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{{Contains special characters}}
{{Under construction}}
{{Infobox deity
{{Infobox deity
| type        = Meitei
| type        = Meitei
Line 29: Line 31:
| color        = <!-- or | colour = -->
| color        = <!-- or | colour = -->
| number      =  
| number      =  
| consort      = [[Thongalel]] ([[Thongarel]])
| consort      = [[Thongalen]] ([[Thongaren]])
| father      = Lai-ren Humchouba
| father      = Lai-ren Humchouba
| siblings    =  
| siblings    =  
Line 39: Line 41:
| texts        = [[Poireiton Khunthok]]
| texts        = [[Poireiton Khunthok]]
| gender      = Female
| gender      = Female
| Greek_equivalent    = [[Themis]]
| Greek_equivalent    = [[Themis]], [[Dike (mythology)|Dike]]
| Roman_equivalent    = Justitia
| Roman_equivalent    = [[Justitia]]
| Etruscan_equivalent  =  
| Etruscan_equivalent  =  
| Christian_equivalent =  
| Christian_equivalent =  
Line 54: Line 56:
| festivals    = [[Lai Haraoba]]
| festivals    = [[Lai Haraoba]]
}}
}}
{{Meitei deities}}
{{Infobox Sanamahist term
'''Laikhurembi''' ({{lang-mni|ꯂꯥꯢꯈꯨꯔꯦꯝꯕꯤ}}, {{lang-omp|Laikhulempi}}) is a goddess in [[Meitei mythology]] and [[Meitei religion|religion]] of [[Ancient Kangleipak]] ([[Antique Manipur]]).<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.language.1340/page/n365/mode/2up?q=%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%87%E0%A6%96%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AC%E0%A7%80|title=চৈথারোল কুমপাপা|last=Brahmacharimayum Kulachandra Sharma|pages=365|language=mni}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.465422/page/n13/mode/2up|title=Leimarel Mingkhei|last=Bhogeshawr|first=Oinam|date=1970|language=mni|pages=13}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.language.2401/page/n175/mode/2up?q=Laikhurembi|title=লরনর্স মনিপুরী-ইংলিশ দিক্সনারী|last=H Surmangol Sharma|date=2006|pages=175|language=en}}</ref> She is the goddess of argument, justice, good counsel, divine law, order, retribution and secrecy.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">Folk Culture of Manipur - Page 194 - Moirangthem Kirti Singh · 1993</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2PjsAAAAMAAJ&q=laikhurembu+retribution+justice|title=A Just Right: Women's Ownership of Natural Resources and Livelihood Security|last1=Rao|first1=Nitya|last2=Rürup|first2=Luise|date=1997|publisher=Friedrich Ebert Stiftung|isbn=978-81-7440-044-4|language=en}}</ref> She is the chief Queen of God [[Thongaren]] ({{lang-omp|[[Thongalen]]}}).<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bjkBM3qyZ00C&dq=laikhurembi&pg=PA79|title=Society, Politics, and Development in North East India: Essays in Memory of Dr. Basudeb Datta Ray|last1=Ray|first1=Asok Kumar|last2=Chakraborty|first2=Satyabrata|date=2008|publisher=Concept Publishing Company|isbn=978-81-8069-572-8|language=en}}</ref>
| title = 
She is the daughter of Lairen Humchouba.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=S_4dAAAAMAAJ&q=laikhurembi|title=The History of Manipur: An early period|last=Singh|first=Wahengbam Ibohal|date=1986|publisher=Manipur Commercial Company|language=en}}</ref> She is one of the divine [[incarnations of Leimarel Sidabi]].<ref name=":0" /> She is one of the most important [[Umang Lai]]s. Her pantheon is maintained particularly by the Taibungjam clan of [[Meitei ethnicity]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vO-vtI8NuxIC&dq=taibangjam+laikhurembee&pg=PA4|title=Manipur: Treatise & Documents|last=Sanajaoba|first=Naorem|date=1993|publisher=Mittal Publications|isbn=978-81-7099-399-5|language=en}}</ref><ref>Singh, Moirangthem Kirti (1988). Religion and Culture of Manipur. Manas Publications. ISBN 978-81-7049-021-0.</ref><ref>Proceedings of the North East India History Association  North East India History Association. Session · 1982</ref>
| en = Laikhurembi
| omp = ꯂꯥꯢꯈꯨꯂꯦꯝꯄꯤ
| omp-Latn = Laai-khoo-lem-pee
| mni = ꯂꯥꯢꯈꯨꯔꯦꯝꯕꯤ
| mni-Latn = Laai-khoo-rem-bee
| as = লাইখুৰেম্বী
| as-Latn = Laai-khoo-rem-bee
| bn = লাইখুরেম্বী
| bn-Latn = Laai-khoo-rem-bee
| my = လိုင်ခရမ်ဘီ
| my-Latn = Laai-khoo-rem-bee
| hi = लाइखूरेम्बी
| hi-Latn = Laai-khoo-rem-bee
}}
{{Meitei mythology}}
{{Sanamahism}}
'''Laikhurembi''' ({{lang-omp|Laikhulempi}}) is a goddess in [[Meitei mythology]] and [[Meitei religion|religion]] of [[Ancient Kangleipak]] ([[Antique Manipur]]).<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.language.1340/page/n365/mode/2up?q=%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%87%E0%A6%96%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AC%E0%A7%80|title=চৈথারোল কুমপাপা|last=Brahmacharimayum Kulachandra Sharma|pages=365|language=mni}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.465422/page/n13/mode/2up|title=Leimarel Mingkhei|last=Bhogeshawr|first=Oinam|date=1970|language=mni|pages=13}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.language.2401/page/n175/mode/2up?q=Laikhurembi|title=লরনর্স মনিপুরী-ইংলিশ দিক্সনারী|last=H Surmangol Sharma|date=2006|pages=175|language=en}}</ref> She is the goddess of justice, good counsel, divine law, order and secrecy.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">Folk Culture of Manipur - Page 194 - Moirangthem Kirti Singh · 1993</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2PjsAAAAMAAJ&q=laikhurembu+retribution+justice|title=A Just Right: Women's Ownership of Natural Resources and Livelihood Security|last1=Rao|first1=Nitya|last2=Rürup|first2=Luise|date=1997|publisher=Friedrich Ebert Stiftung|isbn=978-81-7440-044-4|language=en}}</ref> She is the chief Queen of God [[Thongaren]] ({{lang-omp|[[Thongalen]]}}).<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bjkBM3qyZ00C&dq=laikhurembi&pg=PA79|title=Society, Politics, and Development in North East India: Essays in Memory of Dr. Basudeb Datta Ray|last1=Ray|first1=Asok Kumar|last2=Chakraborty|first2=Satyabrata|date=2008|publisher=Concept Publishing Company|isbn=978-81-8069-572-8|language=en}}</ref>
She is the daughter of Lairen Humchouba.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=S_4dAAAAMAAJ&q=laikhurembi|title=The History of Manipur: An early period|last=Singh|first=Wahengbam Ibohal|date=1986|publisher=Manipur Commercial Company|language=en}}</ref> She is one of the divine incarnations of [[Leimarel Sidabi]].<ref name=":0" /> She is one of the most important [[Umang Lai]]s. Her pantheon is maintained particularly by the Taibungjam clan of [[Meitei ethnicity]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vO-vtI8NuxIC&dq=taibangjam+laikhurembee&pg=PA4|title=Manipur: Treatise & Documents|last=Sanajaoba|first=Naorem|date=1993|publisher=Mittal Publications|isbn=978-81-7099-399-5|language=en}}</ref><ref>Singh, Moirangthem Kirti (1988). Religion and Culture of Manipur. Manas Publications. ISBN 978-81-7049-021-0.</ref><ref>Proceedings of the North East India History Association  North East India History Association. Session · 1982</ref>


