Meitei mythology: Difference between revisions

Meitei (Manipuri) mythology
Meitei (Manipuri) mythology
Cultural origins	Meitei culture
Subgenres
	Epic cycles of incarnations
Related topics
	Sanamahism, Meitei folklore, Meitei literature, Meitei cinema

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Meitei mythology (or Manipuri mythology) (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.) 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 of Sanamahism. Meitei myths explain various natural phenomena, how human civilization developed, and the reasons of many events.^[1]^[2]

Textual sources[edit | edit source]

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^[3]
Konthoujam Nongarol	Legends of Konthoujam Tampha Lairembi^[4]
Leishemlon	Creation myth^[5]
Leithak Leikharol	The creation of the world, genealogy of kings, moral teachings and mythology^[6]
Panthoibi Khongul	Romantic adventures of the Goddess Panthoibi and the God Nongpok Ningthou^[7]^[8]^[9]
Phouoibi Waron	Legends of the multitude of loves of Goddess Phouoibi^[10]
Poireiton Khunthok	Legend of the human civilization on earth led by Poireiton and Leinaotabi from the underworld.^[11]^[12]^[13]
Sakok Lamlen	A sequel to Leithak Leikharol.^[14]

Mythical beings[edit | edit source]

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

References[edit | edit source]

↑ Laisram, Rena (2009). Early Meitei History: Religion, Society and the Manipur Puyas. Akansha Publishing House. ISBN 978-81-8370-163-1.
↑ Devi, Dr Yumlembam Gopi. Glimpses of Manipuri Culture. ISBN 978-0-359-72919-7.
↑ Meitei, Sanjenbam Yaiphaba; Chaudhuri, Sarit K.; Arunkumar, M. C. (25 November 2020). The Cultural Heritage of Manipur. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-000-29637-2.
↑ Paniker, K. Ayyappa (1997). Medieval Indian Literature: Surveys and selections. Sahitya Akademi. p. 334. ISBN 978-81-260-0365-5.
↑ Singh, Moirangthem Kirti (1998). Recent Researches in Oriental Indological Studies: Including Meiteilogy. Parimal Publications.
↑ Panchani, Chander Sheikhar (1987). Manipur, Religion, Culture, and Society. Konark Publishers. ISBN 978-81-220-0047-4.
↑ Society and Economy in North-East India. Regency Publications. 2004. ISBN 978-81-87498-83-4.
↑ 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.
↑ North East India History Association. Session (2003). Proceedings of North East India History Association. The Association.
↑ Paniker, K. Ayyappa (1997). Medieval Indian Literature: Surveys and selections. Sahitya Akademi. ISBN 978-81-260-0365-5.
↑ Singh, R.K. Jhalajit (1965). A Short History of Manipur. O.K. Store.
↑ Sen, Sipra (1992). Tribes and Castes of Manipur: Description and Select Bibliography. Mittal Publications. ISBN 978-81-7099-310-0.
↑ Singh, Wahengbam Ibohal (1986). The History of Manipur: An early period. Manipur Commercial Company.
↑ Singh, Ch Manihar (1996). A History of Manipuri Literature. Sahitya Akademi. ISBN 978-81-260-0086-9.

Meitei Mythology & Folklore

[1] Laisram, Rena (2009). Early Meitei History: Religion, Society and the Manipur Puyas. Akansha Publishing House. ISBN 978-81-8370-163-1.

[2] Devi, Dr Yumlembam Gopi. Glimpses of Manipuri Culture. ISBN 978-0-359-72919-7.

[3] Meitei, Sanjenbam Yaiphaba; Chaudhuri, Sarit K.; Arunkumar, M. C. (25 November 2020). The Cultural Heritage of Manipur. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-000-29637-2.

[4] Paniker, K. Ayyappa (1997). Medieval Indian Literature: Surveys and selections. Sahitya Akademi. p. 334. ISBN 978-81-260-0365-5.

[5] Singh, Moirangthem Kirti (1998). Recent Researches in Oriental Indological Studies: Including Meiteilogy. Parimal Publications.

