Nongthang Leima

"Nongthang Leima", also known as Haoreima Sampubi, is the goddess of thunder and lightning in Manipuri mythology and Sanamahism. She is the daughter of the sky God Soraren. She is also known as the Sky Princess or Thunder Goddess.[1][2]

Nongthang Leima
One of the Incarnations of Leimarel Sidabi
Personification of the Lighting and thunder
Member of Umang Lai and Meitei Manipuri deities
Statue of the goddess in the form of a tribal woman, in Kakching
Other namesHaoreima Sampubi
AffiliationUmang Lai, Sanamahism, Manipuri mythology
AbodeSky kingdom
PlanetEarth
Weaponthunderbolt
Symbollighting and thunder
FestivalsLai Haraoba
Personal information
Parents
  • Soraren (father)

Creation
Further information: Sanamahi creation myth

When Lainingthou Sanamahi was on the process of the creation of the universe, his younger brother Pakhangba, also known as Haraba, disturbed him by destroying the new creations. As Sanamahi complained his father Atingkok Maru Sidaba about the disturbances of his younger brother, Lord Atingkok, in order to proceed the task without any obstacle, created a divine maiden from his dazzling eyes through a great lighting and thunder. Thus, the created maiden was named "Nongthang Leima", literally meaning the lightning lady. She was given task to seduce young Haraba with her charm and took him distant from his brother's place. Together with Haraba, Nongthang Leima sang the divine Paosa Esei, which is the song associated with questions and answers. During the seduction period of young Haraba, Sanamahi could complete the creation of the universe.

Incarnations

The goddess is said to be one of the Incarnations of Leimarel Sidabi and herself has several incarnations in different forms with various attributes, including the incarnations of goddess Panthoibi, Chang Ning Leima, Phouoibi and Charei Phishabi.[2] The goddess is worshipped by the Meitei people in Manipur.

Festivals
Further information: Fairs and Festivals in Manipur

During her religious festival, the idols of the goddess is installed in a palanquin lifted up by the devotees.[3]

Further information: Art and culture of Manipur
  • Recently, Manipuri folk singer Mangka Mayanglambam recreated the ancient glory of the divine song sung describing the attributes of the goddess under the title Nongthang Leima.
  • Recently, a play based on the life story of the goddess Nonthang Leima, the lightning lady, is performed.[4]

References
  1. https://www.quora.com/Who-is-Goddess-Nongthang-Leima-in-ancient-Manipuri-mythology?ch=99&share=293e6bbf&srid=uXRDzY
  2. "Incarnations of Goddess Nongthang Leima By James Oinam". www.e-pao.net.
  3. "Panthoibi celebrations under way". www.telegraphindia.com.


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