== Etymology ==
== Etymology ==
In [[Meitei language]] ([[Manipuri language]]), the female first name ''"Laikhurembi"'' can be split up into three parts, "Lai", "Khu" and "-rembi". The words "Lai" and "Khu" are the names of tribes. The last part "-rembi" means chief, head or graceful in feminine form.<ref name=":2" />
In [[Meitei language]] ([[Manipuri language]]), the female first name ''"Laikhurembi"'' can be split up into three parts, "Lai", "Khu" and "-rembi". The [[Meitei language]] word "Lai" has multiple meanings. It may mean a [[god]] or a [[deity]] or a [[Deity|spirit]] or a [[disease]] or a [[picture]] or a [[painting]] in noun form. "Lai" may mean [[:en:wikt:easy|easy]] in adjective form in [[Meitei language]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sharma|first=H. Surmangol|date=2006|title=Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary.Lai|url=https://dsal.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/app/sharma_query.py?qs=%EA%AF%82%EA%AF%A5%EA%AF%8F&searchhws=yes#|access-date=|website=dsal.uchicago.edu}}</ref> The [[Meitei language]] term "Khu" also has many meanings. It may mean "[[:en:wikt:narrow|narrow]]" or "not [[:en:wikt:wide|wide]]" in adjective form. It may mean a [[knee]] in noun form. It may mean "to [[:en:wikt:kneel|kneel]]" or "to [[:en:wikt:cough|cough]]" in verbal form.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sharma|first=H. Surmangol|date=2006|title=Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary.Khu|url=https://dsal.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/app/sharma_query.py?qs=%EA%AF%88%EA%AF%A8&searchhws=yes|access-date=|website=dsal.uchicago.edu}}</ref> According to "The History Of Manipur" written by Wahengbam Ibohal, the words "Lai" and "Khu" are the names of tribes. The last part "-rembi" means chief, head or graceful in feminine form.<ref name=":2" />


