Sanamahism

Sanamahism (), also known as Meitei religion, Manipuri religion or Kanglei religion, is an animistic, ancestor-worshipping, shaman-led religious tradition found among the Meitei people in Manipur state of India. The term is derived from "Sanamahi" ("lit." "Spreading like liquid gold everywhere"), the most important Meitei deity. The details of the identity of Lainingthou Sanamahi – sun, fire, or an aspect of Sidaba Mapu – along with other aspects of the Sanamahism beliefs, practices and the history, are unclear and disputed. Broadly, Sanamahism worship elements of nature, such as fire, water and mountains, with a notable temple and worship rituals at the Loi village of Andro, east of Imphal, according to Bertil Lintner. After the forced conversion of Meiteis to Hinduism by the then king in the 18th century, Sanamahism is practised alongside Hinduism in most Meitei homes in Imphal, the capital of Kangleipak. However, many Meiteis outside Imphal did not convert, and practice only Sanamahism. In every Meitei home, including those who are also Hindus, there are two sacred spaces where Sanamahi deities are worshipped, viz., a corner in the north-west called "Sanamahi Kachin" dedicated to Lainingthou and Leimarel Sidabi and next to the fireplace or hearth (Phung-ga) in the kitchen for Goddess Emoinu, the goddess of well being and prosperity. This is seen in modern Meitei families who identify with Sanamahism. According to Kanglei mythology life began from water in the form of "Namu Mitam Nga" commonly known as the "Ngamu" fish.
Origin.
The first mentions are found in the Cheitharol Kumbaba, the Court Chronicles of the kings of Kangleipak (old name of Manipur), starting from the king Nongda Lairen Pakhangba, who ruled for more than a century, from 33–154 CE.
Description.
Sanamahism is a folk religion. It competes with and co-exists with Vaishnavism – a tradition of Hinduism – among the Meitei people. Opponents and rebellious groups have sought to revive Sanamahism and related practices to emphasize the Manipuri heritage, along with seeking a ban on Bengali script and replacing it with the old Meitei script which was forcefully banned during the reign of King Garibniwaz.
Etymology.
Sanamahism is also known as Sanamahi Laining, for it originated from the ancient kingdom of Kangleipak.
Revival.
Sanamahism is revived after a long period of 4 centuries slumber, currently occupying 8% of Manipur's religion population according to 2011 census.
Practices.
Many Sanamahi practices are focused on food offerings to deities, combined with hymns, as well as oracular ritual whereby priestesses become possessed by a god or goddess. An offering formula to call up the gods, uttered by a priestess over a body of water during the Lai Haraoba festival, goes:
Some esoteric practices are also a part of Sanamahism, such as the use of mantras for various purposes. The mystical text "Sanamahi Naiyom" provides several formulas, such as a mantra that is believed to stop rain: HUNG KRUNG HUNG-KRUNG TA (8x) AH (2x) CHAT HUK (2x) HING HING HUK SU SA HING HING LIK SAL LIT HING MA PAN.
Deities.
Main deities.
There are five main deities in Sanamahism:
Related deities.
Besides the five main deities, there are innumerable Gods and goddesses, playing significant roles in the ancient pantheon, religion as well as mythology. Citable examples include Panthoibi, Lainingthou Nongpok Ningthou, Lainingthou Koubru, Ibudhou Marjing, Thongalel, Wangbren, Eputhou Thangjing, Kounu, Nongshaba, Nongthang Leima, Irai Leima and so on.
Umang Lai.
Besides, there are other deities associated with sacred groves called Umang Lai including Konthoujam Lairembi gi Khubam, Ima Tamphaton Petangaa and Chothe Thangwai Pakhangba groves.
Ancestral deities.
Besides, there are deities for each clans (Yek Salai) as well as families (Yumnak) called Apokpa.
Divine figures.
Though Sanarembi is not a deity, she is a divine figure in the religious chanting of hymns in Lai Haraoba festival.