Meetei Mayek
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Meitei mythology
(Manipuri mythology)
Stylistic originsAncient Kangleipak (early Manipur)
Cultural originsMeitei culture (Manipuri culture)
Popularity
Subgenres
Epic cycles of incarnations
Related topics
Meitei religion (Sanamahism), Meitei folklore (Manipuri folklore), Meitei literature (Manipuri literature), Meitei cinema (Manipuri cinema)
A tableau of Manipur, depicting the divine mythical creatures, like Hiyang Hiren and Pakhangba, from Meitei mythology, in a Republic Day Parade of India, in New Delhi
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Meitei mythology
A tableau depicting Meitei divine mythical beings, like Hiyang Hiren and Pakhangba.
Deities
Heroes and heroines
Mythical creatures
Related
 Myths portal
Mythology
Mythologies
Types
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See also

Meitei mythology or Manipuri mythology (Meitei: Meitei Mi Lai Tingi Wari) is a collection of myths, belonging to the religious and cultural traditions of the Meitei people, the predominant ethnic group of Manipur. It is associated with traditional Meitei religion (Sanamahism). Meitei myths are a part of Meitei culture (Manipuri culture) and explain various natural phenomena, how the human civilization developed, and the reasons of many things happening. Most of the Meitei legends are found in the Meitei language (Manipuri language) texts.[1][2][3][4]

Term
EnglishMeitei mythology
Ancient Meiteiꯃꯩꯇꯩ ꯃꯤ ꯂꯥꯢ ꯇꯤꯟꯀꯤ ꯋꯥꯂꯤ / ꯃꯤꯇꯩ ꯃꯤ ꯂꯥꯢ ꯇꯤꯟꯀꯤ ꯋꯥꯂꯤ
(mei-tei mee lai teen-kee waa-lee)
Modern Meiteiꯃꯩꯇꯩ ꯃꯤ ꯂꯥꯢ ꯇꯤꯟꯒꯤ ꯋꯥꯔꯤ / ꯃꯤꯇꯩ ꯃꯤ ꯂꯥꯢ ꯇꯤꯟꯒꯤ ꯋꯥꯔꯤ
(mei-tei mee lai teen-gee waa-ree)
Assameseমেইতেই পৌরাণিক কাহিনীসমূহ
(mei-tei pou-raa-neek kaa-hee-nee-so-mooh)
Bengaliমেইতেই পুরাকথা
(mei-tei poo-raa-ko-thaa)
Hindiमैतै पौराणिक कथा
(mei-tei pou-raa-neek ka-thaa)
Sanamahism

Textual sources

This list is incomplete; you can help by adding missing items. (June 2022)

Mythical narration plays an integral role in nearly every genre of Meitei literature (Manipuri literature). Some of the best known literary sources are:

Ancient texts Description
Khongjomnubi Nongarol Legends of six girls turning into the Pleiades in the sky[5][6][7]
Konthoujam Nongarol Legends of Konthoujam Tampha Lairembi[8][9]
Leishemlon Creation myth –Story of the creation of the universe[10][11][12]
Leithak Leikharol Creation myth – the creation, genealogy of kings, moral teachings and mythology[13][14][15][16]
Panthoibi Khongul Legends of that romantic adventure of Goddess Panthoibi and God Nongpok Ningthou[17][18][19]
Phouoibi Waron Legends of the multitude of loves of Goddess Phouoibi[20][21][22][23][24]
Poireiton Khunthok Legend of the human civilization on earth led by Poireiton and Leinaotabi from the underworld.[25][26][27][28][29][30]
Sakok Lamlen Creation myth – a sequel to the myth expounded in the Leithak Leikharol[31][32][33][34]

Mythical beings

Main articles: Meitei deities and List of creatures in Meitei folklore

Mythical beings include gods, goddesses, mythical creatures and many others.