[6] Panchani, Chander Sheikhar (1987). Manipur, Religion, Culture, and Society. Konark Publishers. ISBN 978-81-220-0047-4.

[7] Society and Economy in North-East India. Regency Publications. 2004. ISBN 978-81-87498-83-4.

[8] 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.

[9] North East India History Association. Session (2003). Proceedings of North East India History Association. The Association.

[10] Paniker, K. Ayyappa (1997). Medieval Indian Literature: Surveys and selections. Sahitya Akademi. ISBN 978-81-260-0365-5.

[11] Singh, R.K. Jhalajit (1965). A Short History of Manipur. O.K. Store.

[12] Sen, Sipra (1992). Tribes and Castes of Manipur: Description and Select Bibliography. Mittal Publications. ISBN 978-81-7099-310-0.

[13] Singh, Wahengbam Ibohal (1986). The History of Manipur: An early period. Manipur Commercial Company.

[14] Singh, Ch Manihar (1996). A History of Manipuri Literature. Sahitya Akademi. ISBN 978-81-260-0086-9.

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{See|List of figures in Meitei mythology}}
+{{Short description|none}} <!-- "none" is preferred when the title is sufficiently descriptive; see [[BP:SDNONE]] -->
-[[File:The_tableau_of_Manipur_passes_through_the_Raj_path_during_the_61st_Republic_Day_Parade-2010,_in_New_Delhi_on_January_26,_2010.jpg|thumb|center|The tableau of [[Manipur]] presenting mythological figures from the Meitei mythology, in [[New Delhi]]]]
+{{Redirect|Manipuri mythology}}
-'''Meitei mythology''' or '''Manipuri mythology''' is a body of traditional legendary myths pertaining to the origin and the religious systems of [[Ancient Manipur]] ([[Ancient Kangleipak]]), generally retold by the [[Meitei ethnicity]].<ref>https://books.google.co.in/books?id=_HmwAAAAIAAJ&q=meitei+myth&dq=meitei+myth&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjYtJbYvuLuAhX17HMBHe9CBhgQ6AEwCXoECAkQAg</ref><ref>https://books.google.co.in/books?id=p1cOAAAAIAAJ&dq=meitei+myth&focus=searchwithinvolume&q=Manipuri+myths</ref><ref>https://books.google.co.in/books?id=AoECgkZ0Wu0C&q=meitei+mythology&dq=meitei+mythology&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiLydm4vuLuAhUOgdgFHaKKAmc4ChDoATAHegQIAhAC</ref><ref>https://books.google.co.in/books?id=WEQqAAAAYAAJ&q=manipuri+mythology&dq=manipuri+mythology&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiN_MrEp_XuAhXVlEsFHYlvAukQ6AEwBHoECAYQAw</ref>
+{{See|Meitei folklore|Meitei literature}}
+{{Contains special characters|Meitei}}
+{{Infobox literary genre
+| name              = Meitei (Manipuri) mythology
+| image             = <!-- filename format only -->
+| imagesize         = <!-- default 250 -->
+| caption           =
+| alt               = Manipuri mythology
+| stylistic_origins =
+| cultural_origins  = [[Meitei culture]]
+| features          =
+| popularity        =
+| formats           =
+| authors           = <!-- can also use person1-person5-->
+| subgenrelist      =
+| subgenres         = [[Epic cycles of incarnations]] <!-- can also use subs1-subs4-->
+| relatedgenres     = <!-- can also use related1-related5-->
+| base#             = <!-- upto 5 -->
+| pub#              = <!-- upto 5 -->
+| title#            = <!-- upto 5 -->
