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[[ | {{Infobox deity | ||
'''Imoinu (Emoinu)''' ({{lang-mni|ꯏꯃꯣꯢꯅꯨ, ꯏꯃꯣꯏꯅꯨ}}) is a goddess in [[Meitei religion]] ([[ | | type = Meitei | ||
| name = Imoinu | |||
| deity_of = Goddess of household, hearth, family, fireplace, kitchen, wealth, peace and prosperity | |||
| member_of = [[Lairembi]]s | |||
| image = Emoinu - Goddess of wealth.jpg | |||
| alt = <!-- for alternate text of the title image per [[WP:ALT]] --> | |||
| caption = A terracotta idol of goddess Imoinu | |||
| other_names = | |||
* Imoinu Ahongbi | |||
* Emoinu Ahongbi | |||
| hiro = | |||
| Old_Norse = | |||
| script_name = | |||
| script = | |||
| affiliation = [[Meitei mythology]] ([[Manipuri mythology]]) and [[Meitei religion]] ([[Sanamahism]]) | |||
| cult_center = <!-- or | cult_centre = --> | |||
| abodes = Phunga Lairu ([[fireplace]]), [[Sanamahi Kachin]] and [[Kitchen]] | |||
| planet = <!-- or | world = --> | |||
| weapon = <!-- or | weapons = --> | |||
| battles = | |||
| artifacts = [[Piggy bank|Coin container]]s | |||
| animals = | |||
| symbols = Senphu ([[Piggy bank|Coin container]]), Chengphu (Rice pot) and Yotsabi ([[Tripod]]) | |||
| adherents = | |||
| height = | |||
| age = | |||
| tree = | |||
| day = | |||
| color = <!-- or | colour = --> | |||
| number = | |||
| consort = <!-- or | consorts = --> | |||
| parents = | |||
| siblings = | |||
| offspring = <!-- or | children = --> | |||
| predecessor = | |||
| successor = | |||
| army = | |||
| mount = | |||
| texts = [[PuYa]]s | |||
| gender = Female | |||
| Greek_equivalent = [[Hestia]] | |||
| Roman_equivalent = [[Vesta (mythology)|Vesta]] | |||
| Etruscan_equivalent = | |||
| Christian_equivalent = | |||
| Slavic_equivalent = | |||
| Hinduism_equivalent = [[Lakshmi]] | |||
| Canaanite_equivalent = | |||
| equivalent1_type = | |||
| equivalent1 = | |||
| equivalent2_type = | |||
| equivalent2 = | |||
| region = [[Ancient Kangleipak]] ([[Antique Manipur]]) | |||
| ethnic_group = [[Meitei ethnicity]] | |||
| festivals = [[Imoinu Iratpa]] ([[Emoinu Eratpa]]) | |||
}} | |||
{{Meitei deities}} | |||
'''Imoinu (Emoinu)''' ({{lang-mni|ꯏꯃꯣꯢꯅꯨ, ꯏꯃꯣꯏꯅꯨ}}) is a goddess in [[Meitei mythology]] and [[Meitei religion|religion]] of [[Ancient Kangleipak]] ([[Antique Manipur]]). She is the goddess of household, [[hearth]], family, [[fireplace]], kitchen, wealth, peace and prosperity.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Hy3_AwAAQBAJ&dq=emoinu&pg=PT44|title=Highway on my Plate - II: the indian guide to roadside eating|last1=Singh|first1=Rocky|last2=Sharma|first2=Mayur|date=2014-07-25|publisher=Random House India|isbn=978-81-8400-642-1|pages=44|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=manipur.Manipur_and_Religion.A_Hymn_for_Goddess_Emoinu|title=A Hymn for Goddess Emoinu|website=e-pao.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://m.telegraphindia.com/states/north-east/meiteis-celebrate-emoinu/cid/1627030|title=Meiteis celebrate Emoinu|website=telegraphindia.com}}</ref> She is frequently associated with [[Leimarel Sidabi]]. She is regarded as one of the incarnations or representations of goddess [[Leimarel Sidabi]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gxqeDwAAQBAJ&q=imoinu+goddess+association+Leimarel+Sidabee+representations+aspects+earth+goddess&pg=PA23|title=Glimpses of Manipuri Culture|last=Devi|first=Dr Yumlembam Gopi|publisher=Lulu.com|isbn=978-0-359-72919-7|language=en}}</ref><ref name="e-pao.net">{{Cite web|url=http://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=reviews.books.emoinu|title=EMOINU AHONGBI THOUNIROL (A Traditional adoration to Goddess Emoinu)|website=e-pao.net}}</ref> | |||