== History and Origin ==
== History and Origin ==
According to the [[Poireiton Khunthok]], Laikhurembi ({{lang-omp|Laikhulempi}}) was the chief queen of [[Thongaren]] ({{lang-omp|[[Thongalen]]}}). This book talks about her body in ways that show her personality. They say she had a wide mouth, which means she was loud or boastful.<ref>{{Cite web|title=WIDE-MOUTH English Definition and Meaning {{!}} Lexico.com|url=https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/wide-mouth|access-date=2022-02-24|website=Lexico Dictionaries {{!}} English|language=en}}</ref> They say she had small breasts, which meant she used her heart less than she used her head; she was a thinking person and not a feeling person.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Definition of BOSOM|url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bosom|access-date=2022-02-24|website=www.merriam-webster.com|language=en}}</ref> They say she had sideways eyes, meaning she did not look at people straight on.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Definition of OBLIQUE|url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oblique|access-date=2022-02-24|website=www.merriam-webster.com|language=en}}</ref>
According to the [[Poireiton Khunthok]], Laikhurembi ({{lang-omp|Laikhulempi}}) was the chief queen of [[Thongaren]] ({{lang-omp|[[Thongalen]]}}). This book talks about her body in ways that show her personality. They say she had a wide mouth, which means she was loud or boastful.<ref>{{Cite web|title=WIDE-MOUTH English Definition and Meaning {{!}} Lexico.com|url=https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/wide-mouth|access-date=2022-02-24|website=Lexico Dictionaries {{!}} English|language=en}}</ref> They say she had small breasts, which meant she used her heart less than she used her head; she was a thinking person and not a feeling person.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Definition of BOSOM|url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bosom|access-date=2022-02-24|website=www.merriam-webster.com|language=en}}</ref> They say she had sideways eyes, meaning she did not look at people straight on.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Definition of OBLIQUE|url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oblique|access-date=2022-02-24|website=www.merriam-webster.com|language=en}}</ref>


