Philosophy of Sanamahism

"Meitei religious philosophy" redirects here; not to be confused with Meitei philosophy.
This article is about the main religiophilosophical tradition of Meitei civilisation. For its branch related to the concept of Meitei Mayek, see Philosophy of Meitei script.

Philosophy of Sanamahism, also called Sanamahist philosophy (ꯁꯅꯥꯃꯍꯤ ꯋꯥꯡꯎꯂꯣꯟ) or Meitei religious philosophy (ꯃꯩꯇꯩ ꯂꯥꯏꯅꯤꯡ ꯋꯥꯡꯎꯂꯣꯜ),[3][4] is a religious aspect of Meitei philosophy.[5] It focuses on the origin of life, the role of blood, and the spiritual traditions of the Meitei people of ancient Kangleipak (early Manipur).[1][6][2]

Life and blood

Sanamahism emphasizes that blood (Ee) is essential for life. Blood is considered the origin of all living beings on Earth. This life-blood is called Sitapa Mapu, Ama, Yaibiren Sitapa, or Epuroi Sitapa. It flows through all living beings and is also manifested as Sanamahi, who is referred to as Sanamahi Mahirel.[1][2]

This concept represents the common genetic pool of all living beings. Sitapa Mapu, as the source of this life-blood, came to Earth as the first son of Salailel Sitapa and Leimalel Sitapi, named Sanamahi, to spread life. This understanding is the reason the religion is called Sanamahism.[1][2]

Shumang Kangleipung

A key practice in Meitei culture is the leipung, also known as Shumang Kangleipung, a courtyard mound in every home. This represents the primeval mound, the first center of creation. The leipung connects to similar concepts in Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilizations, where primeval mounds or pyramids symbolized creation.[1][2]

Every Meitei family maintains a leipung, which may contain langthrei plants (equivalent practice of that of the tulsi plants for Meitei Hindus). Both are medicinal and ceremonial. The mound should not be barren, as it symbolizes life. Leipungs are central to ceremonies, including birth, marriage, and death.[1][2]

Species survival and continuity

Classical Meitei traditions such as Uyallon, Shafaron, Lanfaron, and Ushil Shinba show respect for life-blood. They involve rituals before cutting trees, hunting animals, or after battle. These practices emphasize avoiding harm to trees, animals, and humans without valid reasons, promoting species survival and protecting the biosphere.[1][2]

Some rituals, like making small cuts on trees during Uyallon, may have practical reasons, such as releasing poisonous gases. These practices combine spiritual beliefs with early ecological awareness.[1][2]

Origin of life and spread

The Meitei texts describe the origin of life on Earth. Songs and puyas, such as the Wakoklon Heelel Thilel Salai Amailon Pukok Puya (WHTSAP), explain reproduction and the first center of habitation at Mount Koupalu. Life spreads from there through the descendants of Sitapa Mapu.[1][2]

Sitapa Mapu

Sitapa Mapu is central to Meitei culture and philosophy. Represented as Ama, Sitapa Mapu symbolizes the male and female life-blood, the seed of life for creating living beings. In Meitei belief, blood contains the essence of life and knowledge. The human body carries Sitapa Mapu's life-blood. The body is considered a temple, as it holds the genetic material of ancestors.[1][2]

Classical Meitei writing system describe how letters (Eyek Épée Laiyek, Lolshum Mayek, Cheitap/Cheinap Mayek) represent parts of the human body, forming the seed of life (Ama).[7][8][9] The Lai Haraoba dancing, dramatic (theatrical) and musical performances illustrate the development of a human body in the womb, showing early knowledge of fetal development and reproduction.[1][2][10][11]

Numerals and the concept of zero

The Meitei numeral system reflects the development of life from Ama to birth. Phoon (zero) represents the empty womb after the creation of a new life, symbolizing the start of a new life cycle.[1][2]

Origin of priesthood (Amailon)

Main article: Amailon

The first Amaiba (priest) and Amaibi (priestess) were Salailel Sitapa and Leimalel Sitapi, who educated their children in spiritual and practical knowledge. In Meitei philosophy, priests were not only performers of rituals but also educators. Religious knowledge focused on life, blood, and safeguarding living beings.[1][2]

Religious philosophy and practices

Sanamahism teaches that religion originates from hidden scientific knowledge intended to preserve life. Rituals reflect the philosophy of the Meitei people:

These ceremonies shows the sanctity of life, the role of blood, and the responsibility of humans to protect the planet.[1][2]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Blood is the source of Meetei religion and philosophy Sanamahi". e-pao.net. Retrieved 2026-02-06.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Thokchao Pangkanpa, Thokchom (1958). Wakoklon Thilel Sallai Amailon Pukok (in Manipuri). Manipur University Library. India: Digital Library of India; Internet Archive.
  3. ^ "Scientific view to uniqueness of Kangla and Sanamahi indigenous Philosophy By L I Meetei". e-pao.net. Retrieved 2026-02-06.
  4. ^ Khumukcham, Rinku (2018-10-21). "A scientific view to the uniqueness of the sacred Kangla and Sanamahi's indigenous Philosophy". News from Manipur - Imphal Times. Retrieved 2026-02-06.
  5. ^ "The Sanamahism (History of Sanamahi Religion and Its Philosophy)". bharatavani.in (in Manipuri and English). Retrieved 2026-02-06.
  6. ^ Singh, L. Bhagyachandra; et al. (North Eastern States Libraries) (1991). A Critical Study Of The Religious Philosophy. Manipur University Library. India: Internet Archive; Digital Library of India.
  7. ^ "Discovery of Kangleipak 11". e-pao.net. Retrieved 2026-02-06.
  8. ^ "Discovery of Kangleipak 12". e-pao.net. Retrieved 2026-02-06.
  9. ^ "Meetei Mayek 18 Subagee Kanglon Amasung Wangulon". Internet Archive; Digital Library of India (in Manipuri).
  10. ^ Tamphajao, Yumnam (1986). Philosophy On Lai Haraoba (in Manipuri). Digital Library of India; Internet Archive.
  11. ^ "Lairemjam Manglem Gi Lai Haraoba : Manglem Meitei, Lairenjam". Internet Archive (in Manipuri). Retrieved 2026-02-06.
  12. ^ "Governor opens classes of workshop on Sanamahism : 21st nov23". Retrieved 2026-02-06.
  13. ^ "Governor inaugurates ceremony component of Sanamahism : 21st nov23". Retrieved 2026-02-06.
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