APIFantasy | Myth and Folklore Anthology

Meitei/Kanglei/Manipuri Mythology - Gods and Goddesses (Part 3)

List of Deities:

As a reminder, in the religion of the Kanglei World, there are five prime deities:

Lainingthou Sanamahi - the supreme deity of Sanamahism (an ancient religion). His name is comprised of the word Lainingthou which means "King of Gods", Sana meaning "spreading" and Eemahi meaning "blood that originates living".

Pakhangba - the supreme god of the Meitei tradition. He is a powerful god who can change his shape at will and is used as a heraldic emblem in Manipur. This creature was believed to inhabit sacred ponds and groves.

Atingkok Maru Sidaba - the supreme god and the creator of the universe. He is known by many names and revered in Sanamahism and Kanglei mythology both. He is the father of Lainingthou Sanamahi and Pakhangba.

Leimarel Sidabi - the supreme goddess, highest in rank in Sanamahism. She is the consort to Atingkok Maru Sidaba and mother to Lainingthou Sanamahi and Pakhangba.

Imoinu Ahongbi - the goddess of wealth, also known as the incarnation of the goddess Leimarel Sidabi. She is portrayed as an old woman as her name means great-grandmother.

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Serpent Deities

The supreme God in the Meiti tradition and Kanglei mythology is known as Pakhanga. It represented most heraldic emblems of Manipur. It was believed to reside in sacred ponds and groves as well as mountains, rivers, lakes, forests, and caves. The Meeteis believed in the manifestation of one of their ancestors as the Pakhangba.

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Household Deities

There are three household deities in the Kanglei mythology These include Lord Lainingthou Sanamahi, Goddess Leimarel Sidabi, and Goddesses Imoinu Ahongbi. It is said that when Lainingthou Sanamahi and Pakhangba raced for the throne and the latter won, the former was given sovereignty over every household as compensation.

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Celestial Maidens

There are seven celestial maidens in the Kanglei mythology. These are also known as the Helloi. They are believed to be the consorts of Lord Pakhangba and the mothers of the seven clans. On the other hand, they are also believed to be nymphs, daughters of Soraren (the sun god). In this case, they are believed to be spinsters.

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Ancestral Deities

In the Kanglei mythology, there are deities for every family and clan called the Apokpa. This refers to the quest for the truth. It has no name, but each custom and culture tries to invoke him as a god in their own language, especially in Manipur. It does not contain idol worship, but rather community worship with Meiteis rites and rituals.

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Dragon Lords

There are a few dragon lords in the Kanglei mythology:

Pakhangba -The Great dragon Lord

Kangla Sha - Protector of the Kangla Palace

Lord Khamlangba - Cousin of Lord Pakhangba

Salailen Sidaba - Creator of the Universe, father of Lord Pakhangba

Nongshaba - A lion-like dragon God, cousin of Lord Pakhangba

Loktak Maru Sidaba - Great dragon of the Loktak lake.

Samurou Lakpa - A form of Lord Pakhangba

Chothe Thangwai Pakhangba - Dragon Lord of the Chothe people

Tangkhul Pakhangba - Dragon Lord of the Tangkhul people

Tangja Leela Pakhangba - The primitive ruler of the Kanglei world

Nongda Lairel Pakhangba - The great dragon Lord and the ruler of the Kangleipak kingdom

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Evil Deities

In the Kanglei world, there is a belief in the existence of evil deities. These are referred to as the Tinmu-Laimu, or Seroi-Ngaroi, or Sorrel, or Tamnalai or Lai Phataba. These are lesser deities who are involved in the day to day lives of humans, unlike the higher deities discussed above.

The people of Manipur believe in appeasing these volatile spirits with offerings of food and celebrations so that the spirits will not cause trouble for them. Problems like civil unrest, poverty, corruption, social and moral denigration are all attributed to these evil spirits.

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