SonOfZeus at 12:45, 16 March 2022

2022-03-16T12:45:48Z

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{{Infobox deity
| type = Meitei
| name = Leimarel Sidabi <br /> ({{lang-omp|Leimalel Sitapi}})
| deity_of = Goddess of earth, nature and household
| member_of = [[Imung Lai]]s
| image = LEIMALEL.png
| alt = 
| caption = "Leimalel", the [[Ancient Meitei language|Ancient Meitei (Old Manipuri)]] name of Leimarel, written in archaic Meetei Mayek abugida
| other_names =
* Malem Leima
* Leimaren Sidabi ({{lang-omp|Leimalen Sitapi}})
| hiro =
| Old_Norse =
| script_name =
| script =
| affiliation = [[Meitei mythology]] ([[Manipuri mythology]]) and [[Meitei religion]] ([[Sanamahism]])
| cult_center = 
| abode = [[Sanamahi Kachin]] ([[Lainingthou Kachin]])<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V7NYEAAAQBAJ&q=corner+of+the+room+I+was+in+was+called+Sanamahi+Kachin%2C+which+was+dedicated+to+Leimarel+Sidabi+and+Phungga%2C+deities+of+Sanamahism&pg=PA207|title=Asatoma Sadgamaya A path for one|last=Gitam|first=Kanishq|date=2022-01-12|publisher=Blue Rose Publishers|pages=207|language=en}}</ref>
| planet = 
| weapon = 
| battles =
| artifacts = Water pot (Isaiphu or Esaiphu)<ref name="Devi 2002 48">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tIBymmBWqgsC&dq=leimaren+sidabi&pg=PA48|title=The Lois of Manipur: Andro, Khurkhul, Phayeng and Sekmai|last=Devi|first=Lairenlakpam Bino|date=2002|publisher=Mittal Publications|isbn=978-81-7099-849-5|pages=48|language=en}}</ref>
| animals = [[Taoroinai]]
| symbol = Water pot (Isaiphu or Esaiphu)<ref name="Devi 2002 48">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tIBymmBWqgsC&dq=leimaren+sidabi&pg=PA48|title=The Lois of Manipur: Andro, Khurkhul, Phayeng and Sekmai|last=Devi|first=Lairenlakpam Bino|date=2002|publisher=Mittal Publications|isbn=978-81-7099-849-5|pages=48|language=en}}</ref>
| adherents =
| height =
| age =
| tree =
| day =
| color = 
| number =
| consort = [[Salailen]] (Soraren)
| parents =
| siblings =
| children = [[Sanamahi]] (foster) and [[Pakhangba]] (biological)
| predecessor =
| successor =
| army =
| mount =
| texts = [[Wakoklon Heelel Thilel Salai Amailon Pukok Puya]], [[Leithak Leikharol]], [[Leisemlon]], [[Sakok Lamlen]] and [[#Texts|many others]]
| gender = Female
| Greek_equivalent = [[Gaia (mythology)|Gaia]]
| Roman_equivalent = [[Terra]]
| Etruscan_equivalent =
| Christian_equivalent =
| Slavic_equivalent =
| Hinduism_equivalent =
| Canaanite_equivalent =
| equivalent1_type =
| equivalent1 =
| equivalent2_type =
| equivalent2 =
| region = [[Ancient Kangleipak]] ([[Antique Manipur]])
| ethnic_group = [[Meitei ethnicity]]
| festivals = [[Lai Haraoba]]
}}
{{Meitei deities}}
'''Leimarel Sidabi''' ({{lang-mni|ꯂꯩꯃꯔꯦꯜ ꯁꯤꯗꯕꯤ}}) or '''Leimalel Sitapi''' ({{lang-omp|ꯂꯩꯃꯂꯦꯜ ꯁꯤꯇꯄꯤ}}) is a goddess in [[Meitei mythology]] and [[Meitei religion|religion]] of [[Ancient Kangleipak]] ([[Antique Manipur]]). She is the highest female divinity in [[Meitei religion|Meitei pantheon]]. She is the goddess of earth, nature and household. She is the mother of everyone in the universe.<ref name="Devi 2002 48"/><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=c276DwAAQBAJ&q=Leimarel+is+the+universal+mother&pg=PT221|title=The Cultural Heritage of Manipur|last1=Meitei|first1=Sanjenbam Yaiphaba|last2=Chaudhuri|first2=Sarit K.|last3=Arunkumar|first3=M. C.|date=2020-11-25|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-000-29637-2|pages=221|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-3FJEfU3swcC&q=Leimarel+Universal+Mother+&pg=PA200|title=Social Movements in North-East India|last=Karna|first=Mahendra Narain|date=1998|publisher=Indus Publishing|isbn=978-81-7387-083-5|pages=200|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gxqeDwAAQBAJ&dq=leimaren&pg=PA23|title=Glimpses of Manipuri Culture|last=Devi|first=Dr Yumlembam Gopi|publisher=Lulu.com|isbn=978-0-359-72919-7|pages=23|language=en}}</ref>