+| series#           = <!-- upto 5 -->
+| regional_scenes   =
+| local_scenes      =
+| other_topics      = [[Sanamahism]], [[Meitei folklore]], [[Meitei literature]], [[Meitei cinema]]
+}}
-Meitei mythology may also references to the modern analysis of the representation of the literature and art of the culture of the [[Meitei people]].<ref>https://books.google.co.in/books?id=AoECgkZ0Wu0C&q=meitei+mythology&dq=meitei+mythology&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiLydm4vuLuAhUOgdgFHaKKAmc4ChDoATAHegQIAhAC</ref> The Meiteis usually treated their mythology as history even though it includes supernatural or mythical or miraculous elements.<ref>https://books.google.co.in/books?id=_HmwAAAAIAAJ&q=meitei+myth&dq=meitei+myth&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjYtJbYvuLuAhX17HMBHe9CBhgQ6AEwCXoECAkQAg</ref><ref>https://books.google.co.in/books?id=p1cOAAAAIAAJ&dq=meitei+myth&focus=searchwithinvolume&q=Manipuri+myths</ref>
+'''Meitei mythology''' (or Manipuri mythology) ({{langx|mni|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 of [[Sanamahism]]. Meitei myths explain various natural phenomena, how human civilization developed, and the reasons of many events.<ref>Laisram, Rena (2009). Early Meitei History: Religion, Society and the Manipur Puyas. Akansha Publishing House. ISBN 978-81-8370-163-1.</ref><ref>Devi, Dr Yumlembam Gopi. Glimpses of Manipuri Culture. ISBN 978-0-359-72919-7.</ref>
-== Source texts ==
+== Textual sources ==
-{{Main|PuYa}}
+{{Expand list|date=June 2022}}
-[[File:PuYa_1.jpg|thumb|[[PuYa|A Meitei manuscript]] on account of the mythological origin of the human beings]]
+Mythical narration plays an integral role in nearly every genre of [[Meitei literature]] ([[Manipuri literature]]). Some of the best known literary sources are:
-There are sources from both the manuscript as well as oral folklore in ancient kingdom of [[Kangleipak]] (present day [[Manipur]]). The so-called manuscripts are known as [[Puya (Meitei texts)]], which are the original accounts on the religious themes as well as historical events of the [[Meitei literature]]. [[Wakoklon Heelel Thilen Salai Amailon Pukok Puya]], [[Sanamahi Laihui]] and [[Numit Kappa]] the most prestigious [[Puya (Meitei texts)]] in the Kanglei Meitei mythology.
-== Deities ==
-{{Main|Lists of deities in Sanamahism|Sanamahi creation myth}}
-The Kanglei Meitei deities, are always associated with the [[Meitei religion]], which has been in existence since ancient times in the [[Kangleipak|Kanglei World]]. The traditional culture and folklore is inherited by the [[Meitei people]] from their primitive ancestors till present.
-[[File:The Symbol of Sanamahi.svg|thumb|right|The symbol of [[Sanamahism]]]]
-The primary deities in the mythology are:
-* [[Atingkok Maru Sidaba|Atiya Guru Sidaba]]: He is the [[Creator God]] of the entire universe, and the sole breeder of all the living beings.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://manipuri.itgo.com/the_lais.html#mapu|title=The Manipuri Lais|website=manipuri.itgo.com|accessdate=Mar 1, 2021}}</ref>
