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'''Sanamahism''' | '''Sanamahism''', also known as '''Sanamahi Laining''', '''Kangleism''', and '''Kanglei Laining''', refers to the traditional beliefs and ancient religion of the [[Meitei people|Meitei]], [[Zeliangrong]] and other communities found in the states of [[Manipur]], [[Assam]] and [[Tripura]] in [[India]], and in [[Bangladesh]] and [[Myanmar]]. The term is derived from ''Sanamahi'', one of the important Meetei deities. Sanamahi is said to derive his power from the combination of all the stars in the galaxy. Lord Sun worships him for more power and he delivers all with ease. According to Bertil Lintner, Sanamahism is an "[[animism|animistic]], ancestor worshipping, shaman-led tradition".<ref>{{cite book|author=Bertil Lintner|title=Great Game East: India, China, and the Struggle for Asia's Most Volatile Frontier|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0fLOBwAAQBAJ|year=2015|publisher=Yale University Press|isbn=978-0-300-19567-5|page=113}}</ref> | ||
==Etymology == | ==Etymology == | ||
'''Sanamahism | The term ''Sanamahism'' is derived from ''Sanamahi'', one of the important Meetei deities. ''Sanamahism'' is also known as ''Kangleism'' or ''Kanglei Laining'', for it originated from the ancient kingdom of Kangleipak. Another name is ''Meiteism'' or ''Meitei Laining'', for it is the faith mainly practised by the Meitei people. In some cases, it is also termed as ''Manipurism'' or '''Manipuri Laining''. | ||
In some cases, it is also termed as | |||
The temples associated with Sanamahism are often called "Kanglei temples". | |||
Presently, thousands of the Kanglei temples are being rebuilt and newly constructed as a mark of the revival of the ancient religion, mainly in Manipur. | ==History== | ||
Religion in Manipur is thought to have passed through three stages.<ref>P. 199 ''Social Movements in North-East India'' By Mahendra Narain Karna</ref> ''Sanamahism'' dates back to 1500 BC in the ancient kingdom of '''Kangleipak''' (present day Manipur and its surrounding regions). There is reference to the worship of Sanamahi by Ningthou (King) Kangba in the Hayi age. Manipur is a polytheistic land with Atiya Sidaba as the supreme god. Presently, thousands of the Kanglei temples are being rebuilt and newly constructed as a mark of the revival of the ancient religion, mainly in Manipur. | |||
==Form of worship== | ==Form of worship== | ||
According to Bertil Lintner, Sanamahism is an "[[animism|animistic]], ancestor worshipping, shaman-led tradition".<ref>{{cite book|author=Bertil Lintner|title=Great Game East: India, China, and the Struggle for Asia's Most Volatile Frontier|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0fLOBwAAQBAJ|year=2015|publisher=Yale University Press|isbn=978-0-300-19567-5|page=113}}</ref> Practitioners worship of forces of nature, like fire, water, mountain, ancestors ([[Apokpa]]), Lamlai (Outdoor Dwelling Gods and Goddesses), Yumlai (House dwelling Gods and Goddesses), Ningthoulai (King God) and Umanglai (Forest Dwelling God). | |||
===Deities=== | ===Deities=== | ||
Atiya Sidaba, Apaanba and Asheeba are the three manifestations or incarnations of God as the creator, the preserver and the annihilator of this universe respectively.<!-- Hindu influence? JJ, 22 spet 2019 --> | |||
Panthoibi is the Mother of the Universe and Nongpok Ningthou is her mate.<ref>P. 4290 ''Encyclopaedia of Indian Literature'' By various</ref> Besides those, three hundred and sixty-four deities with their consorts are the most important deities worshipped by the Meiteis. | Panthoibi is the Mother of the Universe and Nongpok Ningthou is her mate.<ref>P. 4290 ''Encyclopaedia of Indian Literature'' By various</ref> Besides those, three hundred and sixty-four deities with their consorts are the most important deities worshipped by the Meiteis. | ||
The Plain Kabui are observed in worship of Sanamahi and Ima Leimarel.<ref>''People of India'' By Kumar Suresh Singh, S. B. Roy, Asok K. Ghosh</ref> | The Plain Kabui are observed in worship of Sanamahi and Ima Leimarel.<ref>''People of India'' By Kumar Suresh Singh, S. B. Roy, Asok K. Ghosh</ref> | ||
Sanamahi is said to derive his power from the combination of all the stars in the galaxy. Lord Sun worships him for more power and he delivers all with ease. | |||
Sanamahi (also known as Asheeba) has a creator brother (like him) named Paakhangba (Konjin Tukthapa).<ref>P. 82 ''A History of Manipuri Literature'' By Ch Manihar Singh</ref> | Sanamahi (also known as Asheeba) has a creator brother (like him) named Paakhangba (Konjin Tukthapa).<ref>P. 82 ''A History of Manipuri Literature'' By Ch Manihar Singh</ref> | ||