== Etymology ==
The [[Meitei language|Meitei]] word "Leimarel" (ꯂꯩꯃꯔꯦꯜ) or "Leimaren" (ꯂꯩꯃꯔꯦꯟ) is as "[[queen]]" or "[[goddess]]" in English. The word "Leimarel" (or "Leimaren") can be broken into pieces: "Lei" (ꯂꯩ), "Ma" (ꯃ) and "-ren" (-ꯔꯦꯟ) or "-rel" (-ꯔꯦꯜ). "Lei" means [[land]] or [[earth]]. "Ma" means [[mother]]. "-ren" (or "-rel") means [[wikt:excellent|excellent]]. Another [[Meitei language|Meitei]] word "Sidabi" can be broken into "Si" (ꯁꯤ), "-da" (ꯗ) and "-bi" (-ꯕꯤ). "Si" ("See") means ''"to [[wikt:die|die]]"''. "-da" denotes negative meaning. "-bi" ("-bee") denotes feminine gender.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dsal.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/app/sharma_query.py?qs=%EA%AF%82%EA%AF%A9%EA%AF%83%EA%AF%94%EA%AF%A6%EA%AF%9F&searchhws=yes|title=Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary_Leimaren|website=uchicago.edu|year=2006}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dsal.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/app/sharma_query.py?qs=%EA%AF%82%EA%AF%A9%EA%AF%83%EA%AF%94%EA%AF%A6%EA%AF%9F%20%EA%AF%81%EA%AF%A4%EA%AF%97%EA%AF%95%EA%AF%A4&searchhws=yes|title=Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary_Leimaren Sidabi|website=uchicago.edu|year=2006}}</ref>

== Description ==
Leimarel is the [[:en:wikt:eternal|eternal]] mother goddess. In ancient times, the ruling royal couples sat in the ''Laplen Ka'' (the central room). They faced the sacred spot of goddess Leimarel. It was believed that men and women originated from Leimarel's [[uterus|womb]]. A house symbolises the Mother in traditional Meitei [[:en:wikt:cosmic|cosmic]] beliefs.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Xsrgg1Mel8UC&q=++laplen+ka+central+room+faced+spot+Leimarel+eternal+Mother+whose+womb+men+women+originate+Meitei+cosmic+belief+represents+Mother+&pg=PA70|title=Folklore, Public Sphere, and Civil Society|last1=Muthukumaraswamy|first1=M. D.|last2=Kaushal|first2=Molly|date=2004|publisher=NFSC www.indianfolklore.org|isbn=978-81-901481-4-6|pages=70|language=en}}</ref>

== Mythology ==
The supreme creator [[Atingkok]] (alias Salailel) asked his two sons, [[Sanamahi]] and [[Pakhangba]] to run in a race around the world. The winner would become the ruler of the world. [[Sanamahi]] was stronger than his younger brother, [[Pakhangba]]. He started his journey. Pakhangba wept to his mother, Leimarel Sidabi. She told him the secret behind the throne of the universe. The secret is that going around the throne of the Supreme Being is shorter than going around the universe. So, Pakhangba went around the Supreme Being, his father. Thus, he won the race and became the ruler of the universe. When [[Sanamahi]] returned home, he found his younger brother sitting on the throne. He got angry. He attacked Pakhangba. [[Pakhangba]] ran away. He hid himself among seven [[lairembi]]s.<ref name="archive.org">{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.461915/page/n71/mode/2up?q=Leimarel+Leimalel|title=A Critical Study Of The Religious Philosophy|website=archive.org|date=August 1991|pages=71}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tIBymmBWqgsC&dq=leimaren+sidabi&pg=PA47|title=The Lois of Manipur: Andro, Khurkhul, Phayeng and Sekmai|last=Devi|first=Lairenlakpam Bino|date=2002|publisher=Mittal Publications|isbn=978-81-7099-849-5|pages=47|language=en}}</ref> The Supreme Being intervened the situation. He brought peace of Sanamahi. He made Sanamahi as the king of the household of the mankind. At the same time, goddess Leimarel Sidabi became another [[Imung Lai]] (household deity), besides Sanamahi.<ref name="Devi 2002 48"/><ref name="archive.org"/>

