Archive:Sanamahism: Difference between revisions
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! colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-size:larger; background-color:#b08261; color:#fee8ab;" | SANAMAHISM | ! colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-size:larger; background-color:#b08261; color:#fee8ab;" | SANAMAHISM | ||
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! style="background-color:#fee8ab;" | Total population | ! style="background-color:#fee8ab;" | Total population | ||
| style="background-color:#fff6d9;" | 235,000-250,000<ref>[http://www.censusindia.gov.in/Census_Data_2001/Census_data_finder/C_Series/Population_by_religious_communities.htm]</ref> | | style="background-color:#fff6d9;" | 235,000-250,000<ref>[http://www.censusindia.gov.in/Census_Data_2001/Census_data_finder/C_Series/Population_by_religious_communities.htm 2001 Census]</ref> | ||
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! style="background-color:#fee8ab;" | Regions with significant populations | ! style="background-color:#fee8ab;" | Regions with significant populations | ||
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'''Sanamahism''' is the worship of [[Sanamahi]], the [[Creator deity|Creator]] aspect of ''Sidaba Mapu'', the [[trinity]] God of the [[ | '''Sanamahism''' is the worship of [[Sanamahi]], the [[Creator deity|Creator]] aspect of ''Sidaba Mapu'', the [[trinity]] [[God]] of the [[Meiteis]]. Sanamahism is one of the oldest sects of [[South Asia]]. It originated in [[Manipur]] [[India]] and is mainly practiced by the [[Meitei]]s, [[Kabui]], [[Zeliangrong]] and other communities who inhabit Manipur, [[Assam]], [[Tripura]], [[Uttar Pradesh]], [[Myanmar]] and [[Bangladesh]], with small populations in the [[United Kingdom]], [[United States]], and [[Canada]]. | ||
Some scholars are in the opinion that the term 'Sanamahi' comes from the Vedic 'Senmhya'.<ref>P. 49 ''Religious Developments in Manipur in the 18th and 19th Centuries'' By Moirangthem Kirti Singh </ref> | |||
== Revivalism == | |||
Religion in Manipur is thought to have passed through three stages; Primitive, [[Tantric|Purano-Tantrik]], and [[Vaishnava]].<ref> P. 199 ''Social Movements in North-East India'' By Mahendra Narain Karna </ref> | |||
A well-known Indologist Panditraj Atembpu Vidyarath writes that the Meitei religion runs parallel to [[Vedic religion]].<ref> P. 199 ''Social Movements in North-East India'' By Mahendra Narain Karna </ref> He claims that Sanamahism is of the [[Tantric|Purano-Tantrik]] phase. It is even believed that the most ancient of the temples in North-East India (including in Arunanchal Pradesh and Nagaland) are Hindu foundations.<ref> P. 26 ''The Seven Sisters of India'' By Aglaja Stirn, Peter Van Ham </ref> | |||
According to the last census, about eleven percent of Manipur belong to religions stated as 'other'. Most of this population can be assumed to represent followers of the Sanamahi religion. This represents a significant increase over the previous census. The revivalism of Sanamahism is recognized by the census records of the government of India due to the praise worthy efforts of late R.K. Birendro Singh, I.A.S. | |||
According to the last census, about eleven percent of Manipur belong to religions stated as 'other'. Most of this population can be assumed to represent followers of the Sanamahi religion. This represents a significant increase over the previous census. The revivalism of Sanamahism is recognized by the census records of the government of India due to the praise worthy efforts of late R. K. Birendro Singh, I.A.S. | |||
Attitude of indigenous people of Manipur to the religion and concept of God is not possible without the proper understanding of Sanamahi religion. Pakhangba Laining was also currently employed to signify revivalism. | Attitude of indigenous people of Manipur to the religion and concept of God is not possible without the proper understanding of Sanamahi religion. Pakhangba Laining was also currently employed to signify revivalism. | ||
== Form of Worship == | == Form of Worship == | ||