Scholars think this queen may have had [[Asian]] ethnicity. Some scholars think Laikhurembi could come from a tribe that had both ''[[:en:Lai people|Lai]]'' and ''Khu'' people in it.<ref name=":2">{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.463276/page/n233/mode/2up?q=Laikhurembi|title=The History Of Manipur|last=Singh|first=Wahengbam Ibohal|pages=233}}</ref> Other scholars think "Laikhurembi" is just her title and not her name.<ref name=":3">{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.463276/page/n234/mode/2up?q=Laikhurembi|title=The History Of Manipur|last=Singh|first=Wahengbam Ibohal|pages=234}}</ref>
Scholars think this queen may have had [[Asian people|Asian]] ethnicity. Some scholars think Laikhurembi could come from a tribe that had both ''Lai'' and ''Khu'' people in it.<ref name=":2">{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.463276/page/n233/mode/2up?q=Laikhurembi|title=The History Of Manipur|last=Singh|first=Wahengbam Ibohal|pages=233}}</ref> Other scholars think "Laikhurembi" is just her title and not her name.<ref name=":3">{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.463276/page/n234/mode/2up?q=Laikhurembi|title=The History Of Manipur|last=Singh|first=Wahengbam Ibohal|pages=234}}</ref>


Laikhurembi ({{lang-omp|Laikhulempi}}) is the daughter of Lai-ren Humchouba ({{lang-omp|Lai Len Hum Choupa}}, [[:en:Shan language|Shan]]: Hoom Chao Hpa). In [[Meitei language]] ([[Manipuri language]]), "Lai-ren" means "Chief of [[:en:Lai people|Lai]]". The [[:en:Lai people|Lai people]] were a group of people descended from the [[:en:Tai peoples|Tai peoples]]. The Lai descent was due to the repression of the Tai people by Chinese Emperor [[Qin Shi Huang|Shi Wang]] ({{zh|[[:en:wikt:始皇|始皇]]}}) in the 3rd century BC.<ref name=":3" />
Laikhurembi ({{lang-omp|Laikhulempi}}) is the daughter of Lai-ren Humchouba ({{lang-omp|Lai Len Hum Choupa}}, [[:en:Shan language|Shan]]: Hoom Chao Hpa). In [[Meitei language]] ([[Manipuri language]]), "Lai-ren" means "Chief of Lai".<ref name=":3" /> In [[Meitei language]], the word [[#Etymology|"Lai" has many meanings]].


