Nongshaba Laihui

The Nongsaba Laihui (), also spelled as the Nongshaba Laihui, is a Meitei language religious text that praises Nongsaba, who is believed to be the second son of the Universal Lord in Meitei mythology. He is also called Tholbu Chinglen Nongdai Ningthou.Singh, Ch. Manihar. A History of Manipuri Literature. India: Sahitya Akademi, 1996. p. 83, 84, 85Traditional Performing Arts of North-East India. India: Assam Academy for Cultural Relations, 1990. p. 154Devi, L. Kunjeswori. Archaeology in Manipur. India: Rajesh Publications, 2003.Medieval Indian Literature: Surveys and selections. India: Sahitya Akademi, 1997. p. 337

The Meitei scripture Nongshaba Laihui tells about the good qualities of the god Nongshaba. It praises a special shining stone, given by a man named Yumnam Tomba, also called Nongshaba Amaiba. The stone shines at night, maybe because of soft or reflected light.Vaisnavism in Manipur. India: Concept Publishing Company Pvt. Limited, 2021. p. 211

 Position in Meitei religion 

Nongsaba does not have a major role in the creation of the universe. He is not said to have helped or opposed his elder brother Asheeba (Sanamahi) during the creation. He also does not hold as high a place in the Meitei pantheon as his brothers Asheeba and Pakhangba.

Even so, Meitei kings regularly built temples for him inside royal grounds.

 Characteristics 

Unlike his younger brother Pakhangba, Nongsaba has no human descendants. He also does not take human form, unlike his elder brother Sanamahi. These details are recorded in the texts Pakhangba Laihui and Sanamahi Laihui.

 Praise and imagery 

The text begins by describing the greatness of Nongsaba. He is praised as a powerful god:

 Story of the Idol 

The story continues with the appearance of Nongsamei, an image of Nongsaba. He first appeared in the home of a childless couple from the Chothe tribe. This made the family happy, and the whole village became prosperous.

Later, a man from the Moirang community, known as Moirang Sathiba, who was a small iron dealer, came to the Chothe village to sell his goods. At night, he saw the glowing idol and secretly took it. After he brought it to Moirang, both he and the village became wealthy and happy.

However, two Meitei men looking for fortune came to Moirang. They found the idol in Moirang Sathiba’s house. They quickly took it, wrapped it in cloth, and carried it on their backs. To shorten their journey, they crossed Loktak Lake and gave the idol to King Khagemba.

The king then built a five-storied temple for the idol. After that, the king and his people received great fortune.

 Related pages 
 Kanglasha

 Bibliography 

 References 

Category:Meitei mythology
Category:Meitei folklore
Category:Meitei religion
Category:Meitei literature
Category:Puya