In assimilate features such as the worship of forces of nature like fire, water, mountain etc. ancestor worship (Apokpa), Lamlai, Yumlai, Ningthoulai and Umanglai. | In assimilate features such as the worship of forces of nature like fire, water, mountain etc. ancestor worship (Apokpa), Lamlai, Yumlai, Ningthoulai and Umanglai. Religion of antiquity - in its pure native form it is as all as the history of Meetei/Meitei people. | ||
Religion of antiquity- | |||
There is reference to the worship of Sanamahi by King Kangba in the Hayi age. Manipur is a land of deities with Atiya Shidaba as the Supreme God | ===Deities worshiped=== | ||
There is reference to the worship of Sanamahi by King Kangba in the Hayi age. Manipur is a land of deities with Atiya Shidaba, also known as "Atiya Guru" meaning [[Shiva|Para Shiva]] as the Supreme God. | |||
Atiya Shidaba, Apanba and Asheeba are the three manifestations or incarnations of God as the creator, the preserver and the annihilator of this universe respectively. | Atiya Shidaba, Apanba and Asheeba are the three manifestations or incarnations of God as the creator, the preserver and the annihilator of this universe respectively. | ||
Pakhangba, | Pakhangba, Sannamahi and Nongpok Ningthou are the incarnations who play the role of the male deities of the Meiteis whereas Leimarel Shidabi and [[Panthoibi]], the role of female deities. | ||
Panthoibi is the Mother of the Universe and Nongpok Ningthou ([[Shiva|Lord Shiva]]) is her mate.<ref> P. 4290 ''Encyclopaedia of Indian Literature'' By various </ref> | |||
Besides these, three hundred and sixty four deities with their consorts are the most important deities worshipped by the Meiteis. | |||
Maibis are priestesses and they invoke Shiva.<ref> P. 4290 ''Encyclopaedia of Indian Literature'' By various </ref> | |||
The Plain Kabui are observed in worship of Shiva, Sanamahi and Ima Leimarel.<ref> ''People of India'' By Kumar Suresh Singh, S. B. Roy, Asok K. Ghosh </ref> | |||
Shamulai is the name Manipuri for Ganesh.<ref> P. 176 ''Folk Culture of Manipur By Moirangthem Kirti Singh'' </ref> | |||
Sanamahi (also known as Aseeba) has a creator brother (like him) named Pakhangba (Konjin Tuthokpa).<ref> P. 82 ''A History of Manipuri Literature'' By Ch Manihar Singh </ref> | |||
===Food offerings=== | |||
Devout Meities offer food at sacred spots daily.<ref> P. 62 ''Feminism in a traditional society'' By Manjusri Chaki-Sircar </ref> | |||
== Festivals == | == Festivals == | ||
===Cheiraoba=== | ===Cheiraoba=== | ||
Cheiraoba is the new year's day for | Cheiraoba is the new year's day for Meitei Hindus and is observed on either the 13th or 14th of April every year.<ref> P. 204 ''Encyclopaedia of Indian Tribes'' By S.S. Shashi </ref> During this occasion, Meitei houses are renovated and white washed to mark the new year's day.<ref> P. 204 ''Encyclopaedia of Indian Tribes'' By S.S. Shashi </ref> The householders offer fresh vegetables and cook vegetarian food to offer to gods and goddesses. In the afternoon, young boys and girls climb a small hillock called "Cieiraocheeng" to worship [[Shiva|Lord Shiva]].<ref> P. 204 ''Encyclopaedia of Indian Tribes'' By S.S. Shashi </ref> | ||
===Lai Haraoba=== | ===Lai Haraoba=== | ||
[[Lai Haraoba]] is the festival of the recollection of the creation stories played by all deities with the first origin of this universe and evolution of the plants and animals through the will of Atiya Shidaba. | [[Lai Haraoba]] is the festival of the recollection of the creation stories played by all deities with the first origin of this universe and evolution of the plants and animals through the will of Atiya Shidaba. | ||
[[Sannamahi]] and [[Leimarel]] are worshiped in every house of the | [[Sannamahi]] and [[Leimarel]] are worshiped in every house of the Meiteis and other mentioned Indigenous community of Manipur and nearby states including Mayanmar. | ||
The other gods and the three hundred and sixty four deities are worshipped in the | The other gods and the three hundred and sixty four deities are worshipped in the ''Umanglai Laisangs'' (temple of gods in the reserved woods with spacious grounds) in the villages. | ||
== Threats == | == Threats == | ||