According to some legends, goddess Ima Leimaren (lit. Mother Leimarel) takes care of the market. She brings peace and harmony by doing so. This tradition is still maintained by womenfolk. The women are considered as the descendents of the "Ima".<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sIEOy8SRLv8C&q=According+to+legends+%E2%80%9C+Ima+Leimaren+%E2%80%9D+took+charge+of+the+market+to+bring+peace+and+harmony+.+Women+maintain+the+tradition+as+they+are+considered+the+descendents+of+%27+Ima&pg=PA32|title=Women's Role in the 20th Century Manipur: A Historical Study|last=Kipgen|first=Tingneichong G.|date=2010|publisher=Gyan Publishing House|isbn=978-81-7835-803-1|pages=32|language=en}}</ref>

== Texts ==
Several ancient texts ([[PuYa]]s) write things about the goddess Leimarel. Some include the Leimaren Naoyom, the Leimaren Langon, the Leimaren Mingkhei, the Leimaren Shekning Lasat, the Leimaren Ungoiron, besides others.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=c276DwAAQBAJ&q=Leimaren+Naoyom%2C+Leimaren+Langon%2C+Leimaren+Mingkhei%2C+Leimaren+Shekning+Lasat%2C+Leimaren+Ungoiron+and+many+others.+There+are+also+other+books+on+many+subjects.+&pg=PT137|title=The Cultural Heritage of Manipur|last1=Meitei|first1=Sanjenbam Yaiphaba|last2=Chaudhuri|first2=Sarit K.|last3=Arunkumar|first3=M. C.|date=2020-11-25|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-000-29637-2|pages=137|language=en}}</ref>

== Worship ==
Leimarel Sidabi and her son [[Sanamahi]] are worshipped in the first room of every Meitei household. Goddess Leimarel doesn't want the ''Korou Anganba'' (sunlight) in the morning. So, houses of Loi castes are mainly made facing southwards. She lives in water also. So, she is worshipped in an ''Isaiphu'' (an earthen pitcher or terracotta pot containing water).<ref name="Devi 2002 48"/> There are no images kept to represent the two deities inside their abode.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XScmdGvMf7IC&dq=leimaren&pg=PA247|title=Encyclopaedia of North-East India|last=Bareh|first=Hamlet|date=2001|publisher=Mittal Publications|isbn=978-81-7099-790-0|pages=247|language=en}}</ref>

A senior woman or women of the house fills the earthen pot of the goddess with fresh water. She does this after taking a holy bath. Fresh flowers, fruits, vegetables and rice are offered. Prayers are also offered to protect the family members from every troubles.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gxqeDwAAQBAJ&dq=leimaren&pg=PA16|title=Glimpses of Manipuri Culture|last=Devi|first=Dr Yumlembam Gopi|publisher=Lulu.com|isbn=978-0-359-72919-7|pages=16|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gxqeDwAAQBAJ&dq=leimaren&pg=PA32|title=Glimpses of Manipuri Culture|last=Devi|first=Dr Yumlembam Gopi|publisher=Lulu.com|isbn=978-0-359-72919-7|pages=32|language=en}}</ref>

The [[maiba]]s perform rites and rituals by chanting hymns dedicated to goddess Leimaren (ancestral mother goddess). It is generally done inside the house. Water, rice and flowers are mainly placed.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=c276DwAAQBAJ&q=+maiba+comes+performs+rites+rituals+chanting+hymns+shrine+ema+leimaren+sidabi+ancestral+mother+goddess+water+rice+flowers&pg=PT288|title=The Cultural Heritage of Manipur|last1=Meitei|first1=Sanjenbam Yaiphaba|last2=Chaudhuri|first2=Sarit K.|last3=Arunkumar|first3=M. C.|date=2020-11-25|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-000-29637-2|pages=288|language=en}}</ref>