Queen Laikhurembi was the first wife of King [[Thongaren]] ({{lang-omp|[[Thongalen]]}}). Then king asked her to marry his younger brother, [[Poireiton]], instead, because Poireiton's wife had died. Poireiton was beginning a journey to ''[[Ancient Kangleipak|Tai Pang Pan]]'' and King Thongalel thought it would not be good for Poireiton to go without a wife.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.463276/page/n245/mode/2up?q=Laikhurembi|title=The History Of Manipur|last=Singh|first=Wahengbam Ibohal|pages=245}}</ref> However, Laikhurembi did not want to go. Trees had already been planted to honor her as the King's wife. Instead of Laikhurembi, King [[Thongalel]] sent his second wife [[Leinaotabi]] to accompany her brother in law [[Poireiton]] as a wife.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.463276/page/n246/mode/2up?q=Laikhurembi|title=The History Of Manipur|last=Singh|first=Wahengbam Ibohal|pages=246}}</ref>
Queen Laikhurembi was the first wife of King [[Thongaren]] ({{lang-omp|[[Thongalen]]}}). Then king asked her to marry his younger brother, [[Poireiton]], instead, because Poireiton's wife had died. Poireiton was beginning a journey to ''[[Ancient Kangleipak|Tai Pang Pan]]'' and King Thongalel thought it would not be good for Poireiton to go without a wife.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.463276/page/n245/mode/2up?q=Laikhurembi|title=The History Of Manipur|last=Singh|first=Wahengbam Ibohal|pages=245}}</ref> However, Laikhurembi did not want to go. Trees had already been planted to honor her as the King's wife. Instead of Laikhurembi, King [[Thongalel]] sent his second wife [[Leinaotabi]] to accompany her brother in law [[Poireiton]] as a wife.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.463276/page/n246/mode/2up?q=Laikhurembi|title=The History Of Manipur|last=Singh|first=Wahengbam Ibohal|pages=246}}</ref>
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There is a temple dedicated to Goddess Laikhurembi in [[Uripok]] town in [[Imphal West|Imphal West district]] of [[Manipur]]. During the [[Lai Haraoba]] festival of Uripok, a [[carnival]] like atmosphere subdues the sacred traditional ritualistic ceremonies. During the noisy possession of the festive occasions, the [[maibi]]s dance in the gentle melodies of [[Pena (musical instrument)|pena]]. The [[maibi]]s became possessed by the spirits when the music stopped and they delivered [[oracle]]s. During this, the audiences listen to them very attentively.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/feminismintradit0000chak/page/122/mode/2up?q=Laikhurembi|title=Feminism in a Traditional Society: Women of the Manipur Valley - Manjusri Chaki-Sircar · 1984|pages=122|website=archive.org|year=1984|isbn=9780706919677|last1=Chaki-Sircar|first1=Manjusri}}</ref>
There is a temple dedicated to Goddess Laikhurembi in [[Uripok]] town in [[Imphal West|Imphal West district]] of [[Manipur]]. During the [[Lai Haraoba]] festival of Uripok, a [[carnival]] like atmosphere subdues the sacred traditional ritualistic ceremonies. During the noisy possession of the festive occasions, the [[maibi]]s dance in the gentle melodies of [[Pena (musical instrument)|pena]]. The [[maibi]]s became possessed by the spirits when the music stopped and they delivered [[oracle]]s. During this, the audiences listen to them very attentively.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/feminismintradit0000chak/page/122/mode/2up?q=Laikhurembi|title=Feminism in a Traditional Society: Women of the Manipur Valley - Manjusri Chaki-Sircar · 1984|pages=122|website=archive.org|year=1984|isbn=9780706919677|last1=Chaki-Sircar|first1=Manjusri}}</ref>


== Related pages ==
== See also ==
* [[Lainaotabi]]
* [[Lainaotabi]]
* [[Yumjao Leima]]
* [[Yumjao Leima]]
Line 85: Line 104:
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


== Other websites ==
== External links ==
{{Commons}}
{{Wiktionary|Laikhurembi}}
{{Wikivoyage}}
* [https://dsal.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/app/sharma_query.py?qs=%EA%AF%82%EA%AF%A5%EA%AF%8F%EA%AF%88%EA%AF%A8%EA%AF%94%EA%AF%A6%EA%AF%9D%EA%AF%95%EA%AF%A4&searchhws=yes Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary. Laikhurembi]
* [https://dsal.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/app/sharma_query.py?qs=%EA%AF%82%EA%AF%A5%EA%AF%8F%EA%AF%88%EA%AF%A8%EA%AF%94%EA%AF%A6%EA%AF%9D%EA%AF%95%EA%AF%A4&searchhws=yes Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary. Laikhurembi]
 
{{Sanamahi1}}
[[Category:Abundance deities]]
[[Category:Abundance goddesses]]
[[Category:Arts deities]]
[[Category:Arts goddesses]]
[[Category:Asian deities]]
[[Category:Asian goddesses]]
[[Category:Beauty deities]]
[[Category:Beauty goddesses]]
[[Category:Fortune deities]]
[[Category:Fortune goddesses]]
[[Category:Justice deities]]
[[Category:Justice goddesses]]
[[Category:Knowledge deities]]
[[Category:Knowledge goddesses]]
[[Category:Leima]]
[[Category:Magic deities]]
[[Category:Magic goddesses]]
[[Category:Maintenance deities]]
[[Category:Maintenance goddesses]]
[[Category:Marriage deities]]
[[Category:Marriage goddesses]]
[[Category:Meitei gods and goddesses]]
[[Category:Meitei gods and goddesses]]
 
