saturday, the 16th day of the Meitei lunar month ...

, a forest God associated with healing. * Haoreima , Goddess of tragic love and separation, disease, souls and spirits. * Ichum Lairembi , presiding goddess of the

Khurkhul Khurkhul is a village in the Imphal West district in Manipur, India. It is located north of Lamphelpat and from the state capital Imphal Imphal (; , ) is the capital city of the Indian state of Manipur. The metropolitan centre of the ci ...

region. *

Koujeng Leima Koujeng Leima is a goddess in Sanamahism, the indigenous religion of Manipur. She is a wife of God Koupalu. She was a tribal woman, but later worshipped by the Meiteis as a goddess. She is one of the nine goddesses (laibenthous) who particip ...

, a consort of God

Koupalu Koupalu is a primordial deity in Sanamahism. He is the protector of the Meiteis, guardian of the North West direction and the founder of Meitei civilization. He lives on the summit of Mount Koubru. Description Koupalu (or Koubru) is a pr ...

and one of the nine goddesses who participated in the festival of

Thangjing Thangching or Thangjing is a primordial deity in Sanamahism, the indigenous religion of Manipur. He is the ruling deity of the Moirang dynasty. He rules supreme on the banks of the landlocked sea, Loktak lake. He is one of the four cardinal U ...

. *

Nungthel Leima Nungthel Leima is a goddess in Meitei mythology and religion. She is an adopted daughter of the God Koubru and Goddess Kounu.Session, North East India History Association (1995). Proceedings of North East India History Association. The Associ ...

, Goddess of the first villager, daughter of

and

Kounu Kounu is a goddess in Meitei mythology and Sanamahism, the indigenous religion of Manipur. She is a consort of the god Koupalu. She is the guardian of the northern direction. Kounu has two homes. Her main home is on Mount Kounu. Her other hom ...

. *

Taoroinai Taoroinai is a snake-like dragon in Meitei mythology and Sanamahism, the indigenous religion of Manipur.History of Modern Manipur, 1826–1949 - Page 190 - Lal Dena · 1991North East India History Association. Session (1989). Proceedings of Nor ...

, serpentine dragon god from the

Moon The Moon is Earth's only natural satellite. It Orbit of the Moon, orbits around Earth at Lunar distance, an average distance of (; about 30 times Earth diameter, Earth's diameter). The Moon rotation, rotates, with a rotation period (lunar ...

Craft deities

, Goddess of weaving, magic, and witchcraft, a consort of God

and later a concubine of

. * Pisatao , God of architecture, artisans, forges, handicrafts, and metallurgy. *

Khamlangba Khamlangba is a deity in Sanamahism, the indigenous religion of Manipur. He is the God of iron, mining, metallurgy, steel manufacturing, hunting and war. His occupation is the extraction of the iron ores and the manufacture of steel. The ''K ...

, God of iron, mining, metallurgy, hunting, and war.

Bird and animal goddesses

Nganu Leima Nganu Leima is the goddess of ducks and waterfowl in Sanamahism, the indigenous religion of Manipur. She is a sister of goddesses Khunu Leima and Shapi Leima. Legend says that all three sisters married to the same mortal man. Description ...

, Goddess of waterfowl. *

Khunu Leima Khunu Leima or Khunureima is the goddess of pigeons and doves in Sanamahism' the indigenous religion of Manipur. She is a sister of goddesses Nganu Leima and Shapi Leima. Legend says that all three sisters married the same mortal man. De ...

, Goddess of

pigeons Columbidae is a bird family consisting of doves and pigeons. It is the only family in the order Columbiformes. These are stout-bodied birds with small heads, relatively short necks and slender bills that in some species feature fleshy ceres. ...

and

doves Columbidae is a bird family consisting of doves and pigeons. It is the only family in the order Columbiformes. These are stout-bodied birds with small heads, relatively short necks and slender bills that in some species feature fleshy ceres. ...

. *

Shapi Leima Shapi Leima (Shabi Leima) or Sapi Leima (Sabi Leima) is the goddess of rodents in Meitei mythology and religion. She is a sister of goddesses Khunu Leima and Nganu Leima. Legend says that all three sisters married the same mortal man. Descr ...

, Goddess of

rodents Rodents (from Latin , 'to gnaw') are mammals of the order Rodentia ( ), which are characterized by a single pair of continuously growing incisors in each of the upper and lower jaws. About 40% of all mammal species are rodents. They are n ...

Agricultural deities

Panam Ningthou Panam Ningthou is a God in Sanamahism, the indigenous religion of Manipur. He is the protector of crops, especially rice, from hailstorms and thunder. According to legends, He ignited the first fire with flint.Constantine, R. (1981). Manipur, ...

, igniter of the first fire and the divine protector of crops (especially rice) from hailstorms and thunder. *

Phou Ningthou Phou Ningthou is a deity in Sanamahism, the indigenous religion of Manipur). He is the God and the divine male personification of the agriculture, crops, fertility, grains, harvesting, rice paddies, rice and wealth. He is the consort of Phouo ...

