Khunu Leima

Khunu Leima (/khoo-noo lei-ma) or Khunureima (/khoo-noo-rei-ma) is the goddess of pigeons and doves in Meitei mythology and religion. She is a sister of goddesses Nganu Leima and Shabi Leima. Legend says that all three sisters married the same mortal man.

 Etymology 
The Meitei female given name "Khunu Leima" (ꯈꯨꯅꯨ ꯂꯩꯃ) is made up of two component words. The two words are "Khunu" (ꯈꯨꯅꯨ) and "Leima" (ꯂꯩꯃ). In Meitei, "Khunu" (ꯈꯨꯅꯨ) means pigeon. The word "Leima" (ꯂꯩꯃ) is further made up of two component words, "Lei" (ꯂꯩ) and "Ma" (ꯃ). "Lei" (ꯂꯩ) means land or earth. "Ma" (ꯃ) means "mother". Literally, "Leima" (ꯂꯩꯃ) can be translated as "Land Mother" or "Mother Earth". But in general context, "Leima" (ꯂꯩꯃ) means a queen or a mistress or a lady. 
 Description 
Goddess Khunu Leima is described as the ruler of all the pigeons of the world. At any time, she could summon all the pigeons at any place she wishes. She is one of the daughters of God Salailen (alias Soraren).
 Related pages 
 Imoinu (Emoinu) - Meitei goddess of wealth
 Ireima (Ereima) - Meitei goddess of water 
 Leimarel (Leimalel) - Meitei goddess of earth
 Ngaleima - Meitei goddess of fish
 Panthoibi - Meitei goddess of civilization, love and warfare
 Phouoibi (Phouleima) - Meitei goddess of agricultural crops
 Thumleima - Meitei goddess of salt

 References 

 Bibliography 
 Glimpses of Manipuri Culture - Dr. Yumlembam Gopi Devi
 The History of Manipur: An early period - Wahengbam Ibohal Singh · 1986
 Other websites 


Category:Meitei gods and goddesses
Category:Leima