Korouhanba

Korouhanba (Lua error in Module:Unicode_data at line 468: attempt to index field 'scripts' (a boolean value)., Lua error in Module:Unicode_data at line 468: attempt to index field 'scripts' (a boolean value).) is the God of the Sun, the Sky and the Heaven in Meitei mythology and religion of Ancient Kangleipak (Antique Manipur).[1][2][3] He is also known as Taohuireng and is one of the two sun brothers in the Numit Kappa epic legend. For having the ability to remove darkness, he is also called "Ngantureng". He is described as "Songbu Chiraitangba", a physician who is bald headed.[1]

Korouhanba
(Old Manipuri: Kolouhanpa)
God of the sun, sky and heaven[1]
Other namesKolouhanpa, Numit, Taohuireng, Taodanba, Ngantureng
Major cult centerMoidangpok
DaySunday
TextsNumit Kappa, Soupon Lailemma Loutalon, Wakoklon Heelel Thilen Salai Amailon Pukok Puya
GenderMale
RegionAncient Kangleipak (Antique Manipur)
Ethnic groupMeitei ethnicity
FestivalsLai Haraoba
Equivalents
Greek equivalentHelios, Apollo
Roman equivalentSol
Hinduism equivalentSurya
Egyptian equivalentRa

Etymology

 
"Korouhanba", the name of the Sun God, written in medieval Meetei Mayek abugida

The Meitei name "Korouhanba" (ko.rəu.hən.bə, ꯀꯣꯔꯧꯍꯟꯕ) is a term for the Sun. This term is generally used in verses or in poems. "Korouhanba" (ko.rəu.hən.bə, ꯀꯣꯔꯧꯍꯟꯕ) can be fragmented into "Korou" (ko.rəu, ꯀꯣꯔꯧ), "Han" (hən, ꯍꯟ) and "Ba" (bə, ꯕ). "Korou" (ko.rəu, ꯀꯣꯔꯧ) means the day. "Han" (hən, ꯍꯟ) means "to be older". "Ba" (bə, ꯕ) denotes noun form.[4]

Description

According to the Meitei tradition, Sun God Korouhanba has strong connection with human body, human soul and origin of life. The human body is a "Lang" (lit. trap). Inside the trap, the "Thawai Polpi" (lit. soul bird) is kept. The soul bird leaves the former "Lang" and enters into another "Lang". The process is called "Langon" (lit. Changing of Lang). The "Polpilang Puya" text describes that the sun is the origin of life. It was told to Luwang Leikoiba by Mangang Laininghal according to the text. He (the Sun) represents the Supreme Being in the world of things (non living) and beings (living). He is Korouhanba.[5][2][3]

Cults and pantheons

The Lai Haraoba festival is celebrated in honor of God Korouhanba every year. The most significant shrine dedicated to God Korouhanba is in Moidangpok town in Manipur.[6] The cults and pantheons dedicated to God Korouhanba are mainly maintained by the Thokchom family of Meitei ethnicity.[7]

He has religious association with the Maring tribe.[8][9]

Connection with other deities

God Korouhanba has connection with Mangang Luwang Khuman, the three divine teachers in many legends.[1][2][3]

Namesakes

Martial Arts Club

The Ibudhou Korouhanba Thang-Ta Moidangpok is a club of Thang Ta, a martial art form of the Meitei ethnicity. This martial arts association was a leading participant in the 31st State Thang Ta Championship in the year 2021.[10][11]

Related pages

  1. Pisatao
  2. Taoroinai

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Singh, Moirangthem Kirti (1993). Folk Culture of Manipur. Manas Publications. ISBN 978-81-7049-063-0. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Kanglei Langba Pakhangba. archive.org (in ꯃꯤꯇꯩ ꯂꯣꯟ). 1955. p. 4.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 Leishemlon Areeba. archive.org (in ꯃꯤꯇꯩ ꯂꯣꯟ). 1983. p. 4.
  4. "Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary.Korouhanba". uchicago.edu. 2006.
  5. A Critical Study Of The Religious Philosophy. archive.org. August 1991. p. 111.
  6. Cheitharol Kumpapa (Royal Chronicle of Manipur 33 A.D – 1984 A.D) by Brahmacharimayum Kulachandra Sharma. archive.org (in ꯃꯤꯇꯩ ꯂꯣꯟ). p. 447.
  7. Devi, Lairenlakpam Bino (2002). The Lois of Manipur: Andro, Khurkhul, Phayeng and Sekmai. Mittal Publications. ISBN 978-81-7099-849-5. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
  8. Ayyappappanikkar, Sahitya Akademi (1997). Medieval Indian Literature: An Anthology. Sahitya Akademi. ISBN 978-8126007882. Retrieved 1 June 2021.
  9. MEDIEVAL INDIAN LITERATURE AN ANTHOLOGY VOL. 3. archive.org. Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi. 1959. p. 391.
  10. "Ibudhou Korouhanba Thang-Ta Moidangpok leading with 15 gold". e-pao.net.
  11. "Thang-Ta Maheikol, Yumnam Huidrom take home team champions title of 31st State Thang-Ta C'ship 2021". e-pao.net.

Bibliography

  • A Critical Study Of The Religious Philosophy - by Singh, L. Bhagyachandra - 1991

Other websites