TODAY -

E-Pao! Manipur - Rama worship in Manipur

Rama worship in Manipur

By: AK Vyas *



God does not take birth but incarnates. A formless God can manifest in whatever form(s) he intends to do. He can take same form many times simultaneously.

Of the numerous incarnations, the two incarnations, the incarnations of Rama and Krishna are the most important incarnations till date.

Since God incarnates himself so he has all the capabilities of God from very incarnation time. He need not do special efforts to attain Godly capabilities.

Incarnate God is distinguished with general human beings due to certain inherent virtues and special signs. He enjoys all the six opulence (Aishwarya) infinitely, e.g., full strength, full wisdom, full prestige (fame), full wealth (shree) full attraction or handsomeness and full detachment (Vairagya).

He performs three functions/tasks in the course of incarnate human life, e.g - removes/dispels the hardships of virtuous people, destroys the wicked and establishes righteousness (actually righteousness of a particular time is known as Yugdharma which is modelled on Vedic principles and suits that very time).

Rama had all the six opulence and he performed all the three functions with great perfection and niceness. He is known as Purushottam (excellent among human beings).

E. Nilakanta Singh in his article Ramayan in Manipur Literature and Folk Lore, Quarterly Journal (June 1976) of Manipur State Kala Academy mentions:
'It is difficult to say precisely when Manipur (meaning the valley area of about 700 sq miles) came within the fold of Hindudom. The identification of the Mahabharata Manipur with the present State of this name, which finds support from scholars like Dr RC Majumdar, became the pivot for linking up Manipur with Brahmanical Purana tradition.

Dr SK Chatterjee is of the view that the Meitei people of Manipur were within the Hindufold as early as 500 AD at least.

The copper plate inscriptions of King Khongtekcha (799 AD) start with the word - Sri Hari mentioning the existences of 303 Gods, of whom Hari is the supreme. A Vishnu temple under the Bengal style of architecture was built in the 15th century during the reign of King Kiyamba'.

'But it is only in the early part of the 18th century AD that Rama worship came to stay in Manipur. A great Manipuri King Garibniwaz was initiated to Ramanandi cult of Vaishnavism in 1737 AD under the influence of a religious preacher named Shanti Das Mahanta from Sylhet (present Bangladesh).

Earlier, the King became a convert to Bengal school of Vaishnavism under his guru, Gopal Das. This Ramanandi sect, associated with Ramananda (15th century AD) who preached 'Sita Ram' among all classes of people including Muslims (Kabir was a chief disciple), conceived Rama and Sita combined as the dual incarnation of Vishnu.

Vaishnavism of Ramanandi cult became a state religion during the reign of King Garibniwaz'.

Here it would not be out of consider present State of Manipur with that of Mahabharata Manipur on the ground that ancient Manipur of Mahabharata was beside sea shore so both can't be same.

They consider linking of present Manipur with Mahabharata Manipur as an impossible proposition and they want to link up Mahabharata Manipur with a place located somewhere in present Orissa State.

The recent research that Himalayan ranges are in formative stage and they emerged from sea-belt and as such entire State of present Meghalaya, in days of yore, was under deep sea gives credence to view of scholars like Dr RC Majumdar. If during ancient time the Meghalaya portion was part of sea naturally present Manipur was beside sea-shore.

As per Burmese (Myanmarese) chroniclers Dhajaraja of Shakya origin of Nepal terrai who king of the Manipur in 5th century BC. We know famous Vishnu temple of Angkor Vat was constructed during 12th century AD during ancient time Burma, Java, Sumatra etc were under the pale of Hinduism. Manipur was one of the three silk routes.

The Sangai Express columnist Oinam Anand has seen the Buddhistic articles found in excavation in Manipur. Under the shroud of controversy only large extent DNA test may explode fully the land-locked theory of Manipur and Hindu impact over Manipur.

While exploring the Hindu impact one have to keep in his mind that Hinduism is a continuum and amalgamation of local cult, belief and religion. At the highest level it is monotheistic but at the lower level it is polytheistic.

Considering all these logic we can't reject outrightly the view of Dr Sumiti Kumar Chatterjee that the Meitei people of Manipur were within the Hindufold as early as 500 AD at least.

He further elucidates how Rama worship became more popular in Manipur in following description: 'The King founded an image of Rama alongwith the images of Lakshman, Bharat, Satrughana and Sita and began their worship.

