Khunu Leima (Meitei: ꯈꯨꯅꯨꯔꯩꯃ, lit. 'pigeon lady') or Khunureima is the goddess of pigeons and doves in Sanamahism' the indigenous religion of Manipur. She is a sister of goddesses Nganu Leima and Shapi Leima. Legend says that all three sisters married the same mortal man.[1][2][3][4][5]
| Khunu Leima | |
|---|---|
| Member of Lairembis | |
 Depiction of Khunu Leima | |
| Other names |
|
| Affiliation | Meitei mythology (Manipuri mythology) and Meitei religion (Sanamahism) |
| Animals | pigeons and doves |
| Symbols | pigeons and doves |
| Gender | Female |
| Region | Manipur, Northeast India |
| Ethnic group | Meitei ethnicity |
| Festivals | Lai Haraoba |
| Genealogy | |
| Parents | Salailen |
| Siblings | Nganu Leima and Shapi Leima |
Description
editKhunu Leima is the ruler of all pigeons. At any time, she could summon all pigeons to any place she wishes. She is one of the daughters of the sky god Salailen.[2][6]
See also
edit- Ngaleima, Meitei goddess of fish
References
edit- ^ Singh, Moirangthem Kirti (1993). Folk Culture of Manipur. Manas Publications. ISBN 978-81-7049-063-0.
- ^ a b Manipuri Phungawari (in Manipuri). 2014. p. 202 – via archive.org.
- ^ Eben Mayogee Leipareng (in Manipuri). 1995. p. 107 – via archive.org.
- ^ Tal Taret (in Manipuri). 2006. p. 43 – via archive.org.
- ^ Regunathan, Sudhamahi (2005). Folk Tales of the North-East. Children's Book Trust. ISBN 978-81-7011-967-8.
- ^ Tal Taret (in Manipuri). 2006. p. 46 – via archive.org.