7 facts about ancient Meitei Goddess Nganu Leima
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Ancient Meitei Goddess Nganu Leima (known as “Nganureima” in Modern Meitei) has her origins in the archaic period of Kangleipak (early Manipur). She plays some significant roles in the classical world of Meitei folklore, mythology and religion (known as “Sanamahism” or “Lainingthouism” in present times).
Fact 1 :
Nganu Leima is a princess of the Heaven. The sky realm is ruled by King Salailen (also known as Soraren), who is her father. She is one of the most favourite daughters of the Heavenly Father.
Fact 2 :
Nganu Leima is associated with water fowls, including but not limited to ducks, geese, swans, among many. Scientifically, those group of birds are termed as “Anseriformes” in modern world.
Fact 3 :
Nganu Leima has two sisters, namely Khunu Leima (alias Khunureima) and Shapi Leima (alias Shabireima), who are also goddesses like her, but different in their divine associations, as Khunu Leima is associated with doves as well as pigeons, and Shapi Leima is associated with rodents.
Fact 4 :
Nganu Leima is involved in trigamy, as she and her two sisters married to the same man all at once. The sibling sisters become co-wives of the same husband. Their common husband is surprisingly not a god, or any divine being, but a human being by birth, who is adventurous by spirit, and godly blessed by luck.
Fact 5 :
Nganu Leima is the queen of all the water birds living in the world. Thus, she has the ultimate authority as well as the supreme power to summon all the water birds at any place at any time from any part of the world. Her such powers are demonstrated in the time to save her lover from troubles.
Fact 6 :
Nganu Leima and her sisters test their future husband in different ways but when their husband is tested by a third person (a human king), they use their divine powers to help the man whom they love.
Fact 7 :
Since antiquity till present times, Nganu Leima is worshipped by the Meitei people, who also celebrate the annual Lai Haraoba ritualistic theatrical festival, in honor of multiple ancient Meitei deities, including her.
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This article was webcasted on February 20 2024.
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