[[Category:Names of God in Sanamahism]]
{{simple-Wikipedia}}
[[Category:Nature deities]]
[[Category:Nature goddesses]]
[[Category:Peace deities]]
[[Category:Peace goddesses]]
[[Category:Time and fate deities]]
[[Category:Time and fate goddesses]]
[[Category:Underworld deities]]
[[Category:Underworld goddesses]]
[[Category:Wisdom deities]]
[[Category:Wisdom goddesses]]

Latest revision as of 14:10, 27 June 2022

Laikhurembi
(Old Manipuri: Laikhulempi)
Chief Queen of the Underworld
Goddess of argument, justice, good counsel, divine law, order, retribution and secrecy
Member of Lairembis and Umang Lais
LAIKHULEMPI.jpg
"Laikhulempi", the Ancient Meitei (Old Manipuri) name of goddess Laikhurembi, written in archaic Meetei Mayek abugida
Venerated inCourts
AffiliationMeitei mythology (Manipuri mythology) and Meitei religion (Sanamahism)
Major cult centerUripok town in Imphal
TextsPoireiton Khunthok
GenderFemale
RegionAncient Kangleipak (Antique Manipur)
Ethnic groupMeitei ethnicity
FestivalsLai Haraoba
Personal information
Parents
  • Lai-ren Humchouba (father)
ConsortThongalen (Thongaren)
Greek equivalentThemis, Dike
Roman equivalentJustitia

Template:Infobox Sanamahist term

Template:Sanamahism Laikhurembi (Old Manipuri: Laikhulempi) is a goddess in Meitei mythology and religion of Ancient Kangleipak (Antique Manipur).[1][2][3] She is the goddess of justice, good counsel, divine law, order and secrecy.[2][4][5] She is the chief Queen of God Thongaren (Old Manipuri: Thongalen).[6] She is the daughter of Lairen Humchouba.[7] She is one of the divine incarnations of Leimarel Sidabi.[2] She is one of the most important Umang Lais. Her pantheon is maintained particularly by the Taibungjam clan of Meitei ethnicity.[8][9][10]

Etymology[edit]

In Meitei language (Manipuri language), the female first name "Laikhurembi" can be split up into three parts, "Lai", "Khu" and "-rembi". The Meitei language word "Lai" has multiple meanings. It may mean a god or a deity or a spirit or a disease or a picture or a painting in noun form. "Lai" may mean easy in adjective form in Meitei language.[11] The Meitei language term "Khu" also has many meanings. It may mean "narrow" or "not wide" in adjective form. It may mean a knee in noun form. It may mean "to kneel" or "to cough" in verbal form.[12] According to "The History Of Manipur" written by Wahengbam Ibohal, the words "Lai" and "Khu" are the names of tribes. The last part "-rembi" means chief, head or graceful in feminine form.[13]

History and Origin[edit]

According to the Poireiton Khunthok, Laikhurembi (Old Manipuri: Laikhulempi) was the chief queen of Thongaren (Old Manipuri: Thongalen). This book talks about her body in ways that show her personality. They say she had a wide mouth, which means she was loud or boastful.[14] They say she had small breasts, which meant she used her heart less than she used her head; she was a thinking person and not a feeling person.[15] They say she had sideways eyes, meaning she did not look at people straight on.[16]

Scholars think this queen may have had Asian ethnicity. Some scholars think Laikhurembi could come from a tribe that had both Lai and Khu people in it.[13] Other scholars think "Laikhurembi" is just her title and not her name.[17]

Laikhurembi (Old Manipuri: Laikhulempi) is the daughter of Lai-ren Humchouba (Old Manipuri: Lai Len Hum Choupa, Shan: Hoom Chao Hpa). In Meitei language (Manipuri language), "Lai-ren" means "Chief of Lai".[17] In Meitei language, the word "Lai" has many meanings.

