Open Access Open Access  Restricted Access Subscription Access
Open Access Open Access Open Access  Restricted Access Restricted Access Subscription Access

The Myth of Origin of the Meiteis of Manipur:Re-Thinking the Pre-Vaishnava Narratives


Affiliations
1 Centre for the Study of Social Systems, School of Social Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi-67, India
     

   Subscribe/Renew Journal


Vaishnavism in Manipur is more than two centuries old. However, there is persistence of many pre-Vaishnava elements in their contemporary religious life, the most evident being the deep reverence and worship of some of their most important traditional deities at every Meitei Hindu household. The paper, therefore, is an attempt to re-explore the pre-Vaishnava narratives of the myth of origin of the Meiteis of Manipur, as it not only explains the origin of all these deities but more importantly justifies the extreme importance given to those deities. In other words, the paper tries to re-visit their myth of origin in order to understand the essence of these deities, who still occupyparticular sacred spaces not only at their houses or in their system of beliefs and practices but also in the hearts of the Meitei Hindus even after more than more centuries of Vaishnava dominance.

Keywords

Myth of Origin, Pre-Vaishnava Narratives, Meitei Hindus, Meitei Hindu Household, Traditional Deities.
Subscription Login to verify subscription
User
Notifications
Font Size


  • Sanajaoba, N. Perception and World-view of Meetei Culture and Civilization in Manipur: Past and Present, Vol.II edited by N. Sanajaoba, Mittal Publications, New Delhi.1991; pp.11-56.
  • Singh, L.B. A Critical Study of the Religious Philosophy of the Meeteis Before the Advent of Vaishnavism in Manipur. The Paradise Publishing House, Imphal. 1991.
  • Sairem, Nilbir. Lainingthou Sanamahi amasung Sanamahi Laining Hinggat Ehau. G.M. Publications, Imphal. 2002, reprinted 2015.
  • Singh, Maibam Nando. Lainingthou Mingkhei Lishing Ama. Lokhendro, Imphal.2015
  • Arambam Lokendro. Manipur—A Ritual Theatre State (Coronation model and Concept of Welfare) in Manipur: Past and Present, Vol. II, edited by N. Sanajaoba, Mittal Publications, New Delhi.1991; pp.57-75.
  • Nongbri, Tiplut. Khasi Religious Beliefs and Practices in Religion and Culture in Indian Civilization: Essays in Honour of Prof. C.N. Venugopal, edited by Amit Kumar Sharma, D.K. Printworld (P) Ltd, New Delhi; pp.197-243.
  • Mangang, Kangjia. Wayet Chabun. Salai Mission Publications and Communications, Imphal.1993, reprinted 2009.
  • Laishram Reena. Early Meitei History: Religion, Society and the Manipuri Puyas. Akansha Publishing House, New Delhi. 2009
  • Parrat, S,N. The Religion of Manipur. Spectrum Publications, New Delhi. 1980, reprinted 2013.
  • Singh, E.N. Manipuri Performing Arts: A Vaishnavite Approach in Manipur: Past and Present, Vol. II, edited by N. Sanajaoba, Mittal Publications, New Delhi. 1991; pp.252-268.
  • Singh, M Kriti. Meiteism through the Ages (Essence of Meitei Philosophy) in Manipur: Past and Present, Vol. II, edited by N. Sanajaoba, Mittal Publications, New Delhi.1991; pp.90-108.

Abstract Views: 259

PDF Views: 0




  • The Myth of Origin of the Meiteis of Manipur:Re-Thinking the Pre-Vaishnava Narratives

Abstract Views: 259  |  PDF Views: 0

Authors

Oinam Ronnie Chanu
Centre for the Study of Social Systems, School of Social Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi-67, India

Abstract


Vaishnavism in Manipur is more than two centuries old. However, there is persistence of many pre-Vaishnava elements in their contemporary religious life, the most evident being the deep reverence and worship of some of their most important traditional deities at every Meitei Hindu household. The paper, therefore, is an attempt to re-explore the pre-Vaishnava narratives of the myth of origin of the Meiteis of Manipur, as it not only explains the origin of all these deities but more importantly justifies the extreme importance given to those deities. In other words, the paper tries to re-visit their myth of origin in order to understand the essence of these deities, who still occupyparticular sacred spaces not only at their houses or in their system of beliefs and practices but also in the hearts of the Meitei Hindus even after more than more centuries of Vaishnava dominance.

Keywords


Myth of Origin, Pre-Vaishnava Narratives, Meitei Hindus, Meitei Hindu Household, Traditional Deities.

References