Nongshaba Laihui

The Nongsaba Laihui (ꯅꯣꯡꯁꯥꯕ ꯂꯥꯏꯍꯨꯏ), also spelled as the Nongshaba Laihui, is a Meitei language religious text that praises Nongsaba, who is believed to be the second son of the Universal Lord in Meitei mythology. He is also called Tholbu Chinglen Nongdai Ningthou.[1][2][3][4]

The Meitei scripture Nongshaba Laihui tells about the good qualities of the god Nongshaba. It praises a special shining stone, given by a man named Yumnam Tomba, also called Nongshaba Amaiba. The stone shines at night, maybe because of soft or reflected light.[5]

Position in Meitei religion

Nongsaba does not have a major role in the creation of the universe. He is not said to have helped or opposed his elder brother Asheeba (Sanamahi) during the creation. He also does not hold as high a place in the Meitei pantheon as his brothers Asheeba and Pakhangba.[1]

Even so, Meitei kings regularly built temples for him inside royal grounds.[1]

Characteristics

Unlike his younger brother Pakhangba, Nongsaba has no human descendants. He also does not take human form, unlike his elder brother Sanamahi. These details are recorded in the texts Pakhangba Laihui and Sanamahi Laihui.[1]

Praise and imagery

The text begins by describing the greatness of Nongsaba.[1] He is praised as a powerful god:

"Thou, Lord of gods and goddesses, together with the exalted Awang Phatlou Laimakhomba (Sanamahi), are like two threads twisted together. You rule the earth, and from you, bright rays shine. Because of your light, all other gods shine too and stand guard in all directions—four corners, eight directions, and sixteen sub-directions.


All souls of living beings come from you. Like beads of gold on a string, you are in full harmony with Nongda Lairen Pakhangba, who is a man at night and a god by day. You are known as Chinglen Nongdai Ningthou, and with your consort Thongang Leicha Khombi, you shine like many suns among stars.

The god of the dead and the god of the western direction serve you. They carry vessels full of delicacies. Seven goddesses fan you gently with peacock-feather fans. O Powerful One! You hold the sky above and the earth below with strong iron bolts."[1]

Story of the Idol

The story continues with the appearance of Nongsamei, an image of Nongsaba. He first appeared in the home of a childless couple from the Chothe tribe. This made the family happy, and the whole village became prosperous.[1]

Later, a man from the Moirang community, known as Moirang Sathiba, who was a small iron dealer, came to the Chothe village to sell his goods. At night, he saw the glowing idol and secretly took it. After he brought it to Moirang, both he and the village became wealthy and happy.[1]

However, two Meitei men looking for fortune came to Moirang. They found the idol in Moirang Sathiba’s house. They quickly took it, wrapped it in cloth, and carried it on their backs. To shorten their journey, they crossed Loktak Lake and gave the idol to King Khagemba.[1]

The king then built a five-storied temple for the idol. After that, the king and his people received great fortune.[1]

Bibliography

  • Birajit, Soibam (2014-12-01). Meeyamgi Kholao: Sprout of Consciousness. ARECOM ( Advanced Research Consortium, Manipur).

References

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 Singh, Ch. Manihar. A History of Manipuri Literature. India: Sahitya Akademi, 1996. p. 83, 84, 85
  2. ↑ Traditional Performing Arts of North-East India. India: Assam Academy for Cultural Relations, 1990. p. 154
  3. ↑ Devi, L. Kunjeswori. Archaeology in Manipur. India: Rajesh Publications, 2003.
  4. ↑ Medieval Indian Literature: Surveys and selections. India: Sahitya Akademi, 1997. p. 337
  5. ↑ Vaisnavism in Manipur. India: Concept Publishing Company Pvt. Limited, 2021. p. 211
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