Lainingthou Sanamahi

This article contains Meetei text. Without proper rendering support, you may see question marks, boxes, or other symbols instead of Meetei script.

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Laininthou Sanamahee (Meetei: ꯂꯥꯏꯅꯤꯡꯊꯧ ꯁꯥꯅꯥꯃꯍꯤ) is the Supreme Guardian God of mankind and the supreme deity of the household in Meetei religion and mythology, originated from the ancient kingdom of Kangleipak (Manipur). He is regarded as the most popular and significant divinity of Sanamahism. ^[1] He is the brother of Pakhangba and Nongshaba. He is the eldest son of Creator God and Leimalel Sitapee, the protector of the Universe in Meetei mythology as well as philosophy^[2] and Mother Earth goddess Leimarel Sidabi.

Etymology[]

The term Lainingthou is derived from Meetei language which means "King of Gods" and the term Sanamahi is combination of "Sanna" which means spreading and "Eemahi" which means "blood that originates living", literally means "spreading everywhere (like liquid)".^[3]

Mythology[]

When Sanamahi was ordered to travel across the globe by his father, he at once proceeded. However, his younger brother Pakhangba as per the instruction of his mother Leimarel Sidabi, went around his father Atingkok Maru Sidaba, who is equivalent to the globe.^[4]

As per the declaration that among the two brothers, who succeed first in traveling across the globe, he will be offered his throne of the Universe. That's how Pakhangba got the throne.^[5] However, in order to compensate Sanamahi, Atingkok Maru Sidaba offered him to be the king of every household of Mankind in the universe.

Divine names[]

There are one thousand divine names of the God Lainingthou Sanamahi.

Religious sites[]

There are various sacred places of Lainingthou Sanamahi. Some of the most significant among them are:

Ancient texts[]

Sanamahi Laihui
Karthong Lamlen
Wakoklon Heelel Thilen Salai Amailon Pukok Puya (written in 1400 BC)
Hijan-Hirao
Besides the above-mentioned sacred books, there are several sacred books or Puya (Meitei texts) discovered from various hidings.^[7]

Festivals[]

The religious festivals associated with Lord Sanamahi are as follows:

References[]

^ "Meitei Religion: An Emic Perspective". ResearchGate.
^ Devi, Nunglekpam Premi (23 November 2021). "A Glimpse of Kanglei Literary Works".
^ "What is the translation of Sanamahi by Wangkhemcha Chingtamlen".
^ Devi, Nunglekpam Premi (14 April 2018). "A Glimpse of Manipuri Literary Works".
^ Suresh Singh, Dr Th (2 June 2014). The Endless Kabaw Valley: British Created Visious [sic] Cycle of Manipur, Burma and India. ISBN 9789384318000.
^ "SANAMAHI KIYONG TEMPLE | IMPHAL EAST DISTRICT, GOVERNMENT OF MANIPUR | India".
^ "Holy book of Lainingthou Sanamahi published; Thousands offers prayers on Sanamahi Chenhougba rituals - Imphal Times".

[1] "Meitei Religion: An Emic Perspective". ResearchGate.

[A_Glimpse_of_Kanglei_Literary_Works-2] Devi, Nunglekpam Premi (23 November 2021). "A Glimpse of Kanglei Literary Works".

[3] "What is the translation of Sanamahi by Wangkhemcha Chingtamlen".

[A_Glimpse_of_Manipuri_Literary_Works-4] Devi, Nunglekpam Premi (14 April 2018). "A Glimpse of Manipuri Literary Works".

[5] Suresh Singh, Dr Th (2 June 2014). The Endless Kabaw Valley: British Created Visious [sic] Cycle of Manipur, Burma and India. ISBN 9789384318000.

[6] "SANAMAHI KIYONG TEMPLE | IMPHAL EAST DISTRICT, GOVERNMENT OF MANIPUR | India".

[7] "Holy book of Lainingthou Sanamahi published; Thousands offers prayers on Sanamahi Chenhougba rituals - Imphal Times".

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v t Sanamahism
Practices and beliefs	Lai haraoba Ritual dance Polytheism Animism Meitei festival Mythology
Sanamahism shrines	List of Umang Lai Laishang Meitei architecture
Notable Lai	Taibang Mapu Sanamahi Lainingthou Koupalu Lan Leima
Important literature	Numit Kappa Sanamahi Laihui
See also	Religion in Manipur List of Meitei deities