"Meitei temples" or "Manipuri temples" (Old Manipuri: ꯂꯥꯢꯁꯪ, Meitei: ꯂꯥꯏꯁꯪ, romanized: laishang, lit.'god house') are the structures built to house deities within sanctuaries in Sanamahism, the ancient Meitei religion. They are designed to bring humans and gods together, using symbolism to express the ideas and beliefs of Sanamahism.

Iputhou Pakhangba Laishang, an ancient temple dedicated to Pakhangba, a primordial deity in Sanamahi religion.

Remarkable Examples change

Hiyangthang Lairembi Temple change

The "Temple of Hiyangthang Lairembi" is an old temple, dedicated to Goddess Hiyangthang Lairembi, who is a form of Irai Leima, the water goddess in Meitei mythology and religion. In Medieval Manipur, during the reign of Emperor Garib Niwaj Pamheiba, the temple structure was re-modified from its former architecture. Besides, it was also re-affiliated with Hinduism, other than its own Sanamahism (Meitei religion), by the installation of idol of Hindu goddess Durga, besides that of Irai Leima.[1][2][3]

Iputhou Pakhangba Laishang change

Iputhou Pakhangba Laishang, the ancient temple dedicated to Pakhangba, in the heart of Kangla, the old metropolis of Ancient Manipur, is a masterpiece of Meitei architecture.[4][5][6] However, due to damages in its structure, the building was rebuilt with a completely different architectural design and was recently consecrated in 2010.[7]

Sanamahi Temple change

The "Temple of Sanamahi", better known as "Sanamahi Temple", is one of the most antique temples in Ancient Manipur. It is built with a dedication to Lainingthou Sanamahi. However, its main structures were reconstructed during the reign of Hindu Manipuri King Kulachandra in Medieval Manipur in 1891 AD.[8][9]

References change

  1. "Hiyangthang Lairembi Temple Imphal, India - Location, Facts, History and all about Hiyangthang Lairembi Temple Imphal - ixigo trip planner". Archived from the original on 2019-11-01. Retrieved 2021-03-19.
  2. "Hiyangthang Lairembi Temple". Archived from the original on 2020-01-25. Retrieved 2021-03-19.
  3. "Hiyangthang Lairembi Temple - History, Timings, Accommodations, Puja".
  4. "Pakhangba Temple (Imphal) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go".
  5. "Pakhangba Temple | Imphal West District, Government of Manipur | India".
  6. https://www.ixigo.com/pakhangba-temple-moirang-india-ne-1639834[permanent dead link]
  7. "Pakhangba temple consecrated amidst religious rituals : 20th feb10 ~ E-Pao! Headlines".
  8. "Lord Sanamahi Temple (Imphal) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go".
  9. http://www.onlytravelguide.com/manipur/spiritual/lord-sanamahi-temple.php