Sanamahism and Seven
- Part 2 -

S Balakrishnan *

Sanamahism temple at Kangla in May 2013 :: Pix - Deepak Oinam

The deities inside are, according to my understanding, that of Tengbanba-Mapu (Guru Sidaba), the creator of the Universe, and His consort, Leimarel Sidabi. Only the face is visible. While the male deity wears turban and also uniquely designed ear-drops, the female deity wears a cap and a different ear-drops and an elaborate necklace to match.

He is covered in whites – dhoti and shawl, and She is covered in the traditional Innaphi & Phanek. They are placed under a wooden canopy with puja items and offerings (cash & kind) spread in front.

A mirror is also placed near Her. On His side is placed a pair of wooden sandals. I remember my grandpa using such wooden sandals; they will outlive the user unlike the fashionable & costly footwear sold now! White muslin cloth of finest variety with patterns & designs is draped around the canopy on three sides. The smiling faces of the brass icons radiate with compassion.

Invariably, the image of Ibudhou Pakhangba, the coiled snake that forms a pattern by holding its tail in its mouth, finds a place in the sanctum sanctorum. This image of the ruling deity of Manipur is also found on the terrace in all the four cardinal directions; they are positioned prominently at the centre among the row of interlinked coiled snakes that form the railing.

It is generally believed that Ibudhou Pakhangba resides under Kangla and rules Manipur and the vast expanse of the solar system. The Nungjeng Pukhri (pond) within Kangla complex is believed to be the abode of Lord Pakhangba. Ibudhou Pakhangba is a mythical dragon with antlers of a deer and body of a snake.

It is reported that Rs. 69,94,089 was spent in 2004-05 for construction of Ibudhou Pakhangba temple. Well, no problem. In 2006-07 another Rs. 6,30,393 was spent for electrification of this temple. No problem again! In 2008-09, an amount of Rs. 1,10,48,487, yes, more than Rs. 1.10 crore (!!!???), it is claimed, was spent for overall development & landscaping of Iboudhou Pakhangba temple + another Rs. 5,85,196 for casting of 'Mashong'.

Any questions? For the inauguration ceremony Rs 1,66,954 was spent in 2009-10. Well, absolutely no questions. Again in 2012-13 another Rs 5 lakhs has been spent for renovation of the temple! Wonder how much was spent during 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16, and being spent during the current year 2016-17!

Shocking? Well, these facts & figures are sourced from 'Kangla – The Ancient Capital of Manipur' issued by Kangla Fort, and I have absolutely no role in shocking you! In another corner of Kangla Fort, such an image, painted intricately, is found with a seven-coloured cloth backdrop, and seven small votive structures draped in cloth, in the foreground.

It reminds of the snake (nag) worship of Hinduism. But if my understanding is not wrong, this is Lainingthou Thangjing, an incarnation of Pakhangba, who is considered to be the tutelary deity of the South-West direction. He is the ancestral deity of Kege and Moirang. Earthen pots are invariably found in worship places in Manipur.

The small temple on way back from Moreh to Imphal (probably after Tenugopal) has only representative images without any statues, all decked up. Lots of offering was also found, like wooden sandals for both the deities, mirrors, plenty of costume, hand-held fans, and a number of small wooden elephants and horses.

To another Goddess in the same temple, a finely-crafted hookah had also been offered. This site is called Kondong Leirembi Khubam and lies in Chandel District.

It is said 'a photo is worth 1000 words'. What a truthful media saying is this, I realised only now. Only by keenly studying the photos taken in Manipur (enlarged on the computer screen), I realized the important role of Seven and many other facts about Sanamahism. Thanks to the technology!

While visiting the places, we are generally overwhelmed with various feelings that we fail to notice the finer points and appreciate them. To be frank, we are more engrossed in clicking than observing. Luckily, however, I am not a victim of selfie mania.

This wayside temple looked like the simple temples for the village deities found in Tamil Nadu; some are just even in the open, weathering sun and rain. These are without the Brahminical influence where worship is carried out by non- Brahmin local priests in Tamil language; even women priests can be seen in the temples dedicated to Mother Goddess.

These temples follow local traditions and customs, unlike the big temples where everything is formalized. Here, even animals and birds are sacrificed which is not permitted in big temples.

Hence these village deity temples are close to the hearts of the simple village folk where annual festival is usually celebrated with pomp and which is a must-attend event for all the people of that village. As we witnessed the enthralling music & dance celebration at the Sanamahism place of worship in Thoubal District, as outsiders we returned enlightened about the unique, rich, down-to-earth pre-Hindu religion of Sanamahism.

Concluded....