Haoreima (Old Manipuri: Haoleima) | |
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Goddess of diseases, illnesses, souls and spirits[1] | |
Member of Lairembis | |
Other names | Haoleima, Haoleipi, Haoreibi, Haonupi, Haonubi, Hauleima, Haureima, Hauleipi, Haureibi, Haunupi, Haunubi |
Affiliation | Meitei mythology (Manipuri mythology) and Meitei religion (Sanamahism) |
Major cult center | Kakching |
Abode | Kakching |
Artifacts | Baskets |
Symbol | Baskets |
Gender | Female |
Region | Ancient Kangleipak (Antique Manipur) |
Ethnic group | Meitei ethnicity |
Festivals | Lai Haraoba |
Haoreima (Meitei: ꯍꯥꯎꯔꯩꯃ) or Haoleima (Old Manipuri: ꯍꯥꯎꯂꯩꯃ) (literally, "tribal lady"[2]) is a goddess in Meitei mythology and religion of Ancient Kangleipak (Antique Manipur).[1][3] She was a woman from the hills. She was killed while arranging to meet her lover. She turned into a tortured spirit. She is regarded as an incarnation of Goddess Panthoibi.[4] She is also identified with goddess Nongthang Leima.[5]
In Meitei language (Manipuri language), the name "Haoreima" is derived from "Haoleima". "Haoleima" is made up of two component words, "Hao" and "Leima".[2] In Meitei language (Manipuri language), "Hao" has multiple meanings. It may mean (1) yes (the response), (2) tasty, savoury or (3) tribe.[6] Here, "Hao" means a "tribe". In Meitei language (Manipuri language), "Leima" means a queen or a mistress or a lady.[7] The name "Haoreima" usually refers to a tribal woman carrying a traditional elongated basket ("sam" or "sham").[2]
There are many people with the name "Haoreima" in the history of Ancient Kangleipak (Antique Manipur).
Haoreima Tamheibee was the daughter of King Atom Nongyai Thingkol Hanba of the Khuman dynasty.[8][9] She was married to Meitei King Kainou Irengba (984 AD-1074 AD).[10][9] After the marriage, she came to be known as "Meitei Leima" (lit. Meitei Queen).[11][9]