An image of Hanuman was also carved out of a big slab of stone and it was put in the brick temple at a place called Mahabali. Thousands of devotees of Radha Krishna cult still flock to this temple on special occasions, with the prayer for gaining strength to Hanumanji.

That Ramanandi school could not, however prosper with the death of Garibniwaz and was finally replaced by Chaitanaya's School of Vaishnavism during the reign of Rajarshi Bhagyachandra (1769-1798), when the renowned Ras Leela was dedicated to Govindaji in 1780 AD.

The impact of Chaitanaya Deva of Mayapuri West Bengal who is popularly known as Gaurang Mahaprabhu can be seen in every ceremony of Meitei life.

ISKCON movement is also popularising his chanting mantra if sixteen words:
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna, Krishna, Hare, Hare.
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare hare.


The impact of Rama worship in Manipur is so high that Manipur has a comprehensive Manipuri version of Ramayan compiled by Angom Gopi during the court of King Garibniwaz (1709-1748).

The Ramayan has permeated in Manipuri Durga Puja, old Sankirtana tradition, Kathaks (Wari Leeba) in the Pena music in the Khongjom Parba, in the Lairik Thiba-Haiba and in the Jatra tradition.

To him (Singh, E Nilakanta),
'Rama is divine and an incarnation of Vishnu while Sita represents Lakshmi and for the masses the listening to Ramayan singing constitutes an act of prayer and worship.


AK Vyas wrote this article for The Sangai Express . This article was webcasted on January 11th, 2006.


* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • 'Ishanou' Selection @ Cannes #1: Gallery
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2024 : Timeline
  • MOU signed: MTI-HUB & KIIT-TBI & SAbF
  • Lament of the Mourning Choir :: Poem
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Wabagai
  • RSS-BJP fracas
  • Trials for Canoe Slalom World Cup
  • Poser from a villager says it all Kamjong
  • The cover-up effort
  • Birth Centenary of Jananeta Irabat, 1996 : #2
  • Manipuri women in the arena of politics
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Assam
  • Aimee Baruah at red carpet of Cannes
  • National Defence Academy Exam 2024
  • How digital media changed communications
  • Manipur stands scandalised
  • All eyes on UP battle
  • Descent of Radha-Krishna #32: Download
  • Riots to a shrine- Ram Mandir of Ayodhya
  • Handle with care. F.R.I.E.N.D.S inside!
  • The Power of Poppy - 31 :: Poem
  • Celebrate the journey !
  • Career counselling : A life guidance tool
  • Scientist of Manipur: Amom Ruhikanta
  • Conspiracy, thy name is Kuki !
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Thounaojam
  • Ket Meth New Album "Ghost Stories"
  • World Hypertension Day
  • International Day of Families
  • Let the rule of law prevail
  • When donation becomes obligatory demand
  • Tourism of Manipur through Gastronomy
  • Beyond Eternity :: Poem
  • Patriarch subjugation on women
  • Celebrate Manipuri Cinema shine at Cannes
  • Training on cultivation of various mushroom
  • Transformative impact of Ayurveda & Yoga
  • War for over a year : Delhi is answerable
  • The logic behind illogical chargesheet
  • Preserving Thang-Ta :: Rare Photos
  • Regarding Human Rights Situation in Manipur
  • World Hypertension Day 2024
  • Article 355 of Constitution of India #3
  • Disinformation campaign touba thengnarey
  • Deeply mourn the demise of Oja Biren Lamba
  • Water Mimosa for sustainable development
  • Publicity drives of educational institutions
  • ED's revolutionary move!!!
  • Malemnganbi Laishram : Science Topper
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2024 #2: Gallery
  • Thokchom Sheityajit : Arts Topper
  • Aiena Naorem : Commerce Topper
  • AISSE 2024 Exam Result- RKM Imphal
  • Gold, new world currency !
  • Milk for hair and skin
  • Of illegal immigrants & the larger picture
  • The missive from Kamjong
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024 : Science Topper
  • HSE 2024 : Subject Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2024 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2024 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024: Science Full Result
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024: Arts Full Result
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024: Commerce Result
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024 : Arts Topper
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024 : Commerce Topper
  • Sezo Ringa- Debut Music Video "Revival"
  • Journalism - A thrilling career #2
  • After Class XII where? The eternal question
  • Entry of Arvind Kejriwal
  • Birth Centenary of Jananeta Irabat, 1996 : #1
  • Our nurses, our future: Power of care
  • Screenplay Writing course concluded
  • Workshop on IP & Patent Filing held
  • Let there be less Politics in Sports
  • Sam Pitroda is absolutely white
  • Motherhood: Soul & spirit of family & society
  • Time has come to criminalise ecocide
  • Meiteis, a disappearing community in Manipur
  • World Bamboo Congress @Taiwan : Gallery
  • Ima Manipur should smile more
  • 2nd National Lok Adalat at High Court
  • The Power of Poppy - 30 :: Poem
  • Army impact on Tamphasana Wushu odyssey
  • Aftermath of ferocious hailstorm #1 : Gallery
  • "Dynamic library service" :: Book Rvw
  • Radio E-pao: Manipuri Film OST (130+ song)
  • Artificial Intelligence & Environment
  • Article 355 of Constitution of India #2
  • Integrated Farming Systems for farmers #4
  • Delhi's stand after 1 year of clash
  • A new type of terrorism
  • Scientist of Manipur: Waikhom Vishwanath
  • SRF, JRF, RA @ Assam University
  • The Bleeding River :: Poem
  • Executive Meeting of WMC Assam Unit
  • Journalism - A thrilling career #1
  • Raising the call to replace Minister
  • A storm in a political teacup
  • Cheirao-chingkaba @ Chinga : Gallery
  • Happy Mother's Day
  • Empowering hill communities via U-Mangra
  • African Swine Fever
  • Free Training on Mushroom at Nagamapal
  • Harshit Dhingaun recieves award from Korea
  • Look for ways to restore normalcy
  • The danger of last kicks of a dying horse
  • Preserving Thang-Ta traditions
  • Resolving ST issue by democratic process
  • Top 5 songs to awaken your inner patriot
  • Project Assistant @ Manipur University
  • Leishemba Sanajaoba conferred Doctorate
  • Double tragedy: No time for red-tapism
  • A Youtuber called Dhruv
  • Nupi Landa Thaunaphabishing : Full Book
  • 174th Anniv Maharaj Narasingh #2 : Gallery
  • Challenges in Healthcare in rural Manipur
  • A salute to leadership quality of PM Modi
  • Career in press for freedom of expression
  • One day after devastating hailstorm
  • Understanding the suffering of others
  • A ferocious hailstorm @Imphal : Gallery
  • Article 355 of Constitution of India #1
  • Integrated Farming Systems for farmers #3
  • Election gossip & rumours
  • 'Melodic Minds' Tour in Guwahati
  • Leaving a trail of destruction
  • Political see-saw
