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]] ([[Antique Kangleipak]]), generally retold by the [[Meitei ethnicity]].<ref name="books.google.co.in">https://books.google.co.in/books?id=_HmwAAAAIAAJ&q=meitei+myth&dq=meitei+myth&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjYtJbYvuLuAhX17HMBHe9CBhgQ6AEwCXoECAkQAg</ref><ref name="ReferenceA">https://books.google.co.in/books?id=p1cOAAAAIAAJ&dq=meitei+myth&focus=searchwithinvolume&q=Manipuri+myths</ref><ref name="ReferenceB">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 refer to the modern analysis of the representation of the [[Meitei literature]] and art of the [[Meitei culture]] of the [[Meitei people]].<ref name="ReferenceB"/> The [[Meitei people|Meitei]]s usually treated their mythology as history even though it includes supernatural or mythical or miraculous elements.<ref name="books.google.co.in"/><ref name="ReferenceA"/>
+'''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 ==
-{{Main|PuYa}}
+== Textual sources ==
-[[File:PuYa_1.jpg|thumb|[[PuYa|A Meitei manuscript]] on account of the mythological origin of the human beings]]
+{{Expand list|date=June 2022}}
-There are sources from both the manuscript as well as oral folklore in [[Antique Kangleipak]] ([[Ancient 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 Meitei mythology.
+Mythical narration plays an integral role in nearly every genre of [[Meitei literature]] ([[Manipuri literature]]). Some of the best known literary sources are:
-== Deities ==
-{{Main|Meitei deities}}
-The Meitei deities, are always associated with the [[Meitei religion]], which has been in existence since ancient times in the [[Ancient 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|The symbol of [[Meitei religion]]]]
-The primordial deities in the mythology and religion are:
-* [[Sidaba Mapu]]: 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>
-* [[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]] ([[Imoinu]]): 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]] are found in the vast narratives of both the [[PuYa]]s as well as [[Meitei folklore]].
-== Creation myths ==
-{{See|Sanamahi creation myth}}
-According to the Meitei mythology (Manipuri mythology), it is Lord [[Pakhangba]], the Great Dragon Lord, who gave birth to the seven clans of the [[Ancient Manipur|Kanglei realm]] ([[Antique Kangleipak]]).<ref name="auto1"/> The seven clans are
 {| class="wikitable"
-!Clan names
+!Ancient texts
-!Romanization
+!Description
-|-
-|ꯃꯉꯥꯡ
-|[[Mangang]]
-|-
-|ꯂꯨꯋꯥꯡ
-|[[Luwang]]
-|-
-|ꯈꯨꯃꯟ
-|[[Khuman]]
-|-
-|ꯑꯉꯣꯝ
-|[[Angom]]
-|-
-|ꯃꯣꯢꯂꯥꯡ
-|[[Moilang]]
-|-
-|ꯈꯥ ꯉꯥꯟꯄ
-|[[Kha Nganpa]]
 |-
-|ꯁꯂꯥꯢ ꯂꯩꯁꯥꯡꯊꯦꯝ
+|[[Khongjomnubi Nongarol]]
-|[[Salai Leishangthem]]
+|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>
-|}
-==Incarnations==
-{{See|Moirang Shayon|Incarnations of Leimarel Sidabi|Incarnations of Nongthang Leima}}
-The legendary epic tales of the seven incarnations of a God and a Goddess, in the ancient kingdom of [[Moirang]], are the main features of the Kanglei mythology (Meitei mythology), with the [[Khamba Thoibi]] incarnation, being the last and the most significant one. The very incarnations of the Lord and the Lady respectively are as follows:
-{| class="wikitable"
-!Male characters
-!Romanization
-!Female characters
-!Romanization
 |-
-|ꯑꯀꯣꯡꯖꯥꯝꯕ
+|Konthoujam Nongarol
-|[[Akongjamba]]
+|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>
-|ꯐꯧꯑꯣꯢꯕꯤ
-|[[Phouoibi]]
 |-
-|ꯍꯦꯟꯖꯨꯅꯍꯥ
+|[Leishemlon|Leishemlon
-|[[Henjunaha]]
+|[[Creation myth]]<ref>[[Moirangthem Kirti Singh|Singh, Moirangthem Kirti]] (1998). Recent Researches in Oriental Indological Studies: Including Meiteilogy. Parimal Publications.</ref>
-|ꯂꯥꯢꯔꯧꯂꯦꯝꯕꯤ
-|[[Lairoulembi]]
 |-
-|ꯈꯨꯌꯣꯜ ꯍꯥꯎꯕ
+|[[Leithak Leikharol]]
-|[[Khuyol Haoba]]
+|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>
-|ꯌꯥꯢꯊꯤꯡ ꯀꯣꯅꯨ
-|[[Yaithing Konu]]
 |-
-|ꯀꯗꯦꯡ ꯊꯥꯡꯖꯍꯟꯕ
+|[[Panthoibi Khongul]]
-|[[Kadeng Thangjahanba]]
+|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>
-|ꯇꯣꯅꯨ ꯂꯥꯢꯖꯤꯡꯂꯦꯝꯕꯤ
-|[[Tonu Laijinglembi]]
 |-
-|ꯈꯨꯕꯣꯝꯕ
+|[[Phouoibi Waron]]
-|[[Khubomba]]
+|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>
-|ꯄꯤꯗꯣꯅꯨ
-|[[Pidonu]]
 |-
-|ꯋꯥꯡꯂꯦꯟ ꯄꯨꯡꯇꯤꯡꯍꯩꯕ
+|[[Poireiton Khunthok]]
-|[[Wanglei Pudingheiba]]
+|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>
-|ꯁꯥꯞꯄ ꯆꯅꯨ ꯁꯤꯜꯍꯩꯕꯤ
-|[[Sappa Chanu Silheibi]]
 |-
-|ꯈꯨꯃꯟ ꯈꯝꯕ
+|Sakok Lamlen
-|[[Khuman Khamba]]
+|A sequel to Leithak Leikharol.<ref>Singh, Ch Manihar (1996). A History of Manipuri Literature. Sahitya Akademi. ISBN 978-81-260-0086-9.</ref>
-|ꯃꯣꯢꯔꯥꯡ ꯊꯣꯢꯕꯤ
-|[[Moirang 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}}
-*
-{{Uncategorized|date=February 2022}}