Lainingthou Sanamahi
Laininthou Sanamahi (Meitei: ꯂꯥꯏꯅꯤꯡꯊꯧ ꯁꯅꯥꯃꯍꯤ) is the Guardian God of the mankind and the supreme deity of the household in ancient religion of Manipuri religion and mythology, originated from the ancient kingdom of Kangleipak (Manipur).[1] He is the brother of Pakhangba and Nongshaba. He is the eldest son of Creator God Atingkok Maru Sidaba or Salailel Sitapa, the protector of Universe in Manipuri mythology as well as philosophy[2] and Mother Earth goddess Leimarel Sidabi.
Lainingthou Sanamahi ꯂꯥꯏꯅꯤꯡꯊꯧ ꯁꯅꯥꯃꯍꯤ | |
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Guardian God of Mankind Member of Laibungthou God of Guidance, Prosperity and Luck | |
Member of Meitei Manipuri deities | |
Symbol of Sanamahism | |
Other names | Asheeba, Mangang, Luwang, Khuman, Angom, Moilang, Khaba, Nganba, Atingkok, Anji, etc. |
Meitei | ꯂꯥꯢꯅꯤꯡꯊꯧ ꯁꯅꯥꯃꯍꯤ |
Affiliation | Sanamahism and Manipuri mythology, Laibungthou |
Abode | Sanamahi Kachin (southwestern corner of every household) |
Planet | Earth |
Mantra | Ha Hung Hei He Hing! |
Weapon | Spear or Polo stick |
Mount | Tiger |
Texts | Sanamahi Laihui , Wakoklon Heelel Thilen Salai Amailon Pukok Puya, Sanamahi Nauyom, Sanamahi Laiyat |
Gender | male |
Festivals | Sanamahi Ahong Khong Chingba, Mera Hou Chongba, Sajibu Nongma Panba, Sanamahi Cheng Hongba, etc. |
Personal information | |
Parents | Atingkok Maru Sidaba (through parthenogenesis) and Leimarel Sidabi (foster mother) |
Siblings | Pakhangba |
Etymology
The term Lainingthou is derived from Meetei language which means "King of Gods" and the term Sanamahi is combination of "Sanna" which means spreading and "Eemahi" which means "blood that originates living", literally means "spreading everywhere (like liquid)".[3]
Mythology
When Sanamahi was ordered the Duty to travel across the globe by his father, he at once proceeded. However, his younger brother Pakhangba as per the instruction of his mother Leimarel Sidabi, went around his father Atingkok Maru Sidaba, who is equivalent to the globe.[2]
As per the declaration that among the two brothers, who succeed first in traveling across the globe, he will be offered his throne of the Universe. That's how Pakhangba got the throne.[4] However, in order to compensate Sanamahi, Atingkok Maru Sidaba offered him to be the king of every household of Mankind in the universe.
Divine names
There are one thousand divine names of the God Lainingthou Sanamahi. The following is a partial list:
A
- Anji
- Ashiba ang hung
- Achiba
- Akheiba
- Apongna
- Apaanba
- Arenba
- Asheehing
- Ango
- Amainaha
- Amai Yaiba
- Atingkok
E/I
- Eengee Khujei
- Eekak Tarang
- Eetongba
- Eetuma
- Eeshing Chaiba
- Eengoukhai
Religious sites
There are various sacred places of Lainingthou Sanamahi. Some of the most significant among them are:
Ancient texts
- Sanamahi Laihui
- Karthong Lamlen
- Wakoklon Heelel Thilen Salai Amailon Pukok Puya (written in 1400 BC)
- Hijan-Hirao
- Besides the above-mentioned sacred books, there are several sacred books or Puya (Meitei texts) discovered from various hidings.[6]
Festivals
The religious festivals associated with Lord Sanamahi are as follows:
- Sanamahi Ahong Khong Chingba
- Mera Hou Chongba
- Lai Haraoba
- Sajibu Cheiraoba
See also
- Lists of creatures in Meitei folklore
- Lists of deities in Sanamahism
- Sanamahi creation myth
References
- "(PDF) Meitei Religion: An Emic Perspective". ResearchGate.
- Devi, Nunglekpam Premi (14 April 2018). "A Glimpse of Manipuri Literary Works".
- "What is the translation of Sanamahi by Wangkhemcha Chingtamlen".
- Suresh Singh, Dr Th (2 June 2014). The Endless Kabaw Valley: British Created Visious Cycle of Manipur, Burma and India. ISBN 9789384318000.
- "SANAMAHI KIYONG TEMPLE | IMPHAL EAST DISTRICT, GOVERNMENT OF MANIPUR | India".
- "Holy book of Lainingthou Sanamahi published; Thousands offers prayers on Sanamahi Chenhougba rituals - Imphal Times".