References

  1. ^ Hodson, Thomas Callan (2016-05-17). The Meitheis. Creative Media Partners, LLC. ISBN 978-1-356-86725-7.
  2. ^ Laisram, Rena (2009). Early Meitei History: Religion, Society and the Manipur Puyas. Akansha Publishing House. ISBN 978-81-8370-163-1.
  3. ^ Roy, L. Somi (2021-06-21). And That Is Why... Manipuri Myths Retold. Penguin Random House India Private Limited. ISBN 978-93-91149-65-9.
  4. ^ Devi, Dr Yumlembam Gopi. Glimpses of Manipuri Culture. ISBN 978-0-359-72919-7.
  5. ^ Meitei, Sanjenbam Yaiphaba; Chaudhuri, Sarit K.; Arunkumar, M. C. (25 November 2020). The Cultural Heritage of Manipur. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-000-29637-2.
  6. ^ Singh, Lamabam Damodar (2000). L. Kamal Singh. Sahitya Akademi. ISBN 978-81-260-0856-8.
  7. ^ Paniker, K. Ayyappa (29 August 1997). Medieval Indian Literature: Surveys and selections. Sahitya Akademi. ISBN 978-81-260-0365-5.
  8. ^ Paniker, K. Ayyappa (1997). Medieval Indian Literature: Surveys and selections. Sahitya Akademi. p. 334. ISBN 978-81-260-0365-5.
  9. ^ Ray, Asok Kumar; Chakraborty, Satyabrata (2008). Society, Politics, and Development in North East India: Essays in Memory of Dr. Basudeb Datta Ray. Concept Publishing Company. p. 85. ISBN 978-81-8069-572-8.
  10. ^ Singh, Moirangthem Kirti (1998). Recent Researches in Oriental Indological Studies: Including Meiteilogy. Parimal Publications.
  11. ^ North East India History Association. Session (1995). Proceedings of North East India History Association. The Association.
  12. ^ Green, Thomas A.; Svinth, Joseph R. (2010). Martial Arts of the World: An Encyclopedia of History and Innovation [2 volumes]: An Encyclopedia of History and Innovation. ABC-CLIO. p. 294. ISBN 978-1-59884-244-9.
  13. ^ Paniker, K. Ayyappa (1997). Medieval Indian Literature: Surveys and selections. Sahitya Akademi. p. 334. ISBN 978-81-260-0365-5.
  14. ^ Panchani, Chander Sheikhar (1987). Manipur, Religion, Culture, and Society. Konark Publishers. ISBN 978-81-220-0047-4.
  15. ^ Singh, Moirangthem Kirti (1993). Folk Culture of Manipur. Manas Publications. ISBN 978-81-7049-063-0.
  16. ^ Singh, Moirangthem Kirti (1988). Religion and Culture of Manipur. Manas Publications. ISBN 978-81-7049-021-0.
  17. ^ Society and Economy in North-East India. Regency Publications. 2004. ISBN 978-81-87498-83-4.
  18. ^ Zama, Margaret Ch (2013). Emerging Literatures from Northeast India: The Dynamics of Culture, Society and Identity. SAGE Publishing India. p. 79. ISBN 978-81-321-1746-9.
  19. ^ North East India History Association. Session (2003). Proceedings of North East India History Association. The Association.
  20. ^ Paniker, K. Ayyappa (1997). Medieval Indian Literature: Surveys and selections. Sahitya Akademi. ISBN 978-81-260-0365-5.
  21. ^ Meitei, Sanjenbam Yaiphaba; Chaudhuri, Sarit K.; Arunkumar, M. C. (2020-11-25). The Cultural Heritage of Manipur. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-000-29637-2.
  22. ^ N.A (1959). MEDIEVAL INDIAN LITERATURE AN ANTHOLOGY VOL. 3. SAHITYA AKADEMI, NEW DELHI.
  23. ^ Medieval Indian Literature: An Anthology. Sahitya Akademi. 1997.
  24. ^ Kalā: The Journal of Indian Art History Congress. The Congress. 1995.
  25. ^ Singh, R.K. Jhalajit (1965). A Short History of Manipur. O.K. Store.
  26. ^ North East India History Association. Session (1988). Proceedings of North East India History Association. The Association.
  27. ^ Singh, R.K. Jhalajit (1975). Manipur. Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.
  28. ^ Singh, R.K. Nimai (2017). neScholar Magazine Vol 03 Issue 03. NE Brothers Pvt. Limited. p. 63.
  29. ^ Sen, Sipra (1992). Tribes and Castes of Manipur: Description and Select Bibliography. Mittal Publications. ISBN 978-81-7099-310-0.
  30. ^ Singh, Wahengbam Ibohal (1986). The History of Manipur: An early period. Manipur Commercial Company.
  31. ^ Singh, Ch Manihar (1996). A History of Manipuri Literature. Sahitya Akademi. ISBN 978-81-260-0086-9.
  32. ^ Rasheeduddin Khan; Indian Institute of Advanced Study (1987). Composite Culture of India and National Integration. Indian Institute of Advanced Study.
  33. ^ Dasgupta, Kalyan Kumar; Bhattacharyya, Pranab Kumar; Choudhury, Rabin Dev (1988). Sraddhanjali, Studies in Ancient Indian History: D.C. Sircar Commemoration Volume. Sundeep Prakashan. ISBN 978-81-85067-10-0.
  34. ^ Dena, Lal (1991). History of Modern Manipur, 1826-1949. Orbit Publishers-Distributors.

Meitei mythology & folklore

Mythic Texts and Folktales:
Numit Kappa | Moirang Kangleirol | Moirang Shayon | Khamba Thoibi | Sandrembi and Chaisra
Fungawari Singbul [simple] | Funga Wari [simple]
Divinities:
Maikei Ngaakpa Lais | Leimalel | Sanamahi
Emoinu | Panthoipi
Legendary Creatures:
Dragons | Helloi | Hingchabi | Keibu Keioiba | Khoirentak tiger | Samadon Ayangba | Uchek Langmeidong
Mythical and Sacred Places:
Lai Lamlen [simple] | Khamnung [simple] | Kangla | Mt. Koupalu | Nongmaiching Hills | Thangching Hills

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