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Devout Meiteis offer food at sacred spots daily to the goddess of kitchen and prosperity, Ebendhou [[Emoinu]].<ref>P. 62 ''Feminism in a traditional society'' by Manjusri Chaki-Sircar</ref> | Devout Meiteis offer food at sacred spots daily to the goddess of kitchen and prosperity, Ebendhou [[Emoinu]].<ref>P. 62 ''Feminism in a traditional society'' by Manjusri Chaki-Sircar</ref> | ||
==Demographics== | |||
Sanamahism is practiced by the [[Meitei people|Meitei]], [[Zeliangrong]] and other communities who inhabit [[Manipur]], [[Assam]], [[Tripura]], [[Myanmar]] and [[Bangladesh]], with small migrant populations in the [[United Kingdom]], [[United States]], and [[Canada]]. According to 2011 census, about eight percent of Manipur belong to religions stated as 'other'. | |||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
| Line 129: | Line 122: | ||
{{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||
== | ==Sources== | ||
{{refbegin}} | |||
* {{citation | last = Kshetrimayum | first = Otojit | year = 2014 | title = Ritual, Politics and Power in North East India: Contextualising the Lai Haraoba of Manipur | publisher = Ruby Press & Co. | isbn = 978-93-82395-50-8 }} | * {{citation | last = Kshetrimayum | first = Otojit | year = 2014 | title = Ritual, Politics and Power in North East India: Contextualising the Lai Haraoba of Manipur | publisher = Ruby Press & Co. | isbn = 978-93-82395-50-8 }} | ||
* {{citation | last = Hodson | first = T.C. | year = 2015 | title = The Meitheis | publisher = Ruby Press & Co. | isbn = 978-93-82395-56-0}} | * {{citation | last = Hodson | first = T.C. | year = 2015 | title = The Meitheis | publisher = Ruby Press & Co. | isbn = 978-93-82395-56-0}} | ||
* {{citation | last = Singh | first = Dr. Saikhom Gopal | year = 2015 | title = The Meeteis of Manipur: A Study in Human Geography | publisher = Ruby Press & Co. | isbn = 978-93-82395-21-8}} | * {{citation | last = Singh | first = Dr. Saikhom Gopal | year = 2015 | title = The Meeteis of Manipur: A Study in Human Geography | publisher = Ruby Press & Co. | isbn = 978-93-82395-21-8}} | ||
* {{citation | last = Singh | first = Dr. Saikhom Gopal | year = 2015 | title = Population Geography of Manipur | publisher = Ruby Press & Co. | isbn = 978-93-82395-25-6}} | * {{citation | last = Singh | first = Dr. Saikhom Gopal | year = 2015 | title = Population Geography of Manipur | publisher = Ruby Press & Co. | isbn = 978-93-82395-25-6}} | ||
{{refend}} | |||
{{Religion topics}} | {{Religion topics}} | ||
Revision as of 09:19, 22 September 2019
Template:Short description Template:About
Template:Use dmy dates Template:Use Indian English Template:Multiple issues Template:Infobox religious group
Sanamahism, also known as Sanamahi Laining, Kangleism, and Kanglei Laining, refers to the traditional beliefs and ancient religion of the Meitei, Zeliangrong and other communities found in the states of Manipur, Assam and Tripura in India, and in Bangladesh and Myanmar. The term is derived from Sanamahi, one of the important Meetei deities. Sanamahi is said to derive his power from the combination of all the stars in the galaxy. Lord Sun worships him for more power and he delivers all with ease. According to Bertil Lintner, Sanamahism is an "animistic, ancestor worshipping, shaman-led tradition".[1]
Etymology
The term Sanamahism is derived from Sanamahi, one of the important Meetei deities. Sanamahism is also known as Kangleism or Kanglei Laining, for it originated from the ancient kingdom of Kangleipak. Another name is Meiteism or Meitei Laining, for it is the faith mainly practised by the Meitei people. In some cases, it is also termed as Manipurism or 'Manipuri Laining.
The temples associated with Sanamahism are often called "Kanglei temples".
History
Religion in Manipur is thought to have passed through three stages.[2] Sanamahism dates back to 1500 BC in the ancient kingdom of Kangleipak (present day Manipur and its surrounding regions). There is reference to the worship of Sanamahi by Ningthou (King) Kangba in the Hayi age. Manipur is a polytheistic land with Atiya Sidaba as the supreme god. Presently, thousands of the Kanglei temples are being rebuilt and newly constructed as a mark of the revival of the ancient religion, mainly in Manipur.
Form of worship
According to Bertil Lintner, Sanamahism is an "animistic, ancestor worshipping, shaman-led tradition".[3] Practitioners worship of forces of nature, like fire, water, mountain, ancestors (Apokpa), Lamlai (Outdoor Dwelling Gods and Goddesses), Yumlai (House dwelling Gods and Goddesses), Ningthoulai (King God) and Umanglai (Forest Dwelling God).
Deities
Atiya Sidaba, Apaanba and Asheeba are the three manifestations or incarnations of God as the creator, the preserver and the annihilator of this universe respectively.
