Lai Phattaba

Lai Phattaba (), or Lai Phataba (),Folk-lore. India: Indian Publications, 1980. p. 143. refers to an evil spirit in the Meitei language.Folk-lore (India).. India: Indian Publications, 1979. p. 143

 In different beliefs 

Even in Meitei terminology, in monotheistic religions, there is usually only one evil spirit, similar to the single holy spirit. This spirit, often called the devil, represents darkness and opposition to light, symbolizing the contrast between good and evil.

In polytheistic religions, there are many evil spirits, just as there are many benevolent spirits.

 In Meitei polytheism 

Meitei polytheism recognizes multiple evil spirits, which can be grouped according to their nature and domain:

 Dark and mischievous spirits

 Laimu – a spirit of black or dark natureKirti Singh, Moirangthem. Religion and Culture of Manipur. India: Manas Publications, 1988. p. 87.

 Sharoi (alias Saroi) – a mischievous or evil-following spirit of divinityCultural Practices and Identity Politics in Manipur. India: Centre for Alternative Discourse, Manipur, 2015. p. 33.

 Sharoi-ngaroi (alias saroi ngaroi, literally meaning, "beast and fish creatures"Parratt, Saroj Nalini. The Religion of Manipur: Beliefs, Rituals, and Historical Development. India: Firma KLM, 1980. p. 52–55) – a form of Sharoi

 Laimu-Teenmu – similar to Laimu

 Demonic and haunting spirits

 Lai-hingcha – a demonic spirit

 Tamna-Lai – a haunting evil spirit

 Hiyang-Athouba – a vampire-like spirit

 Laikhut-shangbee – a long-handed evil spirit

 Presiding spirits of land and water

 Lammaba – the presiding evil spirit of landJoykumar Singh, N.. Ethnic Relations Among the People of North-East India. India: Centre for Manipur Studies, Manipur University and Akansha Publishing House, 2006. p. 48.

 Tumaba – the presiding evil spirit of water or submerged landParratt, Saroj Nalini. The Religion of Manipur: Beliefs, Rituals, and Historical Development. India: Firma KLM, 1980. p. 51.


 Rituals and offerings 

When offering food to the Lai Phataba spirit, devotees always face east. This is considered the correct direction for prayer. It is believed to roam around the surroundings of every family. During the offering, the head of the family places the food on a plantain leaf set on a bronze plate. He also carries a small traditional knife, called Heijrang in Meitei language.

 Related pages 
 Yenakha Paodabi
 Lai Khadang Pandabi
 Keibu Keioiba
 Kei Onba water
 Helloi
 Hingchabi
 Meitei mythology
 Meitei folklore

 References 

Category:Meitei mythology
Category:Meitei folklore
Category:Meitei religion
Category:Meitei gods and goddesses