Meitei mythology

"Manipuri mythology" redirects here. For other uses, see Manipuri mythology (disambiguation).
Further information: Meitei folklore and Meitei literature
Meetei Mayek
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Meitei (Manipuri) mythology
Cultural originsMeitei culture
Subgenres
Epic cycles of incarnations
Related topics
Sanamahism, Meitei folklore, Meitei literature, Meitei cinema

Meitei mythology (or Manipuri mythology) (Meitei: Meitei Mi Lai Tingi Wari) is a collection of myths, belonging to the religious and cultural traditions of the Meitei people, the predominant ethnic group of Manipur. It is associated with traditional Meitei religion of Sanamahism. Meitei myths explain various natural phenomena, how human civilization developed, and the reasons of many events.[1][2]

Textual sources

Mythical narration plays an integral role in nearly every genre of Meitei literature (Manipuri literature). Some of the best known literary sources are:

Ancient texts Description
Khongjomnubi Nongarol Legends of six girls turning into the Pleiades in the sky[3]
Konthoujam Nongarol Legends of Konthoujam Tampha Lairembi[4]
Leishemlon Creation myth[5]
Leithak Leikharol The creation of the world, genealogy of kings, moral teachings and mythology[6]
Panthoibi Khongul Romantic adventures of the Goddess Panthoibi and the God Nongpok Ningthou[7][8][9]
Phouoibi Waron Legends of the multitude of loves of Goddess Phouoibi[10]
Poireiton Khunthok Legend of the human civilization on earth led by Poireiton and Leinaotabi from the underworld.[11][12][13]
Sakok Lamlen A sequel to Leithak Leikharol.[14]

Mythical beings

Main articles: Meitei deities and List of creatures in Meitei folklore

Mythical beings include gods, goddesses, mythical creatures and many others.

References

  1. ^ Laisram, Rena (2009). Early Meitei History: Religion, Society and the Manipur Puyas. Akansha Publishing House. ISBN 978-81-8370-163-1.
  2. ^ Devi, Dr Yumlembam Gopi. Glimpses of Manipuri Culture. ISBN 978-0-359-72919-7.
  3. ^ Meitei, Sanjenbam Yaiphaba; Chaudhuri, Sarit K.; Arunkumar, M. C. (25 November 2020). The Cultural Heritage of Manipur. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-000-29637-2.
  4. ^ Paniker, K. Ayyappa (1997). Medieval Indian Literature: Surveys and selections. Sahitya Akademi. p. 334. ISBN 978-81-260-0365-5.
  5. ^ Singh, Moirangthem Kirti (1998). Recent Researches in Oriental Indological Studies: Including Meiteilogy. Parimal Publications.
  6. ^ Panchani, Chander Sheikhar (1987). Manipur, Religion, Culture, and Society. Konark Publishers. ISBN 978-81-220-0047-4.
  7. ^ Society and Economy in North-East India. Regency Publications. 2004. ISBN 978-81-87498-83-4.
  8. ^ Zama, Margaret Ch (2013). Emerging Literatures from Northeast India: The Dynamics of Culture, Society and Identity. SAGE Publishing India. p. 79. ISBN 978-81-321-1746-9.
  9. ^ North East India History Association. Session (2003). Proceedings of North East India History Association. The Association.
  10. ^ Paniker, K. Ayyappa (1997). Medieval Indian Literature: Surveys and selections. Sahitya Akademi. ISBN 978-81-260-0365-5.
  11. ^ Singh, R.K. Jhalajit (1965). A Short History of Manipur. O.K. Store.
  12. ^ Sen, Sipra (1992). Tribes and Castes of Manipur: Description and Select Bibliography. Mittal Publications. ISBN 978-81-7099-310-0.
  13. ^ Singh, Wahengbam Ibohal (1986). The History of Manipur: An early period. Manipur Commercial Company.
  14. ^ Singh, Ch Manihar (1996). A History of Manipuri Literature. Sahitya Akademi. ISBN 978-81-260-0086-9.