The personality of Emoinu and other goddesses like [[Panthoibi]] and [[Phouoibi]] depict as well as influence the [[:en:wikt:boldness|boldness]], courage, independence, [[:en:wikt:righteousness|righteousness]] and social honour of [[Meitei people|Meitei women]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sIEOy8SRLv8C&q=emoinu+shows+that+Meitei+women+are+bold+%2C+courageous+%2C+independent+and+enjoy+their+due+rights+and+have+an+honourable+place+in+the+society+&pg=PA24|title=Women's Role in the 20th Century Manipur: A Historical Study|last=Kipgen|first=Tingneichong G.|date=2010|publisher=Gyan Publishing House|isbn=978-81-7835-803-1|language=en}}</ref> | |||
==References== | == Name == | ||
[[File:Imoinu.jpg|thumb|"Imoinu", the divine name, written in archaic Meetei Mayek abugida]] | |||
The meaning of the name "Emoinu Ahongbi" ("ꯏꯃꯣꯢꯅꯨ ꯑꯍꯣꯡꯕꯤ") can be found by splitting it up word by word. Here, "E" ("ꯏ") refers to human being. "Moi" ("ꯃꯣꯢ" or "ꯃꯣꯏ") refers to [[:en:wikt:rear|rearing]]. "Nu" ("ꯅꯨ") refers to female deity or goddess. So, "Emoinu" means ''goddess who rears the human beings''. "Ahongbi" means ''giver of plentiful household properties''.<ref name="e-pao.net"/> | |||
== Description == | |||
Dr. Parratt described Emoinu Ahongbi (alias Emoinu Ahong Achaubi) as another form of Goddess [[Leimarel Sidabi]]. Leimarel Sidabi is the supreme mother. Imoinu is regarded as an ever resourceful lady. She always gives wealth and prosperity to the mankind. She was shown as having a human appearance. She resides near the fire hearth. The goddess is believed to be the controller and regulator of good conduct and behavior of the human beings.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.461915/page/n75/mode/2up?q=Imoinu|title=A Critical Study Of The Religious Philosophy|website=archive.org|pages=75}}</ref> | |||
Imoinu Ahong Achaubi is a deity for good moral behavior, besides wealth and prosperity. As a social code of conduct, a Meitei woman should go out from home only after prayers and worship of the goddess and other household deities. When she returns home, she should pray to the deity.<ref name="archive.org">{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.461915/page/n165/mode/2up?q=Imoinu|title=A Critical Study Of The Religious Philosophy|website=archive.org|pages=165}}</ref> | |||
The [[Meitei people]] believed that goddess Imoinu lives in the houses of those who strictly obey her favorite social and moral behavior norms. Imoinu blesses such people with ''nungai yaifaba'' (well being and prosperity), ''watta padaba'' (having neither shortage nor excess), ''tekta kaidaba'' (unaffected by troubles of life) and ''punshi nungshangba'' (long life). These are the basic needs of life in the human world.<ref name="archive.org"/> | |||
== Mythology == | |||
=== Origin === | |||
After the creation of the sky and the planets, [[Atingkok|Sidaba]] ({{lang-omp|Sitapa}}) (the Supreme Being) ordered His wife, [[Leimarel Sidabi]] ({{lang-omp|Leimalel Sitapi}}) (the first woman) to produce another Leimarel. The second Leimarel would be the second woman. Her responsibility was to take care of the mankind on the planet called [[earth]]. Goddess Leimarel Sidabi obeyed her divine husband's order. She created another Leimarel. The appearance of the second Leimarel was similar to the first Leimarel. The first Leimarel named the second Leimarel as ''"Emoinu Ahongbi"''.<ref name="e-pao.net"/> | |||