In the 18th under | In the 18th century, under King [[Meidingu Pamheiba]], the sacred writings of Sanamahi religion, the ''Puyas'', were collected and burned and Sanamahi scholars were expelled to remote villages.<ref>http://themanipurpage.tripod.com/history/puwarimeitei.html</ref> This event is known as ''Puya-Meithaba'' among Meiteis. | ||
Later in the 19th century mass conversion of the Hill tribes to Christianity began. | |||
==See also== | |||
*[[Folk Hinduism]] | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{reflist}} | |||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
*[http://www.e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=manipur.Ethnic_Races_Manipur.Meeteis_Surname] | *[http://www.e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=manipur.Ethnic_Races_Manipur.Meeteis_Surname Meeteis Surname] | ||
*[http://www.e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=manipur.Manipur_and_Religion.The_Revivalism_of_Sanamahism | *[http://www.e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=manipur.Manipur_and_Religion.The_Revivalism_of_Sanamahism The Revivalism of Sanamahism] | ||
*Sohini Ray "2000-01" ''The Body-Cult in Sanamahism: A Case of the Revival of an Indigenous Religion Among the Meiteis in Manipur'' is an ethnographic study of the sacred myths about the human body among the Meiteis, a community in Northeast India, and on how these mythological beliefs play a pivotal role in a socio-religious revival movement now occurring in the community. Sohini Ray recently received her Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of California, Los Angeles. [http://www.hds.harvard.edu/cswr/people/past/N-R.html] | |||
[[Category:Hindu denominations]] | |||
[[Category:Manipur]] | |||
[[Category:Religion in India]] | |||
[[Category:Religious faiths, traditions, and movements]] | [[Category:Religious faiths, traditions, and movements]] | ||
[[Category:Tantra]] | [[Category:Tantra]] | ||
Revision as of 15:54, 20 January 2009
Template:Refimprove Template:Rewrite
| SANAMAHISM | |
|---|---|
| Total population | 235,000-250,000[1] |
| Regions with significant populations | Manipur, India |
| Holy Books | Puya / written in Meitei Mayek (Manipuri) |
| Place of Worship | Laishang / Umanglai (forest) /Home/Sanglen |
Sanamahism is the worship of Sanamahi, the Creator aspect of Sidaba Mapu, the trinity God of the Meiteis. Sanamahism is one of the oldest sects of South Asia. It originated in Manipur India and is mainly practiced by the Meiteis, Kabui, Zeliangrong and other communities who inhabit Manipur, Assam, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Myanmar and Bangladesh, with small populations in the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada.
Some scholars are in the opinion that the term 'Sanamahi' comes from the Vedic 'Senmhya'.[2]
Revivalism
Religion in Manipur is thought to have passed through three stages; Primitive, Purano-Tantrik, and Vaishnava.[3]
A well-known Indologist Panditraj Atembpu Vidyarath writes that the Meitei religion runs parallel to Vedic religion.[4] He claims that Sanamahism is of the Purano-Tantrik phase. It is even believed that the most ancient of the temples in North-East India (including in Arunanchal Pradesh and Nagaland) are Hindu foundations.[5]
According to the last census, about eleven percent of Manipur belong to religions stated as 'other'. Most of this population can be assumed to represent followers of the Sanamahi religion. This represents a significant increase over the previous census. The revivalism of Sanamahism is recognized by the census records of the government of India due to the praise worthy efforts of late R. K. Birendro Singh, I.A.S.
Attitude of indigenous people of Manipur to the religion and concept of God is not possible without the proper understanding of Sanamahi religion. Pakhangba Laining was also currently employed to signify revivalism.
Form of Worship
In assimilate features such as the worship of forces of nature like fire, water, mountain etc. ancestor worship (Apokpa), Lamlai, Yumlai, Ningthoulai and Umanglai. Religion of antiquity - in its pure native form it is as all as the history of Meetei/Meitei people.
