In Hinduism the Guardians of the Directions are the deities who rule the specific directions of space according to Hinduism and Vajrayāna Buddhism—especially Kālacakra. As a group of eight deities, they are called Aṣṭa-Dikpāla (अष्ट-दिक्पाल), literally meaning guardians of eight directions. They are often augmented with two extra deities for the ten directions, when they are known as the Daśa-Dikpāla. In Hinduism it is traditional to represent their images on the walls and ceilings of Hindu temples. They are also often portrayed in Jain temples. Ancient Java and Bali Hinduism recognize Nava-Dikpāla, literally meaning guardians of nine directions, that consist of eight directions with one addition in the center. The nine guardian gods of directions is called Dewata Nawa Sanga. The diagram of these guardian gods of directions is featured in Surya Majapahit, the emblem of Majapahit empire.
Sanamahism, also known as Manipuri religion or Kanglei religion, is an animistic, ancestor-worshipping, shaman-led religious tradition found among the Meitei people in Manipur state of India. The term is derived from Sanamahi, the most important Meitei deities. The details of the identity of Lainingthou Sanamahi – sun, fire, or an aspect of Sidaba Mapu – along with other aspects of the Sanamahism beliefs, practices and the history, are unclear and disputed. Broadly, Sanamahism worship elements of nature, such as fire, water and mountains, with a notable temple and worship rituals at the Loi village of Andro, east of Imphal, according to Bertil Lintner. Along with Sanamahi, in the past, religious space within Meitei homes called Sanamahi Kachin were dedicated to Leimarel Sidabi and Phungga. This is also seen in modern Meitei families who identify with Sanamahism.
Laininthou Sanamahi is the Guardian God of the mankind and the supreme deity of the household in ancient religion of Manipuri religion and mythology, originated from the ancient kingdom of Kangleipak (Manipur). He is the brother of Pakhangba and Nongshaba. He is the eldest son of Creator God Atingkok Maru Sidaba or Salailel Sitapa, the protector of Universe in Manipuri mythology as well as philosophy and Mother Earth goddess Leimarel Sidabi.
In Sanamahism and Manipuri mythology, Atingkok Maru Sidaba or Salailel Sitapa or Salailen Sidaba is the highest deity, who is the creator of the Universe. Salailen Sidaba is also identified as Soraren Sidaba, the Sky God.
Leimarel Sidabi or Leimalel Sitapi is the highest goddess in Manipuri religion and mythology. She is the goddess of earth, nature, and mother goddess of all creations in the entire Universe. She is the consort of Lord Atingkok Maru Sidaba and mother of Lainingthou Sanamahi and Pakhangba (ꯄꯥꯈꯪꯕ).
"Panthoibi" is the Goddess of power, war, combat, courage, peace, romance and prosperity in Sanamahism as well as in Manipuri mythology. She is worshipped mainly by the Manipuri people in Manipur, Assam, Tripura, Bangladesh and Myanmar. She is considered to be one of the Incarnations of Leimarel Sidabi, the goddess of earth and the highest goddess in Sanamahism. She is also identified as a form of Goddess Nongthang Leima.
Nongshaba or Kanglasha is a lion-like Dragon God in Sanamahism as well as Manipuri mythology. He is worshipped as the greatest of the Umang Lais in Kangleipak since time immemorial.The famous structure of the dragon is still standing in the Kangla Palace of Manipur.
The Following is a list of Notable attractions in Manipur.
Kanglei mythology or Manipuri mythology or Meitei mythology are the body of narrative myths, originally told by the Meitei people and a genre of Ancient Meitei folklore. Kanglei mythology forms one of the main characteristics of the art and culture of Manipur including Meitei literature.
Khamba Thoibi is a legendary Meitei language epic poem based on the saga of love between Khuman prince Khamba and Moirang princess Thoibi in the ancient kingdom of Moirang. The poetry is composed by the legendary Bard Hijam Anganghal of Samurou. The poetry is the greatest of all the epic poetries in Meitei literature, with 34,000 verses, even longer than the Ramayana.
Dragons in Manipuri mythology play a significant role.
Mount Koubru is one of the highest mountains in Manipur, India and the abode of God Lainingthou Koubru and other Meitei Manipuri deities in Manipuri mythology. Sapormeina town lies below the peak. It is located in the Kangpokpi district of Manipur and is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Manipur.
Thangjing Hill or Thangting Hill is a Hill range in the Himalayan state of Manipur, India. The hill range is the abode of God Eputhou Thangjing and other Meitei Manipuri deities in Manipuri mythology. The temple of Lord Eputhou Thangjing at the Hill top is a major pilgrimage site for followers of Sanamahi faith in Manipur.
Konthoujam Lairembi gi Khubam or Konthoujam Lairembi Temple is a three millennia years old ancient holy temple in a sacred banyan grove, which is the absolute abode of Umang Lai Goddess "Konthoujam Tampha Lairembi", the consort of Soraren, the Sky God in Manipuri mythology and Sanamahism. The temple is situated in Konthoujam village in Imphal West district, Manipur.
In Sanamahism, Iputhou Khana Chaopa Wang Pulel or Wangbren is a Manipuri God of water, storm, disaster, sickness, death and rainfall. Besides, he is one of the directional deities in Manipuri mythology, guarding the southeastern direction. He is the consort of Goddess Sangnu Lembi.
Meitei Manipuri deities are the deities affiliated with Manipuri mythology and Manipuri religion of the Meitei Manipuri people of Manipur. There are three main Meitei gods and two main Meitei goddesses, while others are related gods and goddesses.
{{see also|Manipuri Guard
Lainingthou Koubru is the God who dwells in Mount Koubru in northern Manipur. He is the Guardian God of the North West direction. According to Cheitharol Kumbaba, it's said that Koubru fires a gun or he spreads his clothes.
Ibudhou Marjing is the God of northeast direction in Manipuri mythology. He is the God who invented the game of polo. According to legend, Lord Marjing dwells in the hilltop of Heingang village.