=== Lover === | |||
Once goddess Imoinu fell in love with a man. The two became lovers. They swore to be husband and wife. One day, she visited his house in his absence. She discovered that he was already married to another woman. After knowing this, she sacrificed her love. She swore on not to see the man again. She never married to anyone. So, she remained as a virgin goddess.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H0moDAAAQBAJ&q=Imoinu+goddess+fell+in+love+swore+She+visited+the+house+of+the+man+in+his+absence+and+found+that+he+was+already+married.+After+discovering+this+she+sacrificed+her+love+and+swore+not+to+see+the+man+again.&pg=PT246|title=The Peripheral Centre: Voices from India's Northeast|last=Gill|first=Preeti|date=2014-02-13|publisher=Zubaan|isbn=978-93-83074-65-5|language=en}}</ref> | |||
== Worship == | |||
=== Ancient worship === | |||
Imoinu (Emoinu) is a hearth deity. She is annually worshipped on the 12th of the [[Meitei calendar|Meitei month of Wakching]] (December-January interface month). Despite this annual event, she is also worshipped everyday. The daily worship is a part of a Meitei ritual. It is done in every Meitei household with the offering of little cooked rice before eating.<ref name="Oral Narratives of Manipur">{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.language.1356/page/n231/mode/2up?q=Emoinu|title=Oral Narratives of Manipur|website=archive.org|pages=231}}</ref> | |||
=== Modern worship === | |||
Nowadays, there is little or no households with proper phunga lairu (traditional fire hearth). So, a modern fireplace is developed. Here, traditional rites and rituals are performed in honor of the goddess.<ref name="Oral Narratives of Manipur"/> | |||
There are a lot of changes in the way of worshipping Goddess Imoinu. However, the essence and the importance always remain the same as forever.<ref name="Oral Narratives of Manipur"/> | |||
== Festival == | |||
{{Main|Imoinu Iratpa}} | |||
The ''Imoinu Iratpa'' (''Emoinu Eratpa'') is a religious festival dedicated to goddess Imoinu (Emoinu). It is celebrated on the 12th of Wakching month (December-January interface month) every year. Traditionally, worship and prayers are performed inside every households. Nowadays, Imoinu Iratpa festival is also celebrated in a larger way in public gathering clubs also.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=1..080120.jan20|title=Emoinu day|website=e-pao.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=Snipp10&mx=&src=150122|title=Emoinu Eratpa celebrated|website=e-pao.net}}</ref> | |||
Wherever the festival is performed, seasonal fruits, vegetables and fish are offered to goddess Imoinu.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=7..030115.jan15|title=Imoinu Iratpa extensively held all over|website=e-pao.net}}</ref> | |||
== Namesakes == | |||
=== In commerce === | |||
[[Ima Keithel]] ({{lang-en|[[Mothers' Market]]}}) is the world's only women run market. It has three major building complexes.