Sanamahi Laihui

The Sanamahi Laihui is a Meitei language religious sacred text of Sanamahism, the traditional Meitei religion of Ancient Kangleipak. It is based on the divine account of the power of Lainingthou Sanamahi.

Sanamahi Laihui is an anonymous Meitei literary work from the same historical period as Sanamahi Laikan and Khagemba Langjei. The text serves as a summary and combination of these two earlier works. It is written in a clear and simple style, making it accessible to readers while preserving the original messages about Meitei beliefs and religious history.Manihar Singh, Ch. A History of Manipuri Literature. India: Sahitya Akademi, 1996. p. 148, 149Pramodinī Debī, Noṃmāīthema. The Depth of Sanamahi Laihui & Sanamahi Laining. India: Sahitya Seva Samiti, 2015.

 Background of Sanamahi (Taibang Khaiba) 

The text provides a detailed background of Sanamahi, also known as Taibang Khaiba, the ancestral deity of the Meitei people. It describes how, under the command of the Almighty, Sanamahi created the habitable earth. This act was carried out against the opposition of his youngest brother, who tried to destroy his work. After this, Sanamahi was appointed as the presiding god of all living beings.

This foundational story explains why Sanamahi holds a central role in Meitei religion and why his importance is continually asserted throughout the literary tradition.

 Divine Warnings to Meitei Kings 

The text explains that any move away from traditional belief, especially toward Hinduism, was seen as provoking the anger of the ancestral god.

During the reign of King Khagemba, any interest in Hinduism was immediately met with warning from Sanamahi, discouraging the king from turning away from traditional faith.

The two kings who followed Khagemba are said to have reigned peacefully, with no major religious disturbances. This is explained as a result of their continued respect for Sanamahi.

 Fate of King Charairongba 

According to Sanamahi Laihui, King Charairongba died young after being struck by lightning. The text suggests that this may have been a result of his neglect toward Sanamahi. The incident is presented as a sign of the dangers of ignoring the ancestral deity.

 King Garibniwaj and the return to faith 

The text also recounts how King Garibniwaj and his family suffered in the early part of his reign due to angering the ancestral god. However, once proper homage was restored to Sanamahi, the king achieved unprecedented success, followed by peace and prosperity in the kingdom.

 Religious tone and message 

Like the other works in this tradition, Sanamahi Laihui does not criticize Hinduism. Instead, the text focuses on praising the virtues of Sanamahi, presenting him as a powerful and protective deity whose guidance is essential to the well-being of the Meitei people and their rulers.
 References 

Category:Meitei religion
Category:Puya