This paper was presented at the
National Seminar on
Indian Psychology: Theories and Models
SVYASA, Bangalore,
December 26 - 28, 2007
 

Feminine principle in Manipuri religion and culture

Salam Subhalaxmi Devi — University of Delhi, Delhi

The Meitei concept of God—Lai—is discussed in the present paper. The uniqueness of the concept of divine in the Meitei culture is that it is intimately associated with the selection of spouse or priestess for the Deity; the chosen one becomes the medium between the Deity and the community at large. The selection of spouse and the whole ritual for the pleasing of the Deity—Lai Haraoba—is also discussed. The paper is an exposition of Meitei concept of God, Spouse of God, and the ritual of pleasing God. The traditional Manipuri religion and culture shows the predominance of the feminine in spirituality.

Email the author, Ms. Salam Subhalakshmi, at silent_nymph2002@yahoo.co.in