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eENU_a8c79MC&q=ima+keithel+market+khwairamband+only+women+world&pg=PA974|title=Encyclopaedia of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh|last=Gupta|first=Om|date=2006|publisher=Gyan Publishing House|isbn=978-81-8205-389-2|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vjzcDAAAQBAJ&q=ima+market+nupi+keithel+only+women+world&pg=PT37|title=Vyapar Shastra|last=Shivhare|first=Vishal|date=2016-08-17|publisher=Jaico Publishing House|isbn=978-81-8495-898-0|language=en}}</ref><ref name="Singh">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kbu_AwAAQBAJ&q=ima+keithel+market+only+women+world&pg=PA4|title=The Endless Kabaw Valley: British Created Visious Cycle of Manipur, Burma and India|last=Singh|first=Dr Th Suresh|date=2014-06-02|publisher=Quills Ink Publishing|isbn=978-93-84318-00-0|language=en}}</ref> '''Imoinu Ima Keithel''' is the Complex Number 2 of the market. It is preceded by [[Leimarel Sidabi|Leimarel Sidabi Ima Keithel]] (Complex Number 1) and followed by [[Phouoibi|Phouoibi Ima Keithel]] (Complex Number 3).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/city/imphal/all-women-imphal-market-reopens-after-10-months/amp_articleshow/80974793.cms|title=All-women Imphal market reopens after 10 months|website=m.timesofindia.com}}</ref> This 500 years old market is in the center of [[Imphal]], [[Manipur]].<ref name="Singh"/> | |||
== Related pages == | |||
* [[Ireima]] ([[Ereima]]) - Meitei goddess of water | |||
* [[Leimarel Sidabi|Leimarel (Leimalel)]] - Meitei goddess of earth | |||
* [[Ngaleima]] - Meitei goddess of fish | |||
* [[Panthoibi]] - Meitei goddess of civilization, love and warfare | |||
* [[Phouoibi]] - Meitei goddess of agricultural crops | |||
* [[Thumleima]] - Meitei goddess of salt | |||
== References == | |||
{{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||
== Bibliography == | |||
* [https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.310153 Emoinu Ahongbi Tungnapham by Budhichandra, Yumnamcha] | |||
* [https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.466055 Holy Man by Dhiren Meitei,a.k] | |||
* [https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.466636 Laiyingthou Lairemmasinggee Waree Seengbul by Neelabi, Sairem] | |||
* [https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.466654 Leeklam by Apunba Shintha Lup] | |||
== Other websites == | |||
{{ | {{Commons}} | ||
* [http://e-pao.net/epSearchResults.asp?cx=partner-pub-3342616103029311%3A3788634109&cof=FORID%3A10&ie=UTF-8&q=Imoinu&sa.x=0&sa.y=0 E-pao, Imoinu] | |||
* [http://e-pao.net/epSearchResults.asp?cx=partner-pub-3342616103029311%3A3788634109&cof=FORID%3A10&ie=UTF-8&q=Emoinu&sa.x=0&sa.y=0&siteurl=http%3A%2F%2Fe-pao.net%2F%3Ffrom%3Dmobile E-pao, Emoinu] | |||
* [https://archive.org/search.php?query=Imoinu&sin=TXT Internet Archive, Imoinu] | |||
* [https://archive.org/search.php?query=Emoinu&sin=TXT Internet Archive, Emoinu] | |||
* [https://dsal.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/app/sharma_query.py?qs=%EA%AF%8F%EA%AF%83%EA%AF%A3%EA%AF%8F%EA%AF%85%EA%AF%A8&searchhws=yes Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary, Imoinu] | |||
[[Category:Meitei gods and goddesses]] | [[Category:Meitei gods and goddesses]] | ||
{{Simple-Wikipedia}} | {{Simple-Wikipedia}} | ||
Revision as of 19:55, 15 March 2022
| Imoinu | |
|---|---|
Goddess of household, hearth, family, fireplace, kitchen, wealth, peace and prosperity | |
| Member of Lairembis | |
![]() A terracotta idol of goddess Imoinu | |
| Other names |
|
| Affiliation | Meitei mythology (Manipuri mythology) and Meitei religion (Sanamahism) |
| Abodes | Phunga Lairu (fireplace), Sanamahi Kachin and Kitchen |
| Artifacts | Coin containers |
| Symbols | Senphu (Coin container), Chengphu (Rice pot) and Yotsabi (Tripod) |
| Texts | PuYas |
| Gender | Female |
| Region | Ancient Kangleipak (Antique Manipur) |
