Sanamahism
| Sanamahism | |
|---|---|
 The symbol of Sanamahism | |
| Type | Ethnic religion |
| Classification | Animism |
| Scripture | Puyas |
| Theology | Polytheism |
| Region | Manipur, India |
| Language | Meitei |
| Origin | 3800 years ago |
| Number of followers | 222,422 (2011) |
Sanamahism is the traditional religion of the Meitei people in Manipur, India. It is also called Meiteism or Lainingthouism. Sanamahism is a polytheistic religion, meaning it has many gods. The religion is named after the god Lainingthou Sanamahi, who is one of the most important gods in Meitei beliefs.[1]
History
[change | change source]Sanamahism is believed to be about 3800 years old. The earliest records are found in the Cheitharol Kumbaba, the royal chronicle of Manipur, starting from King Nongda Lairen Pakhangba, who ruled from 33 to 154 CE.[2]
Beliefs and Practices
[change | change source]Sanamahism teaches that the universe was created by the god Kuru. Other main gods include:
- Lainingthou Sanamahi, protector of humans.
- Sidaba Mapu, creator of the universe.
- Pakhangba, ruler of the universe and destroyer of evil.
- Leimarel Sidabi, goddess of the earth.
- Imoinu Ahongbi, goddess of wealth and prosperity.
People worship these gods in their homes and in sacred groves called Umang Lai. Festivals like Lai Haraoba celebrate the gods with dances and rituals.[3]
Revival Movement
[change | change source]In 1930, Naoriya Phulo started the Apokpa Marup to revive Sanamahism. The movement grew, and in 1945, the Meitei Marup was formed to promote the religion and the Meitei script. In 1992, the King of Manipur declared Sanamahism as the state religion again.[4]
Official Recognition
[change | change source]On 5 August 2022, the Manipur Legislative Assembly passed a resolution to recognize Sanamahism as a minority religion in India and to give it a separate code in the census.[5]
Number of Followers
[change | change source]According to the 2011 Census of India, 222,422 people follow Sanamahism, mostly in Manipur.[6]
References
[change | change source]- ↑ Meitei, Mayanglambam Mangangsana (6 June 2021). The Sound of Pena in Manipur. Marjing Mayanglambam. p. 30. ISBN 978-93-5473-655-1.
- ↑ Mukherjee, Sujit (1998). A Dictionary of Indian Literature: Beginnings-1850. Orient Blackswan. p. 75. ISBN 978-81-250-1453-9.
- ↑ "IGNCA's Workshop on Maibi Culture of Manipur". Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
- ↑ Meitei, Langonjam Chingkheinganba. "Apokpa Marup: Naoriya Phulo". Retrieved 9 August 2022.[permanent dead link]
- ↑ "Separate code mooted for Sanamahi religion". E-Pao. Retrieved 9 August 2022.
- ↑ "C-01 Appendix: Details of religious community shown under 'Other religions and persuasions' in main table C01 - 2011" (PDF). Census of India. Retrieved 18 April 2022.