-* [[Lainingthou Sanamahi|Sanamahi]]: He is the Guardian God of the mankind and the household. He created the human beings in the figure of the Almighty.<ref>http://manipuri.itgo.com/the_lais.html#sanamahi</ref>
-* [[Pakhangba]]: He is the [[destroyer]] and the ruler of the universe. He can assume both human as well as serpentine figure.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=http://manipuri.itgo.com/the_lais.html#pakhangba|title=The Manipuri Lais|website=manipuri.itgo.com|accessdate=Mar 1, 2021}}</ref>
-* [[Leimarel Sidabi]]: She is the supreme mother earth goddess and the consort of the creator God.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://manipuri.itgo.com/the_lais.html#leimaren|title=The Manipuri Lais|website=manipuri.itgo.com|accessdate=Mar 1, 2021}}</ref>
-* [[Emoinu]]: She is the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Legend says she's an exact copy of Leimarel, who takes another divine form.
-In addition to these, the mythology also accounts for the vast numbers of deities as well as mythical creatures. The [[Lists of Creatures in Meitei Folklore|Kanglei Meitei mythical creatures]] are found in the vast narratives of both the [[PuYa]]s as well as [[Meetei folklore]].
-== Creation myths ==
-{{See|Sanamahi creation myth}}
-According to the '''Meitei Manipuri mythology,''' it is Lord [[Pakhangba]], the Great Dragon Lord, who gave birth to the seven clans of the [[Kangleipak|Kanglei realm]].<ref name="auto1"/> The seven clans are
 {| class="wikitable"
-!Clan names
+!Ancient texts
-!Romanization
+!Description
-|-
-|ꯃꯉꯥꯡ
-|[[Mangang]]
-|-
-|ꯂꯨꯋꯥꯡ
-|[[Luwang]]
-|-
-|ꯈꯨꯃꯟ
-|[[Khuman(Salai)|Khuman]]
 |-
-|ꯑꯉꯣꯝ
+|[[Khongjomnubi Nongarol]]
-|[[Angom]]
+|Legends of six girls turning into the [[Pleiades]] in the sky<ref>{{cite book |last1=Meitei |first1=Sanjenbam Yaiphaba |last2=Chaudhuri |first2=Sarit K. |last3=Arunkumar |first3=M. C. |title=The Cultural Heritage of Manipur |date=25 November 2020 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-000-29637-2 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=c276DwAAQBAJ&dq=khongjomnubi+nongarol&pg=PT134 |language=en}}</ref>
 |-
-|ꯃꯣꯢꯂꯥꯡ
+|Konthoujam Nongarol
-|[[Moilang]]
+|Legends of [[Konthoujam Tampha Lairembi]]<ref>{{cite book| last = Paniker| first = K. Ayyappa| title = Medieval Indian Literature: Surveys and selections| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=KYLpvaKJIMEC&pg=PA334| year = 1997| publisher = Sahitya Akademi| isbn = 978-81-260-0365-5| page = 334 }}</ref>
 |-
-|ꯈꯥ ꯉꯥꯟꯄ
+|[Leishemlon|Leishemlon
-|[[Kha Nganpa]]
+|[[Creation myth]]<ref>[[Moirangthem Kirti Singh|Singh, Moirangthem Kirti]] (1998). Recent Researches in Oriental Indological Studies: Including Meiteilogy. Parimal Publications.</ref>
 |-
-|ꯁꯂꯥꯢ ꯂꯩꯁꯥꯡꯊꯦꯝ
+|[[Leithak Leikharol]]
-|[[Salai Leishangthem]]
+|The creation of the world, [[genealogy]] of [[king]]s, moral teachings and [[mythology]]<ref>Panchani, Chander Sheikhar (1987). Manipur, Religion, Culture, and Society. Konark Publishers. ISBN 978-81-220-0047-4.</ref>
-|}
-==Moirang Incarnations==
