Umang Lai

This article is about a class of deities. For the sacred groves, see Umang Lai sacred groves.

The Umang Lai (Meitei: ꯎꯃꯪ ꯂꯥꯢ; Old Manipuri: ꯎꯃꯪ ꯂꯥꯏ; Chinese: 森林神; Bengali: উমং লাই) is a class of deities which dwell in the forests in Meitei folklore, mythology and religion. The term "Umang" means "forest" and "Lai" means "deity" in Meitei language (Manipuri language). The cults of these deities vary from community to community.

Umang Lai
Sylvan deities of forests and woods
Member of Meitei deities
Affiliation	Meitei religion (Sanamahism)
Abodes	Forests, woods and woodlands
Number	More than 360
Texts	Umang Lai Khunthok Puya
Region	Manipur
Ethnic group	Meitei ethnicity
Festivals	Especially Lai Haraoba
Equivalents
Greek equivalent	Pan
Roman equivalent	Faunus
Slavic equivalent	Leshy

Notable examples

There are more than 365 Umang Lai sacred groves found in Manipur. They are always associated with a Sacred grove each in Kanglei World. Some of the significant ones are:

• Nongshaba - The highest deity associated with Sacred grove or "Umang Lai" in Sanamahism.
• Konthoujam Lairembi gi Khubam
• Ebudhou Khamlangba
• Ima Khunthok Hanbi
• Hiyangthang Lairembi
• Ima Langol Lairembi
• Langol Ningthou
• Thanga Ching Ningthou
• Ipathakok
• Ikop Ningthou
• Laininthou Naothingkhong Pakhangba
• Ima Tamphaton Petangaa

Related page

• Classes of deities in Meitei religion