Leimarel Sidabi or Leimalel Sitapi is a goddess in Sanamahism, the indigenous religion of Manipur. She is the highest female divinity in the Meitei pantheon. She is the goddess of earth, of nature and the household. She is revered as the mother of every living being in the universe.
Presently, the market complex number 1 is named after her at the Ima Keithel (Mothers' market), the world's only market run exclusively by women.
Description
Leimarel is the eternal mother goddess. In ancient times, the ruling royal couples sat in the
laplen ka (central room), facing the sacred place of Leimarel. It was believed that men and women originated from Leimarel's womb. A house symbolises the Mother in traditional Meitei cosmic beliefs.
Mythology
The supreme creator
Atingkok 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 equivalent to 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 lairembis (celestial divine maidens).
According to some legends, Ima Leimaren (mother Leimarel) takes care of the market. She brings peace and harmony by doing so. This tradition is still maintained by women, who are thought of as the descendants of the Ima.
During the infant world, the creator God Atingkok Maru Sidaba asked Leimarel Sidabi to produce another goddess from herself. After the production, the new goddess was named as Emoinu, who was sent to earth as the guardian goddess of humankind.
Texts
Several ancient texts (puyas) contain information about Leimarel, such as Leimaren Naoyom, the Leimaren Langon, the Leimaren Mingkhei the Leimalen Mingkhei, the Leimaren Shekning Lasat, and the Leimaren Ungoiron.
Worship
Leimarel Sidabi and her son Sanamahi are worshipped in the first room of every Meitei household. Leimarel doesn't like the morning sunlight, so, houses of
Loi castes mainly face the south. She also lives in water, so, she is worshipped in an
isaiphu, an earthen pitcher or terracotta pot containing water.< There are no images kept to represent the two deities inside their abode.
A senior woman of a house fills the earthen pot with fresh water after taking a holy bath. Fresh flowers, fruits, vegetables and rice are offered to the goddess. Prayers are also offered to protect the family members from every troubles.
also perform rites and rituals, such as chanting hymns and making offerings to Leimaren.
Shayon (incarnations)
Leimarel Sidabi is known for her various
incarnation in different forms possessing diverse attributes.
The following are her incarnations:
Festivals
Leimarel Sidabi and her son
Sanamahi are mainly worshipped in many religious occasions. Some are
Sajibu 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.
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In the festival of Mera Chaorel Houba, Lainingthou Sanamahi and Leimarel Sidabi are worshipped in the famous Sanamahi Temple by offering fruits and vegetables.
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In the Meitei festival of Sajibu Cheiraoba, Leimarel Sidabi is worshipped by offering her the uncooked rice by the devotees.
Pantheon
Leimarel Sidabi, is worshipped in
Manipur,
Assam,
Tripura,
Bangladesh and
Myanmar too. In Myanmar, one of the famous shrines of Ema Leimarel Sidabi is located at the Ye Ki Bauk village, where the
Meitei people worship her.
In Arts
Among the nine forms of musical rhythms (
seisaks) of the pena is the
Leimarel sheisak, played during
Lai Haraoba.
Namesakes
In commerce
Ima Keithel () is the world's only women run market. It has 3 major complexes.
is the Complex Number 1 of the market. It is followed by
Imoinu (Complex Number 2) and
Phouoibi (Complex Number 3).
This 500 year old market is in the center of
Imphal,
Manipur.
In geography
The
Leimarel Hill is a hill in
Manipur. Trekkers go here for panaromic viewing of 360 degree of
Loktak Lake.
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