Laikhurembi

Laikhurembi (, ) is a goddess in Meitei mythology and religion of Ancient Kangleipak (Antique Manipur). She is the goddess of argument, justice, good counsel, divine law, order, retribution and secrecy. She is the chief Queen of God Thongaren ().
She is the daughter of Lairen Humchouba. She is one of the divine incarnations of Leimarel Sidabi. She is one of the most important Umang Lais. Her pantheon is maintained particularly by the Taibungjam clan of Meitei ethnicity.

Etymology 
In Meitei language (Manipuri language), the female given name "Laikhurembi" can be split up into three parts, "Lai", "Khu" and "-rembi". The words "Lai" and "Khu" refer to the names of tribes. The last part "-rembi" means chief, head or graceful in feminine form.

History and Origin 
According to the Poireiton Khunthok, Laikhurembi () was the chief queen of Thongaren (). The same text describes her as a lady with a wide mouth (speaking loudly or boastfully), a small bosom (little emotions and intimate feelings) and oblique eyes (not straightforward while looking). Scholars opined that she belongs to a Mongoloid ethnicity according to her characteristic features. Some scholars suggest that Laikhurembi's origin could have been of the mixed tribe of the Lais and the Khus. On the other hand, some scholars are of the opinion that "Laikhurembi" is just her titular name.

Laikhurembi () is the daughter of Lai-ren Humchouba (, Shan: Hoom Chao Hpa). In Meitei language (Manipuri language), "Lai-ren" means "Chief of Lai". The Lai people were a group of people descended from the Tai peoples. The Lai descent was due to the repression of the Tai people by Chinese Emperor Shi Wang () in the 3rd century BC.

Queen Laikhurembi was the first wife of King Thongaren (). She was asked by the king to accompany his widower younger brother Poireiton as the later's wife. Poireiton was left six children by his dead wife. He was about to proceed to the Tai Pang Pan. King Thongalel thought his brother's journey without any wife might not be good. That was the reason why he asked his wife to accompany him. However, Laikhurembi was not willing to go. She gave the reasons to her unwillingness. Her reason was that trees had already been planted in recognition of her as the King's wife since they were living together for a very long time. So, instead of Laikhurembi, King Thongalel sent his second wife Leinaotabi to accompany her brother in law Poireiton as a wife.

Description 
Goddess Laikhurembi is said to have extraordinary abilities. She is said to be Yungyatnaba (lit. erect and sharp) and thus has the ability to see the near and far things similarly. She has the ability of judgement of the character of man. She announces her verdict in such a way that the people will get their proper rewards (things given in recognition of service, effort or achievement).

Goddess Laikhurembi is described as the one who could not be found by anyone until and unless she decides to reveal herself by her own will. No matter how much anyone search for her, if she wishes to hide herself, no one can find her in any place of the universe.

Cult 
There is a temple dedicated to Goddess Laikhurembi in Uripok town in Imphal West district of Manipur. During the Lai Haraoba festival of Uripok, a carnival like atmosphere subdues the sacred traditional ritualistic ceremonies. During the noisy possession of the festive occasions, the maibis dance in the gentle melodies of pena. The maibis became possessed by the spirits when the music stopped and they delivered oracles. During this, the audiences listen to them very attentively.

Related pages 
 Lainaotabi
 Yumjao Leima

References

Other websites 

 Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary. Laikhurembi
Meitei gods and goddesses