Thongak Lairembi Explained

Type:Meitei
Thongak Lairembi
Deity Of:Keeper of the Gate to the Underworld
Member Of:Lairembis
Other Names:Thongngak Leima (Thongngak Leima)
Cult Center:Langol hills
Abode:Langol hills
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Consort:Thongalen
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Texts:Puyas
Gender:Female
Region:Manipur)
Ethnic Group:Meitei

Thongak Lairembi, is a divine female personification of the death who guards the door of the entrance to the underworld.

Description

Thongak Lairembi (Manipuri: ꯊꯣꯡꯉꯥꯛ ꯂꯥꯢꯔꯦꯝꯕꯤ||gatekeeper goddess), also known as Langol Lairemma (Manipuri: ꯂꯥꯡꯒꯣꯜ ꯂꯥꯢꯔꯦꯝꯃ), is a goddess in Sanamahism, the indigenous religion of Manipur. She is a divine female personification of the death. She guards the door of the entrance to the underworld, which is ruled by her consort, Thongalen.[1] [2] [3]

Legend says that Thongak Lairembi is parted from her husband Thongalel when he is defeated by Atingkok in the battle between the gods of the underworld and those of the upper world. The winner asks the Thongak Lairembi to become the keeper of the gate to the underworld, and gives Thongalel a new consort Khamnung Kikoi Louonbi, in return.[4]

Every year, Thongak Lairembi is honoured in the Lai Haraoba festival.[5] [6] [7]

See also

Notes and References

  1. News: থোঙাক লাইরেম্বী. hueiyenlanpao.com. mni.
  2. Book: A Critical Study Of The Religious Philosophy. 1991. 108.
  3. Book: A Critical Study Of The Religious Philosophy. 1991. 109.
  4. L. Kunjeswori (2003). Archaeology in Manipur. Rajesh Publications. p. 147. ISBN 978-81-85891-18-7.
  5. Book: Raatan, T.. Encyclopaedia of North-east India. 2004. Gyan Publishing House. 978-81-7835-274-9. en.
  6. Singh, N. Tombi (1975). Manipur and the Mainstream. Chitrebirentombichand Khorjeirup. p. 76.
  7. N. Tombi (1972). Manipur: A Study. Available with Raj Stores. p. 31.