  • A brand-new Scientific discovery
  • In memoriam of the happiness we shared !
  • Crop/animal for higher productivity in NE #5
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Sekmaijin
  • Oh Motherland :: Poem
  • Animal life should be treated with dignity
  • '365 Days of Chin-Kuki Aggression' : Gallery
  • Renaissance of politics in our youth
  • TB & tobacco co-epidemics in Indonesia
  • The Power of Poppy - 29 :: Poem
  • Advanced Charging Infrastructure in NE
  • Lessons learnt in the last one year
  • True colour of politics
  • World Heritage Day @ MU : Gallery
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Kakwa
  • Joint Combing Operations in Jiribam
  • Reboot PSUs for jobs: Task for new Govt
  • Ayurvedic remedies to keep healthy eyes
  • May 3, 2023 to May 3, 2024
  • One year of crisis, and what next ?
  • Scientist of Manipur: Nongmaithem Rajmuhon
  • Whither social justice & work for women?
  • Taiwan to enhancing economic ties with India
  • Integrated Farming Systems for farmers #2
  • Athoubasingi Numit #2 : Gallery
  • Privilege trap of While Male Meitei
  • Crop/animal for higher productivity in NE #4
  • 'Chizami Model' working in Gujarat ?
  • Racing towards the one year mark
  • On misattribution & falsifying history
  • Nupi Landa Thaunaphabishing #15 :: Book
  • May Calendar for Year 2024 : Tools
  • 12th World Bamboo Congress at Taiwan
  • Complex dance of democracy in Manipur
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Pangaltabi
  • Integrated Farming Systems for farmers #1
  • Showing ugly face of muscle power
  • Spare the rod, spoil the monster
  • Descent of Radha-Krishna #31: Download
  • Socio-Historical analysis on Ethnic Conflict
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Langmeidong
  • Ngangbam Dipapati- Gold @European Cup
  • Crop/animal for higher productivity in NE #3
  • Fresh surge in violence
  • The real culprit
  • National Science Teacher workshop
  • Livelihood Disaster in Mapithel Region
  • Condemns Killing of CRPF Personnel
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Manipur College
  • Huidrom Oliviya: Silver @Cadet European Cup
  • Election: Runner-up may spoil the joy
  • Scientists of Manipur : Laishram Ladu Singh
  • Imphal Ring Road Project to Transform
  • Crop/animal for higher productivity in NE #2
  • The Power of Poppy - 28 :: Poem
  • Condemned unabated illegal taxation
  • Watermelon : Super nutritious summer fruit
  • People have spoken, Manipur has voted
  • Skirting around core issues
  • Lok Sabha polls in Manipur #2 : Gallery
  • The Taj Mahal that bans Lovers !
  • Importance of bees !
  • Massive hailstorm in Jiribam
  • The messiah of hapless children
  • Attack on fuel tankers & blasting bridge
  • Blame it on Meetei
  • The Happiness Code : Download
  • NH-2 Bridge bombed @Sapermeina : Gallery
  • Crop/animal for higher productivity in NE #1
  • Training Programme under SPARK concluded
  • Why environment control is so difficult
  • 4th Foundation Day- Young Minds Collective
  • All set for second phase poll
  • The Nongsaba phenomenon
  • Khongjom Day @Khebaching #1 : Gallery
  • India's responsibility to end Manipur violence
  • Migrant worker could access TB services only
  • Importance of reading magazines as student
  • SHG pioneering agricultural innovation
  • Nearing the one year mark
  • The enemy within
  • Id-ul-Fitr @Hatta #2 : Gallery
  • Workshop @ NSU Manipur : Gallery
  • 15th Manipur State Film Awards 2023
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Panthoibi Shanglen
  • GSDP doubles, health shines
  • Vote has been cast, repoll held
  • Two faces of democracy
  • Laurels for Scientist Ngangkham Nimai
  • Crime against women in Manipur
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Sugnu
  • Creativity & innovation for vibrant career
  • 4th Foundation Day of YMC
  • Racing towards one year mark
  • Prophetic words, indeed
  • Nupi Landa Thaunaphabishing #14 :: Book
  • 174th Anniv Maharaj Narasingh #1 : Gallery
  • Ensuring Fair Voting in Hills of Manipur
  • Dr Irengbam Mohendra's latest book :: Rvw
  • NDA has the advantage in both
  • Lok Sabha polls in Manipur #1 : Gallery
  • L Rup's Robot 'Kangleinganbi' in Manipuri
  • Art- means of connecting hearts in Manipur
  • Is it Living Alive or Living Death ? :: Poem
  • Rabies - A preventable zoonotic disease
  • April 19, 2024: The blackest day of all
  • Ugly turns on voting day
  • Children Camp @JNMDA Imphal #2 : Gallery
  • The chasm between TB & HIV continues
  • Parliament and its Members
  • Kimchi for health and glowing skin
  • LS election with a difference
  • To vote, or not to vote ?
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba Chak Katpa #2 : Gallery
  • Scientists of Manipur : Laitonjam Warjeet
  • Community seed bank @Umathel : Gallery
  • Saving Manipur
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba: 1 occasion, 2 narratives #2
  • Athoubasingi Numit #1 : Gallery
  • Id-ul-Fitr @Hatta #1 : Gallery
  • 80th Anniv- Battle of Kanglatongbi @UK
  • Hun - Thadou Cultural Festival : Gallery
  • Scientists of Manipur : Ngangkham Nimai
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba Chak Katpa #1 : Gallery
  • Beating of the Retreat #1 : Gallery
  • Kenedy Khuman (Singer) : Gallery
  • Students @ Class X Exam : Gallery
  • Save Manipur : Protest [Feb 15] #3 : Gallery
  • GHOST of PEACE :: Download Booklet
  • List of Kings of Manipur: 33 - 1984 AD