| Ethnic group | Meitei ethnicity |
| Festivals | Imoinu Iratpa (Emoinu Eratpa) |
| Greek equivalent | Hestia |
| Roman equivalent | Vesta |
| Hinduism equivalent | Lakshmi |
Imoinu (Emoinu) (Meitei: ꯏꯃꯣꯢꯅꯨ, ꯏꯃꯣꯏꯅꯨ) is a goddess in Meitei mythology and religion of Ancient Kangleipak (Antique Manipur). She is the goddess of household, hearth, family, fireplace, kitchen, wealth, peace and prosperity.[1][2][3] She is frequently associated with Leimarel Sidabi. She is regarded as one of the incarnations or representations of goddess Leimarel Sidabi.[4][5]
The personality of Emoinu and other goddesses like Panthoibi and Phouoibi depict as well as influence the boldness, courage, independence, righteousness and social honour of Meitei women.[6]
Name

The meaning of the name "Emoinu Ahongbi" ("ꯏꯃꯣꯢꯅꯨ ꯑꯍꯣꯡꯕꯤ") can be found by splitting it up word by word. Here, "E" ("ꯏ") refers to human being. "Moi" ("ꯃꯣꯢ" or "ꯃꯣꯏ") refers to rearing. "Nu" ("ꯅꯨ") refers to female deity or goddess. So, "Emoinu" means goddess who rears the human beings. "Ahongbi" means giver of plentiful household properties.[5]
Description
Dr. Parratt described Emoinu Ahongbi (alias Emoinu Ahong Achaubi) as another form of Goddess Leimarel Sidabi. Leimarel Sidabi is the supreme mother. Imoinu is regarded as an ever resourceful lady. She always gives wealth and prosperity to the mankind. She was shown as having a human appearance. She resides near the fire hearth. The goddess is believed to be the controller and regulator of good conduct and behavior of the human beings.[7]
Imoinu Ahong Achaubi is a deity for good moral behavior, besides wealth and prosperity. As a social code of conduct, a Meitei woman should go out from home only after prayers and worship of the goddess and other household deities. When she returns home, she should pray to the deity.[8]
The Meitei people believed that goddess Imoinu lives in the houses of those who strictly obey her favorite social and moral behavior norms. Imoinu blesses such people with nungai yaifaba (well being and prosperity), watta padaba (having neither shortage nor excess), tekta kaidaba (unaffected by troubles of life) and punshi nungshangba (long life). These are the basic needs of life in the human world.[8]
Mythology
Origin
After the creation of the sky and the planets, Sidaba (Old Manipuri: Sitapa) (the Supreme Being) ordered His wife, Leimarel Sidabi (Old Manipuri: Leimalel Sitapi) (the first woman) to produce another Leimarel. The second Leimarel would be the second woman. Her responsibility was to take care of the mankind on the planet called earth. Goddess Leimarel Sidabi obeyed her divine husband's order. She created another Leimarel. The appearance of the second Leimarel was similar to the first Leimarel. The first Leimarel named the second Leimarel as "Emoinu Ahongbi".[5]
Lover
Once goddess Imoinu fell in love with a man. The two became lovers. They swore to be husband and wife. One day, she visited his house in his absence. She discovered that he was already married to another woman. After knowing this, she sacrificed her love. She swore on not to see the man again. She never married to anyone. So, she remained as a virgin goddess.[9]
Worship
Ancient worship
Imoinu (Emoinu) is a hearth deity. She is annually worshipped on the 12th of the Meitei month of Wakching (December-January interface month). Despite this annual event, she is also worshipped everyday. The daily worship is a part of a Meitei ritual. It is done in every Meitei household with the offering of little cooked rice before eating.[10]