Panthoibi is the Mother of the Universe and Nongpok Ningthou is her mate.[4] Besides those, three hundred and sixty-four deities with their consorts are the most important deities worshipped by the Meiteis.
The Plain Kabui are observed in worship of Sanamahi and Ima Leimarel.[5]
Sanamahi is said to derive his power from the combination of all the stars in the galaxy. Lord Sun worships him for more power and he delivers all with ease.
Sanamahi (also known as Asheeba) has a creator brother (like him) named Paakhangba (Konjin Tukthapa).[6]
Some of the important gods and goddesses worshiped by the Meiteis are:Template:Cn
- Shidaba Mapu (Immortal Owner)
- Lainingthou Sanamahi (Supreme God of the Household Gods and Goddesses)
- Ebudhou Paakhangba (Younger Brother of Lainingthou Sanamahi and the Ruler of the outside world)
- Ima Leimarel Sidabi
- Apokpa (Prime Ancestor God and Goddess, different according to different surnames)
- Ebendhou Emoinu (Goddess of prosperity, wealth and kitchen)
- Ema Panthoibi (goddess of valor and battle)
- Yumjao Lairembi (Household Goddess)
- Ema Phouoibi (Goddess of Bounty)
- Ebudhou Marjing (God of sports and also the protector of North-East Direction)
- Ebudhou Thangjing (God of power and also the protector of South-West Direction)
- Ebudhou Wangbrel (God of rain, death and also the protector of South-East Direction)(Kumar 2004, 92)
- Ebudhou Koubru (God of strength and also the protector of North-West Direction)
They also worshipped the Umanglais (forest dwelling gods and goddesses). Umanglais are the protectors, preservers of their corresponding areas/localities which includes houses, fields, welfare of the people, etc. In short, the Umanglais are the guardians of the outer world of the people and also these gods and goddesses are associated with each and every doings of the people in day-to-day life. Hence, They are considered to be very powerful.
Some of the Umanglais are:Template:Cn
- Arong Ningthou
- Wangjing Ningthou
- Ema Eereima Oinam Lekai
- Lainingthou Nongshaaba
- Lainingthou Puthiba
- Lainingthou Awaangba
- Lainingthou Marjing
- Lainingthou Khoiriphaaba
- Ema Khunthok-haanbi
- Ema Haoreima Sampubi
- Ema Eereima
- Ekop Ningthou
- Thoubal Ningthou
- Ema Kondong Lairembi
- Nongpok Ningthou
- Langol Ningthou
- Ema Langol Lairembi
- Ebudhou Naothingkhong Paakhangba
- Ebudhou Khamlaangba
- Ebudhou Oknarel
- Ebudhou Thangnarel
- Ebudhou Yangoiningthou
- Ebudhou Khumaba
The title "Lainingthou" refers to the incarnation from Lainingthou Sanamahi and the title "Ebudhou" refers to the incarnation from Ebudhou Paakhangba.
Offerings
Meiteis offer praying to the household gods and goddesses twice a day, once at dawn and once at dusk. They offer incense sticks/burner and candles/meiraa along with flowers and water.
Devout Meiteis offer food at sacred spots daily to the goddess of kitchen and prosperity, Ebendhou Emoinu.[7]
Demographics
Sanamahism is practiced by the Meitei, Zeliangrong and other communities who inhabit Manipur, Assam, Tripura, Myanmar and Bangladesh, with small migrant populations in the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada. According to 2011 census, about eight percent of Manipur belong to religions stated as 'other'.
See also
References
- ↑ Bertil Lintner (2015). Great Game East: India, China, and the Struggle for Asia's Most Volatile Frontier. Yale University Press. p. 113. ISBN 978-0-300-19567-5. https://books.google.com/books?id=0fLOBwAAQBAJ.
- ↑ P. 199 Social Movements in North-East India By Mahendra Narain Karna
- ↑ Bertil Lintner (2015). Great Game East: India, China, and the Struggle for Asia's Most Volatile Frontier. Yale University Press. p. 113. ISBN 978-0-300-19567-5. https://books.google.com/books?id=0fLOBwAAQBAJ.
- ↑ P. 4290 Encyclopaedia of Indian Literature By various
- ↑ People of India By Kumar Suresh Singh, S. B. Roy, Asok K. Ghosh
- ↑ P. 82 A History of Manipuri Literature By Ch Manihar Singh
- ↑ P. 62 Feminism in a traditional society by Manjusri Chaki-Sircar
Sources
- Kshetrimayum, Otojit (2014), Ritual, Politics and Power in North East India: Contextualising the Lai Haraoba of Manipur, Ruby Press & Co., ISBN 978-93-82395-50-8
- Hodson, T.C. (2015), The Meitheis, Ruby Press & Co., ISBN 978-93-82395-56-0
- Singh, Dr. Saikhom Gopal (2015), The Meeteis of Manipur: A Study in Human Geography, Ruby Press & Co., ISBN 978-93-82395-21-8
- Singh, Dr. Saikhom Gopal (2015), Population Geography of Manipur, Ruby Press & Co., ISBN 978-93-82395-25-6