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Laininthou Sanamahee (Meetei: ꯂꯥꯏꯅꯤꯡꯊꯧ ꯁꯥꯅꯥꯃꯍꯤ) is the Supreme Guardian God of mankind and the supreme deity of the household in Meetei religion and mythology. He originated from the ancient kingdom of Kangleipak (Manipur). He is regarded as the most popular and significant divinity of Sanamahism.[1] He is the brother of Pakhangba and Nongshaba. He is the eldest son of Creator God Saalailel Sitapa and Leimalel Sitapee, the protector of the Universe in Meetei mythology and philosophy[2] and Mother Earth goddess Leimarel Sidabi.

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

Main article: Sanamahi creation myth

When Sanamahi was ordered to cross 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.[4]

As per the declaration that among the two brothers, the first to succeed in traveling across the globe, would be offered his father's throne of the Universe. That's how Pakhangba got the throne.[5] 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

Further information: PuYa

There are one thousand divine names of the God Lainingthou Sanamahi.

Religious sites

The sacred places of Lainingthou Sanamahi include Sanamahi Temple, Kangla Palace, and Sanamahi Kiyong Temple.[6]

Texts

Ancient texts that discuss him include:

Festivals

Further information: Fairs and Festivals in Manipur

The religious festivals associated with Lord Sanamahi are:

See also

References

  1. ^ "Meitei Religion: An Emic Perspective". ResearchGate.
  2. ^ Devi, Nunglekpam Premi (23 November 2021). "A Glimpse of Kanglei Literary Works".
  3. ^ "What is the translation of Sanamahi by Wangkhemcha Chingtamlen".
  4. ^ Devi, Nunglekpam Premi (14 April 2018). "A Glimpse of Manipuri Literary Works".
  5. ^ Suresh Singh, Dr Th (2 June 2014). The Endless Kabaw Valley: British Created Visious [sic] Cycle of Manipur, Burma and India. ISBN 9789384318000.
  6. ^ "SANAMAHI KIYONG TEMPLE | IMPHAL EAST DISTRICT, GOVERNMENT OF MANIPUR | India".
  7. ^ "Holy book of Lainingthou Sanamahi published; Thousands offers prayers on Sanamahi Chenhougba rituals - Imphal Times".
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