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Korouhanba (Old Manipuri: Kolouhanpa)
God of the sun, sky and heaven[1]
Other names	Kolouhanpa, Numit, Taohuireng, Taodanba, Ngantureng
Affiliation	Meitei mythology (Manipuri mythology) and Meitei religion (Sanamahism)
Major cult center	Moidangpok
Abode	Heaven
Symbol	Sun
Day	Sunday
Texts	Numit Kappa, Soupon Lailemma Loutalon, Wakoklon Heelel Thilen Salai Amailon Pukok Puya
Gender	Male
Region	Ancient Kangleipak (early Manipur)
Ethnic group	Meitei ethnicity
Festivals	Lai Haraoba
Equivalents
Greek equivalent	Helios, Apollo
Roman equivalent	Sol
Hinduism equivalent	Surya
Egyptian equivalent	Ra

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Korouhanba (Old Manipuri: Kolouhanpa, lit. 'Master of the Sky') is the God of the Sun, the Sky and the Heaven in Meitei mythology and in the religion of Ancient Kangleipak (early Manipur).^[1][2][3] He is also known as Taohuireng and is one of the two sun brothers in the Numit Kappa epic legend. He is also called "Ngantureng" because of his ability to remove darkness. He is described as "Songbu Chiraitangba" — a physician who is bald headed.^[1]

Etymology

The Meitei name "Korouhanba" (ko.rəu.hən.bə, ꯀꯣꯔꯧꯍꯟꯕ) is a term for the Sun. This term is generally used in verses or in poems. "Korouhanba" (ko.rəu.hən.bə, ꯀꯣꯔꯧꯍꯟꯕ) can be fragmented into "Korou" (ko.rəu, ꯀꯣꯔꯧ), "Han" (hən, ꯍꯟ) and "Ba" (bə, ꯕ). "Korou" (ko.rəu, ꯀꯣꯔꯧ) means the day. "Han" (hən, ꯍꯟ) means "to be older". "Ba" (bə, ꯕ) denotes noun form.^[4]

Description

According to the Meitei tradition, Sun God Korouhanba has a strong connection with the human body, human soul and also the origin of life. The human body is a "Lang" (lit. trap). Inside the trap, the "Thawai Polpi" (lit. soul bird) is kept. The soul bird leaves the former "Lang" and enters into another "Lang". The process is called "Langon" (lit. Changing of Lang). The "Polpilang Puya" text describes that the sun is the origin of life. According to the text, this information was told to Luwang Leikoiba by Mangang Laininghal. He (the Sun) represents the Supreme Being in the world of things (non living) and beings (living). He is Korouhanba.^[5][2][3]

Cults and pantheons

The Lai Haraoba festival is celebrated in the honor of God Korouhanba every year. The most significant shrine dedicated to God Korouhanba is in Moidangpok town in Manipur.^[6] The cults and pantheons dedicated to God Korouhanba are mainly maintained by the Thokchom family of Meitei ethnicity.^[7] He has religious association with the Maring people.^[8][9]

Connection with other deities

God Korouhanba has connection with Mangang Luwang Khuman — the three divine teachers in many legends.^[1][2][3]

Namesakes

Martial Arts Club

The Ibudhou Korouhanba Thang-Ta Moidangpok is a club of Thang Ta, a martial art form of the Meitei ethnicity. This martial arts association was a leading participant in the 31st State Thang Ta Championship in the year 2021.^[10][11]