Lainingthou Sanamahi

This article is about a Meitei deity. For other uses, see Lainingthou.

Not to be confused with Korouhanba.

Sanamahi
Caretaker and Protector God of Human Households
Member of Lainingthous and Imung Lais
Lainingthou Sanamahi (Asheeba) riding a tiger going to circumambulate the world 7 times as asked by the Heavenly Father Salailen (alias Atiya)
Other names	Lainingthou Sanamahi Asheeba
Affiliation	Meitei mythology (Manipuri mythology) and Meitei religion (Sanamahism)
Abode	Sanamahi Kachin (Lainingthou Kachin)
Weapon	Spear
Animals	Samaton Ayangpa, Tiger
Texts	Leishemlon Leithak Leikharol Sakok Lamlen Sanamahi Laihui Wakoklon Heelel Thilen Salai Amailon Pukok Puya
Gender	Male
Region	Ancient Kangleipak (Antique Manipur)
Ethnic group	Meitei ethnicity
Festivals	Cheiraoba, Sanamahi Ahong Khong Chingba
Personal information
Consort	Chingchaloipi (Chingcharoibi)
Parents	Atingkok (or Salailen) (father) Leimarel Sidabi (foster mother) (mother)

Lainingthou Sanamahi (Meitei: ꯂꯥꯏꯅꯤꯡꯊꯧ ꯁꯅꯥꯃꯍꯤ), shortly known as Sanamahi (Meitei: ꯁꯅꯥꯃꯍꯤ), is a primordial god in Meitei mythology and religion. He is the deity of the household, whose identity is often associated with the "Sun God" (Kolouhanpa). He is the eldest son of Atingkok, the supreme creator god of the universe. He is often bestowed with the title Lainingthou, for being the ruler of the human household.

Word origin

In the Meitei language word "Sanamahi", "Sana" derived from "Sanna" means spreading, and "mahi" means something that spreads its essence to help the existence of living beings in the universe.

Story

Competition for the throne

The supreme creator of the Universe is 'Atingkok Maru Sidaba', meaning the eternal and the source of all. After finishing the creation of the Universe, he asked his two sons, 'Sanamahi' and 'Pakhangba', to a race around the world. The winner would rule the world. Sanamahi, being the stronger one, set off immediately. Pakhangba, the younger son, cried to his mother. His mother, 'Leimaren Sidabi', shared a secret: circling their father's throne was equivalent to circling the Universe. Pakhangba followed her advice, circled his father, and became the king. When Sanamahi returned and saw Pakhangba as the king, he was furious and attacked him. Pakhangba fled and hid behind seven goddesses, the 'Lairembis', who protected him. This event, known as 'Ongri Hankel Chongba', is believed to be the origin of the Meitei folk dance 'Thabal Chongba'. Sanamahi then declared, "If your advisor is male, I will kill him; if female, I will marry her."

Ruler of the human households

The father stepped in to calm his elder son, Sanamahi, by proclaiming that Sanamahi would be the ruler of the household. He also stated that the mother, Leimaren Sidabi, who had guided the younger son, should become another household deity, residing alongside Sanamahi. Thus, Sanamahi and Leimaren Sidabi were established as the 'Imung Lais' or indoor deities.

Worship

Place of worship

In each devotee's home, there is a designated area for worshipping 'Sanamahi', who is also known as 'Ashiba'. In a traditional Meitei house, this deity is honored in the back corner of the room opposite the kitchen hearth. The Sanamahi Kachin (Sanamahi corner) is located in the Southwest of every Meitei house.

Daily worship

It is a daily ritual to worship ‘Lainingthou Sanamahi’ and ‘Leimaren Sidabi’ by burning incense on live charcoal and lighting a lamp.

It is customary for the Meiteis to pray to Sanamahi before going out of their homes, for important works, for his blessings.

Worship during troubles, disagreements or thefts

There is also a special worship dedicated to ‘Sanamahi’ and ‘Leimaren’. It is believed that family troubles, disagreements among members, or incidents of theft are due to the displeasure of ‘Sanamahi’, the household deity. This special worship is conducted on a specific day, which is Tuesday. In some cases, a priest or priestess (Maiba or Maibi) who understands ‘lairon-tilon’ (the divine language) is called upon. All offerings must be fresh. These include "Heiram Taret" (seven types of fruits) and "Leiram Taret" (seven types of flowers).

In major religious events

In Cheiraoba

See the main article: Cheiraoba

'Cheiraoba' marks the Meitei New Year and translates to "declaration with a stick" (chei = stick, raoba = declared). It is associated with 'Chahitaba'. Historically, in Manipur, a person would announce the end of the old year and the start of the new year using a stick. Hodson observed that the festival is particularly dedicated to the deity 'Sanamahi'. On this day, people clean their homes and pray to Sanamahi for peace and prosperity in the coming year. It is customary for people to wear new or freshly cleaned clothes.

In Saroi Khangba

'Saroi Khangba' is a traditional Meitei ceremony dedicated to the worship of 'Imung lais' or household deities. The term 'Saroi Khangba' translates to appeasing the evil spirits. The Meitei people, including the Lois, hold the belief that malevolent spirits inhabit their surroundings. Therefore, this ritual serves as a means to pacify these spirits and ensure protection. It is observed annually on the first Saturday of Lamda (March-April). On this day, people also offer prayers to 'Sanamahi', the supreme deity.

Bibliography

• Pramodinī Debī, Noṃmāīthema. The Depth of Sanamahi Laihui & Sanamahi Laining. India: Sahitya Seva Samiti, 2015.