== Festivals ==
Goddess Leimarel Sidabi and her son [[Sanamahi]] are mainly worshipped in many religious occasions. Some are [[Cheiraoba]] and ''Saroi-Khangba''. Cheiraoba is the Meitei new year (Manipuri new year) festival. Saroi-Khangba is a religious event to please the evil spirits.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tIBymmBWqgsC&dq=leimaren+sidabi&pg=PA49|title=The Lois of Manipur: Andro, Khurkhul, Phayeng and Sekmai|last=Devi|first=Lairenlakpam Bino|date=2002|publisher=Mittal Publications|isbn=978-81-7099-849-5|pages=49|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gxqeDwAAQBAJ&dq=leimaren&pg=PA68|title=Glimpses of Manipuri Culture|last=Devi|first=Dr Yumlembam Gopi|publisher=Lulu.com|isbn=978-0-359-72919-7|pages=68|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XScmdGvMf7IC&dq=leimaren&pg=PA183|title=Encyclopaedia of North-East India|last=Bareh|first=Hamlet|date=2001|publisher=Mittal Publications|isbn=978-81-7099-790-0|pages=183|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.461915/page/n117/mode/2up?q=Leimarel+Leimalel|title=A Critical Study Of The Religious Philosophy|website=archive.org|date=August 1991|pages=117}}</ref>

== In Arts ==
The ''Leimarel Sheisak'' is one of the 9 singing styles (tunes) of [[Meitei culture|Meitei tradition (Manipuri culture)]]. It is sung during the festival of [[Lai Haraoba]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3rJ3DQAAQBAJ&dq=leimarel&pg=PT169|title=Orality: the Quest for Meanings|last=Khiangte|first=Zothanchhingi|date=2016-10-28|publisher=Partridge Publishing|isbn=978-1-4828-8671-9|pages=169|language=en}}</ref>
== Namesakes ==
=== In commerce ===
[[Ima Keithel]] ({{lang-en|[[Mothers' Market]]}}) is the world's only women run market. It has 3 major complexes.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eENU_a8c79MC&q=ima+keithel+market+khwairamband+only+women+world&pg=PA974|title=Encyclopaedia of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh|last=Gupta|first=Om|date=2006|publisher=Gyan Publishing House|isbn=978-81-8205-389-2|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vjzcDAAAQBAJ&q=ima+market+nupi+keithel+only+women+world&pg=PT37|title=Vyapar Shastra|last=Shivhare|first=Vishal|date=2016-08-17|publisher=Jaico Publishing House|isbn=978-81-8495-898-0|language=en}}</ref><ref name="Singh">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kbu_AwAAQBAJ&q=ima+keithel+market+only+women+world&pg=PA4|title=The Endless Kabaw Valley: British Created Visious Cycle of Manipur, Burma and India|last=Singh|first=Dr Th Suresh|date=2014-06-02|publisher=Quills Ink Publishing|isbn=978-93-84318-00-0|language=en}}</ref> '''Leimarel Sidabi Ima Keithel''' is the Complex Number 1 of the market. It is followed by [[Imoinu|Imoinu Ima Keithel]] (Complex Number 2) and [[Phouoibi|Phouoibi Ima Keithel]] (Complex Number 3).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/city/imphal/all-women-imphal-market-reopens-after-10-months/amp_articleshow/80974793.cms|title=All-women Imphal market reopens after 10 months|website=m.timesofindia.com}}</ref> This 500 year old market is in the center of [[Imphal]], [[Manipur]].<ref name="Singh"/>

=== In geography ===
The ''Leimarel Hill'' is a hill in [[Manipur]]. Trekkers go here for panaromic viewing of 360 degree of [[Loktak Lake]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7YQ8EAAAQBAJ&q=trekking+in+the+evening+to+nearby+Leimarel+Hilltop+and+Chaoba+Ching+for+panaromic+viewing+of+360+degree+of+Loktak+Lake&pg=PA87|title=Ecotourism Development Ventures in Manipur: Green Skill Development and Livelihood Mission|last=Singh|first=Arambam Sanatomba|date=2021-06-18|publisher=Walnut Publication|isbn=978-93-91145-59-0|pages=87|language=en}}</ref>

== Related pages ==
* [[Incarnations of Leimarel Sidabi]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== Bibliography ==
* [https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.465471 Ariba Meiteigee Seitha by Gourachandra, Mayanglambam]
* [https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.465337 Kangleikhol January 1988 by Kangjia, Ng]
* [https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.465422 Leimarel Mingkhei by Bhogeshawr, Oinam]
* [https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.465572 Yimpallon by Singh, Wakhemcha Tomba]

== Other websites ==
* [https://archive.org/search.php?query=Leimarel&sin=TXT Internet Archive, Leimarel]
* [http://e-pao.net/epSearchResults.asp?cx=partner-pub-3342616103029311%3A3788634109&cof=FORID%3A10&ie=UTF-8&q=Leimarel&sa.x=16&sa.y=6 E-pao, Leimarel]

[[Category:Meitei gods and goddesses]]

Leimarel Sidabi - Revision history

SonOfZeus at 12:45, 16 March 2022