Deities worshiped
There is reference to the worship of Sanamahi by King Kangba in the Hayi age. Manipur is a land of deities with Atiya Shidaba, also known as "Atiya Guru" meaning Para Shiva as the Supreme God.
Atiya Shidaba, Apanba and Asheeba are the three manifestations or incarnations of God as the creator, the preserver and the annihilator of this universe respectively. Pakhangba, Sannamahi and Nongpok Ningthou are the incarnations who play the role of the male deities of the Meiteis whereas Leimarel Shidabi and Panthoibi, the role of female deities.
Panthoibi is the Mother of the Universe and Nongpok Ningthou (Lord Shiva) is her mate.[6] Besides these, three hundred and sixty four deities with their consorts are the most important deities worshipped by the Meiteis.
Maibis are priestesses and they invoke Shiva.[7]
The Plain Kabui are observed in worship of Shiva, Sanamahi and Ima Leimarel.[8]
Shamulai is the name Manipuri for Ganesh.[9]
Sanamahi (also known as Aseeba) has a creator brother (like him) named Pakhangba (Konjin Tuthokpa).[10]
Food offerings
Devout Meities offer food at sacred spots daily.[11]
Festivals
Cheiraoba
Cheiraoba is the new year's day for Meitei Hindus and is observed on either the 13th or 14th of April every year.[12] During this occasion, Meitei houses are renovated and white washed to mark the new year's day.[13] The householders offer fresh vegetables and cook vegetarian food to offer to gods and goddesses. In the afternoon, young boys and girls climb a small hillock called "Cieiraocheeng" to worship Lord Shiva.[14]
Lai Haraoba
Lai Haraoba is the festival of the recollection of the creation stories played by all deities with the first origin of this universe and evolution of the plants and animals through the will of Atiya Shidaba. Sannamahi and Leimarel are worshiped in every house of the Meiteis and other mentioned Indigenous community of Manipur and nearby states including Mayanmar. The other gods and the three hundred and sixty four deities are worshipped in the Umanglai Laisangs (temple of gods in the reserved woods with spacious grounds) in the villages.
Threats
In the 18th century, under King Meidingu Pamheiba, the sacred writings of Sanamahi religion, the Puyas, were collected and burned and Sanamahi scholars were expelled to remote villages.[15] This event is known as Puya-Meithaba among Meiteis.
Later in the 19th century mass conversion of the Hill tribes to Christianity began.
See also
References
- ↑ 2001 Census
- ↑ P. 49 Religious Developments in Manipur in the 18th and 19th Centuries By Moirangthem Kirti Singh
- ↑ P. 199 Social Movements in North-East India By Mahendra Narain Karna
- ↑ P. 199 Social Movements in North-East India By Mahendra Narain Karna
- ↑ P. 26 The Seven Sisters of India By Aglaja Stirn, Peter Van Ham
- ↑ P. 4290 Encyclopaedia of Indian Literature By various
- ↑ P. 4290 Encyclopaedia of Indian Literature By various
- ↑ People of India By Kumar Suresh Singh, S. B. Roy, Asok K. Ghosh
- ↑ P. 176 Folk Culture of Manipur By Moirangthem Kirti Singh
- ↑ P. 82 A History of Manipuri Literature By Ch Manihar Singh
- ↑ P. 62 Feminism in a traditional society By Manjusri Chaki-Sircar
- ↑ P. 204 Encyclopaedia of Indian Tribes By S.S. Shashi
- ↑ P. 204 Encyclopaedia of Indian Tribes By S.S. Shashi
- ↑ P. 204 Encyclopaedia of Indian Tribes By S.S. Shashi
- ↑ http://themanipurpage.tripod.com/history/puwarimeitei.html
External links
- Meeteis Surname
- The Revivalism of Sanamahism
- Sohini Ray "2000-01" The Body-Cult in Sanamahism: A Case of the Revival of an Indigenous Religion Among the Meiteis in Manipur is an ethnographic study of the sacred myths about the human body among the Meiteis, a community in Northeast India, and on how these mythological beliefs play a pivotal role in a socio-religious revival movement now occurring in the community. Sohini Ray recently received her Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of California, Los Angeles. [1]