-The legendary [[Epic poetry|epic]] tales of the seven incarnations of Lord [[Lainingthou Nongpok Ningthou|Nongpok Ningthou]] and his consort Goddess [[Panthoibi]], in the ancient kingdom of [[Moirang]], are the main features of the Kanglei Meitei mythology, with [[Khamba Thoibi]] incarnation, being the last and most significant one. The very incarnations of the Lord and the Lady respectively are as follows:
-{| class="wikitable"
-!Male characters
-!Romanization
-!Female characters
-!Romanization
 |-
-|ꯑꯀꯣꯡꯆꯥꯝꯄ
+|[[Panthoibi Khongul]]
-|[[Phouoibi Shayon|Akongjamba]]
+|Romantic adventures of the Goddess [[Panthoibi]] and the God [[Nongpok Ningthou]]<ref>Society and Economy in North-East India. Regency Publications. 2004. ISBN 978-81-87498-83-4.</ref><ref>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.</ref><ref>North East India History Association. Session (2003). Proceedings of North East India History Association. The Association.</ref>
-|ꯐꯧꯑꯣꯢꯕꯤ ꯂꯥꯢꯔꯦꯝꯕꯤ
-|[[Phouoibi Shayon|Phouoibi Lairembi]]
 |-
-|ꯍꯦꯟꯖꯨꯅꯍꯥ
+|[[Phouoibi Waron]]
-|[[Henjunaha-Lairoulembi|Henjunaha]]
+|Legends of the multitude of loves of Goddess [[Phouoibi]]<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KYLpvaKJIMEC&dq=phou-oibi+waron+lady+paddy+plenty+rice+goddess+fickle&pg=PA334|title=Medieval Indian Literature: Surveys and selections|last=Paniker|first=K. Ayyappa|date=1997|publisher=Sahitya Akademi|isbn=978-81-260-0365-5|language=en}}</ref>
-|ꯂꯥꯢꯔꯧꯂꯦꯝꯕꯤ
-|[[Henjunaha-Lairoulembi|Lairoulembi]]
 |-
-|ꯈꯨꯌꯣꯜ ꯍꯥꯎꯕ
+|[[Poireiton Khunthok]]
-| Khuyol Haoba
+|Legend of the human [[civilization]] on earth led by [[Poireiton]] and [[Leinaotabi]] from the underworld.<ref>Singh, R.K. Jhalajit (1965). A Short History of Manipur. O.K. Store.</ref><ref>Sen, Sipra (1992). Tribes and Castes of Manipur: Description and Select Bibliography. Mittal Publications. ISBN 978-81-7099-310-0.</ref><ref>Singh, Wahengbam Ibohal (1986). The History of Manipur: An early period. Manipur Commercial Company.</ref>
-|ꯌꯥꯢꯊꯤꯡ ꯀꯣꯅꯨ
-| Yaithing Konu
 |-
-|ꯊꯥꯡꯖꯍꯟꯕ
+|Sakok Lamlen
-|Thangjahanba
+|A sequel to Leithak Leikharol.<ref>Singh, Ch Manihar (1996). A History of Manipuri Literature. Sahitya Akademi. ISBN 978-81-260-0086-9.</ref>
-|ꯇꯣꯅꯨ ꯂꯥꯢꯖꯤꯡꯂꯦꯝꯕꯤ
-|Tonu Laijinglembi
-|-
-|ꯈꯨꯕꯣꯝꯕ
-| Khubomba
-|ꯄꯤꯗꯣꯅꯨ
-| Pidonu
-|-
-|ꯋꯥꯡꯂꯦꯟ ꯄꯨꯡꯇꯤꯡꯍꯩꯕ
-| Wanglei Pudingheiba
-|ꯁꯥꯠꯄ ꯆꯅꯨ ꯁꯤꯜꯍꯩꯕꯤ
-| Satpa Chanu Silheibi
-|-
-|ꯈꯝꯕ
-|[[Khamba Thoibi|Khamba]]
-|ꯊꯣꯢꯕꯤ
-|[[Khamba Thoibi|Thoibi]]
 |}
-==References==
+== Mythical beings ==
+{{main|Meitei deities|Meitei folklore|List of creatures in Meitei folklore}}
+Mythical beings include gods, goddesses, mythical creatures and many others.
+== References ==
 {{Reflist}}
-==External links==
+[[Category:Asian mythology]]
-* https://www.lapolo.in/blog/manipuri-mythology-polo/
+[[Category:Meitei mythology]]
-* http://www.apamnapat.com/entities/Chitrangada.html
+[[Category:Sino-Tibetan mythology]]
-* https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2317260
+[[Category:Indian religions]]
-* https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=123469
+[[Category:Culture of India]]
-* https://www.thevetterindia.com/101103/lai-haraoba-help-manipur-become-sports-superpower/amp/
+[[Category:Culture of Manipur]]
-* http://cstm.cnki.net/stmt/TitleBrowse/KnowledgeNet/CDYA201110005030?db=STMI8515
+{{Meiteimyth navbox long}}