, god of agriculture, crops, fertility, grains, rice, and harvests. * Pureiromba , giver of rain and agricultural prosperity, ancestral deity of the

Angom Angom () is a group of people, which is recognized as one of the seven Yek Salai clans of the composite Meitei confederacy. It consists of several Yumnaks, which belong to the native people of ancient Kangleipak (present day Manipur state o ...

clan. *

, Goddess of agriculture, crops, fertility, grains, rice, harvests, and wealth.

Lake and river goddesses

There are various Lake and river guardian goddesses. *

Loktak Ima Loktak Ima (), also known as Loktak Lairembi (), is the personification of the Loktak lake, who is revered by the Meitei people as the mother goddess of the sacred waters of the Loktak lake. She is highly respected and venerated by the fisherme ...

of Loktak Lake * Pumlenpat Lairembi of Pumlenpat Lake * Thongjarok Lairembi of Thongjaorok River * Iril Lairembi of Iril River * Imphal Turel Lairembi of

Imphal River The Imphal River (), also known as the Turel Achouba, is a major river in Manipur state, northeastern India which originates from the northern side of Kangpokpi district. It is a tributary of the Manipur River, joining it in Thoubal district. ...

* Kongba Turel Lairembi of Kongba River

Market goddesses

People worshipped one goddess for each market area considering the spirit of the goddess as the protector, guardian of the region. * Pishum Keithel Lairembi of Pishumthong Market Region * Singjamei Keithel Lairembi of Singjamei Market Region. * Kongba Keithel Lairembi of Kongba Market Region

Worship

According to the

Loiyumpa Silyel The Loiyumpa Silyel (Modern Meitei: "Loiyumba Sinyen"), also termed as the Loyumpa Silyel (Modern Meitei: "Loyumba Sinyen") or the Loiyumpa Shilyel (Modern Meitei: "Loiyumba Shinyen") or the Loyumpa Shilyel (Modern Meitei: "Loyumba Shinyen") or ...

Constitution,Manipur: Treaties & Documents. India: Mittal Publications, 1993. p. 7–11 1. Meireima is worshipped by the Heirom family. 2. Khanglangba is worshipped by the Irom family. 3. Shorarel (heaven) is worshipped by the Sorelsangbam family. 4. Lammabee is worshipped by the Sharang Leishangthem family. 5. Phouoibi (goddess for paddy) is worshipped by the Sharotkhaibam family. 6. Shanglang-mei (Kangla) is worshipped by the Potshangbam family. 7. Kutchu (Wayenshang) is worshipped by the Moirang Pukhrambam family. 8. Mawao Leima is worshipped by the Shoubam family. 9. Panthoibi (most adored Meetei goddess) is worshipped by the Heishnam family. 10. Pet-angnga is worshipped by the Khoisanam family. 11. Laikhurembee is worshipped by the Taibangjam family. 12. Huimureima is worshipped by the Konthoujam family. 13. Lainaotabi is worshipped by the Ashangbam family. 14. Nungthelleima is worshipped by the Chingkhwam family. 15. Shoubonleima is worshipped by the Arambam family. 16. Awangba (deity Lai-wangba) is worshipped by the Yenkhom Phisabam family. 17. Luwaang Ching is worshipped by the Luwangshangbam family. 18. Lainingthou is worshipped by the Sinam Laishangbam family. 19. Puthiba is worshipped by the Moirangthem Puthem family. 20. Pureiromba is worshipped by the Mangsatabam family. 21. Tenlongba is worshipped by the Langmaithem family. 22. Thongak is worshipped by the Ngarangyanpam family. 23. Chingkol-Ningthou is worshipped by the Nakalbam family. 24. Chingbal Leima is worshipped by the Khuraijam family. 25. Yaoreibi is worshipped by the Meiyengbam family. 26. Koubarel is worshipped by the Leishangthem family. 27. Numitleima is worshipped by the Ningthoujam family. 28. Koubru is worshipped by the Pukkalabam family. 29. Marjing is worshipped by the Chenglei-Laishangbam family. 30. Moirang Phaktom Ariba is worshipped by the Moirangthem family. 31. Hongnemyoi Khunjao is worshipped by the Kangpucham family. 32. Chinga is worshipped by the Chingkhalbam family. 33. Langjing is worshipped by the Longjam Pheiroijam family. 34. Langgol is worshipped by the Tekcham family. 35. Langmaicheeng (Nongmaijing) is worshipped by the Nongmaithem family. 36. Chinga Leima is worshipped by the Ningthoujam family. 37. Langching Hiyangthou Leima is worshipped by the Heithou and Khongtekcham families. 38. Yumjao Lairemma is worshipped by the Thaopicham family.

Principle deities

Guardians of the Directions

Incarnations of Leimarel Sidibi

Apokpa (ancestral deities)

Celestial gods

Gods of the Underworld

Umang Lai

Craft deities

Bird and animal goddesses

Agricultural deities

Lake and river goddesses

Market goddesses

Worship

See also

References

Bibliography

External links