Queen Laikhurembi was the first wife of King Thongaren (Old Manipuri: Thongalen). Then king asked her to marry his younger brother, Poireiton, instead, because Poireiton's wife had died. Poireiton was beginning a journey to Tai Pang Pan and King Thongalel thought it would not be good for Poireiton to go without a wife.[18] However, Laikhurembi did not want to go. Trees had already been planted to honor her as the King's wife. Instead of Laikhurembi, King Thongalel sent his second wife Leinaotabi to accompany her brother in law Poireiton as a wife.[19]

Description[edit]

The Goddess Laikhurembi had special powers. She was Yungyatnaba (lit. erect and sharp) which meant she could see objects accurately no matter how far away they were. She could look at a person and see who he or she truly was inside. When she made a judgement, she would announce her decision wisely, and people got the right rewards for what they had done (things given in recognition of service, effort or achievement).[2][4]

No one could find the Goddess Laikhurembi unless she wanted them to find her. No matter how hard a person would look, she could hide and stay hidden.[2]

Cult[edit]

There is a temple dedicated to Goddess Laikhurembi in Uripok town in Imphal West district of Manipur. During the Lai Haraoba festival of Uripok, a carnival like atmosphere subdues the sacred traditional ritualistic ceremonies. During the noisy possession of the festive occasions, the maibis dance in the gentle melodies of pena. The maibis became possessed by the spirits when the music stopped and they delivered oracles. During this, the audiences listen to them very attentively.[20]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. Brahmacharimayum Kulachandra Sharma. চৈথারোল কুমপাপা (in ꯃꯤꯇꯩ ꯂꯣꯟ). p. 365.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Bhogeshawr, Oinam (1970). Leimarel Mingkhei (in ꯃꯤꯇꯩ ꯂꯣꯟ). p. 13.
  3. H Surmangol Sharma (2006). লরনর্স মনিপুরী-ইংলিশ দিক্সনারী. p. 175.
  4. 4.0 4.1 Folk Culture of Manipur - Page 194 - Moirangthem Kirti Singh · 1993
  5. Rao, Nitya; Rürup, Luise (1997). A Just Right: Women's Ownership of Natural Resources and Livelihood Security. Friedrich Ebert Stiftung. ISBN 978-81-7440-044-4.
  6. 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. ISBN 978-81-8069-572-8.
  7. Singh, Wahengbam Ibohal (1986). The History of Manipur: An early period. Manipur Commercial Company.
  8. Sanajaoba, Naorem (1993). Manipur: Treatise & Documents. Mittal Publications. ISBN 978-81-7099-399-5.
  9. Singh, Moirangthem Kirti (1988). Religion and Culture of Manipur. Manas Publications. ISBN 978-81-7049-021-0.
  10. Proceedings of the North East India History Association North East India History Association. Session · 1982
  11. Sharma, H. Surmangol (2006). "Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary.Lai". dsal.uchicago.edu.
  12. Sharma, H. Surmangol (2006). "Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary.Khu". dsal.uchicago.edu.
  13. 13.0 13.1 Singh, Wahengbam Ibohal. The History Of Manipur. p. 233.
  14. "WIDE-MOUTH English Definition and Meaning | Lexico.com". Lexico Dictionaries | English. Retrieved 2022-02-24.
  15. "Definition of BOSOM". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 2022-02-24.
  16. "Definition of OBLIQUE". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 2022-02-24.
  17. 17.0 17.1 Singh, Wahengbam Ibohal. The History Of Manipur. p. 234.
  18. Singh, Wahengbam Ibohal. The History Of Manipur. p. 245.
  19. Singh, Wahengbam Ibohal. The History Of Manipur. p. 246.
  20. Chaki-Sircar, Manjusri (1984). Feminism in a Traditional Society: Women of the Manipur Valley - Manjusri Chaki-Sircar · 1984. p. 122. ISBN 9780706919677. {{cite book}}: |website= ignored (help)

External links[edit]

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