Modern worship
Nowadays, there is little or no households with proper phunga lairu (traditional fire hearth). So, a modern fireplace is developed. Here, traditional rites and rituals are performed in honor of the goddess.[10]
There are a lot of changes in the way of worshipping Goddess Imoinu. However, the essence and the importance always remain the same as forever.[10]
Festival
The Imoinu Iratpa (Emoinu Eratpa) is a religious festival dedicated to goddess Imoinu (Emoinu). It is celebrated on the 12th of Wakching month (December-January interface month) every year. Traditionally, worship and prayers are performed inside every households. Nowadays, Imoinu Iratpa festival is also celebrated in a larger way in public gathering clubs also.[11][12]
Wherever the festival is performed, seasonal fruits, vegetables and fish are offered to goddess Imoinu.[13]
Namesakes
In commerce
Ima Keithel (English: Mothers' Market) is the world's only women run market. It has three major building complexes.[14][15][16] Imoinu Ima Keithel is the Complex Number 2 of the market. It is preceded by Leimarel Sidabi Ima Keithel (Complex Number 1) and followed by Phouoibi Ima Keithel (Complex Number 3).[17] This 500 years old market is in the center of Imphal, Manipur.[16]
Related pages
- Ireima (Ereima) - Meitei goddess of water
- Leimarel (Leimalel) - Meitei goddess of earth
- Ngaleima - Meitei goddess of fish
- Panthoibi - Meitei goddess of civilization, love and warfare
- Phouoibi - Meitei goddess of agricultural crops
- Thumleima - Meitei goddess of salt
References
- ↑ Singh, Rocky; Sharma, Mayur (2014-07-25). Highway on my Plate - II: the indian guide to roadside eating. Random House India. p. 44. ISBN 978-81-8400-642-1.
- ↑ "A Hymn for Goddess Emoinu". e-pao.net.
- ↑ "Meiteis celebrate Emoinu". telegraphindia.com.
- ↑ Devi, Dr Yumlembam Gopi. Glimpses of Manipuri Culture. Lulu.com. ISBN 978-0-359-72919-7.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "EMOINU AHONGBI THOUNIROL (A Traditional adoration to Goddess Emoinu)". e-pao.net.
- ↑ Kipgen, Tingneichong G. (2010). Women's Role in the 20th Century Manipur: A Historical Study. Gyan Publishing House. ISBN 978-81-7835-803-1.
- ↑ A Critical Study Of The Religious Philosophy. p. 75.
{{cite book}}:|website=ignored (help) - ↑ 8.0 8.1 A Critical Study Of The Religious Philosophy. p. 165.
{{cite book}}:|website=ignored (help) - ↑ Gill, Preeti (2014-02-13). The Peripheral Centre: Voices from India's Northeast. Zubaan. ISBN 978-93-83074-65-5.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Oral Narratives of Manipur. p. 231.
{{cite book}}:|website=ignored (help) - ↑ "Emoinu day". e-pao.net.
- ↑ "Emoinu Eratpa celebrated". e-pao.net.
- ↑ "Imoinu Iratpa extensively held all over". e-pao.net.
- ↑ Gupta, Om (2006). Encyclopaedia of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Gyan Publishing House. ISBN 978-81-8205-389-2.
- ↑ Shivhare, Vishal (2016-08-17). Vyapar Shastra. Jaico Publishing House. ISBN 978-81-8495-898-0.
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 Singh, Dr Th Suresh (2014-06-02). The Endless Kabaw Valley: British Created Visious Cycle of Manipur, Burma and India. Quills Ink Publishing. ISBN 978-93-84318-00-0.
- ↑ "All-women Imphal market reopens after 10 months". m.timesofindia.com.
Bibliography
- Emoinu Ahongbi Tungnapham by Budhichandra, Yumnamcha
- Holy Man by Dhiren Meitei,a.k
- Laiyingthou Lairemmasinggee Waree Seengbul by Neelabi, Sairem
- Leeklam by Apunba Shintha Lup

