Thangching

Thangching
Thangching
Progenitor of the Moirang clan
Member of Lainingthous,Maikei Ngaakpa LaisandUmang Lais
	Thangching, the Patron God of Moirang and his consort, Koiren Leima.
Other names	Thangjing
Affiliation	Sanamahism
Major cult center	Moirang
Abodes	HeavenandEarth
Weapon	Polo stick
Animals	White tigerandhorse
Mount	White tigerandhorse
Texts	Moirang Ningthourol Lambuba
Gender	Male
Region	Moirang
Ethnic group	Meitei
Festivals	Lai Haraoba
Consorts	Koiren Leima

This article containsthe Meitei alphabet.Without properrendering support,you may see errors in display.

Thangchingor Thangjing (Meitei:ꯊꯥꯡꯖꯤꯡ) is a primordial deity inSanamahism,the indigenous religion ofManipur.He is the ruling deity of theMoirangdynasty.^[2]^[3]^[4]^[5]He rules supreme on the banks of the landlocked sea,Loktak lake.^[6]^[7]He is one of the four cardinalUmang Lais.^[8] The guardianship of the south western direction is alluded to Thangjing and the other directions toKoubru(north west),Marjing(north east) andWangbren(south east).^[8]^[9]^[10]^[11]

Two of his most prominent pantheons are theThangching Templeand theThangching Hill (Thangjing Peak).^[12]^[13]

Origin

Thangjing is a deity of pre-Hindu origin.^[14]^[15]^[16]^[17]^[18] TheMoirang Ningthourol Lambubamentioned thatMoirangwas the amalgamation of different groups of people with different traditional beliefs. During the reign of King Fang Fang Ponglenhanpa (52 BC- 28 AD), all the diversities were merged into one with God Thangjing as the central figure.^[19]

When the cult of Thangjing was merged into theUmang Laism,the folk deities associated with God Thangjing began to be identified with otherUmang Lais.One example is that of goddess Ayang Leima Ahal and goddess Ayang Leima Atonpi. These two goddesses were originally associated with fertility and agriculture. This fact is evident in the ritualistic songs praising them. Later, these two female deities were identified as the consorts of God Thangjing.^[19]

When Thangjing was identified as anUmang Lai,the identity of the two goddesses was associated with that of goddessPanthoibi.Thus, the new identity of Goddess Ayang Leima Panthoibi was formed.^[19]

Khuman KhambaandMoirang Thoibiperforming a dance before the Thangjing Temple

Description

Thangjing is described as the Lord of the tiger hunters.^[11]TheMoirang Ningthourol Lambubadescribes God Thangjing as the Divine Chief of Koireng people, the Progenitor of Kege Clan, the Protector of all the domestic as well as wild animals and the Lord of Mahui tribe.^[19]

The history ofMoirangis always associated with the godly powers of Thangjing. Thangjing is a living God to the people ofAncient Moirang.The epic legend of theKhamba Thoibiis always related to God Thangjing. The ancient temple dedicated to Thangjing still stands on the banks ofLoktak lakein the present dayMoirang.^[3]^[11]

Mythology

In the legendary epicKhamba Thoibi,Lord Thangjing always stands for righteousness and as a saviour ofKhamba.^[20]

Thangjing sentPhouoibitoKege Moirang (Keke Moilang)to prosper the human world.^[7]

When goddessPanthoibiwas searching for her belovedNongpok Ningthou,she asked God Thangjing and GodWangbrenabout the whereabouts ofNongpok Ningthou. To Thangjing, she said:

O! Thangjing, Supreme God of Moirang, Loktak is your mirror, My beloved Nongpok has gone like a wind, Like a cattle looking for its herd, I am looking for my beloved. Please tell me Does he come to your country?^[21]

Worship

Thangching had been worshipped since ancient times. Still today, there is an ancient shrine atMoirang.An annual ritual festival known asLai Haraobais held early in summer in honor of the God.^[22]^[23] During the annualThangjing Lai Haraobafestival, traditional dances and sports are performed as rituals. The performers follow the ancient customs of wearing the traditional attires of the royal lords and ladies.^[16]^[17]^[24]The festival is celebrated during theMeitei lunar monthof Kalen. It continues for a week.^[25]Meiteisfrom all overManipurvisit theThangjing TempleinMoirang.^[26]

Namesakes

TheThangjing plant (Euryale ferox)is an aquatic plant that bears edible seeds. Its seeds are called "foxnuts" and are one of the most popular food items inMeitei cuisineofManipur.^[27]^[28]

TheThangching Peak (Thangjing Hill)is one of the four peaks, the others being the Koubru (after GodKoubru), the Kounu (after GoddessKounu) and the Loyalakpa (after GodLoyalakpa). These peaks are the holy places of worship of theMeitei ethnicity.Their names are derived from the names of the deities whom theMeiteisworship at the peaks.^[12]

References

^Roy, L. Somi (2021-06-21).And That Is Why... Manipuri Myths Retold.Penguin Random House India Private Limited.ISBN 978-93-91149-65-9.
^"The God Lainingthou Thangching Koylellai".www.thesangaiexpress.com.
^^a ^bPrakash, Col Ved (2007).Encyclopaedia of North-East India.Atlantic Publishers & Dist.ISBN 978-81-269-0706-9.
^Chaudhury, Dipanjan Roy (2008).Northeast: Diverse Complexity.Har-Anand Publications Pvt. Limited.ISBN 978-81-241-1437-7.
^Roy, L. Somi (2021-06-21).And That Is Why... Manipuri Myths Retold.Penguin Random House India Private Limited.ISBN 978-93-91149-65-9.
^Singh, N. Tombi (1975).Manipur and the Mainstream.Chitrebirentombichand Khorjeirup.
^^a ^bSession, North East India History Association (1999).Proceedings of North East India History Association.The Association.
^^a ^bBirajit, Soibam (2014-12-01).Meeyamgi Kholao: Sprout of Consciousness.ARECOM ( Advanced Research Consortium, Manipur). p. 81.
^Dzüvichü, Lipokmar; Baruah, Manjeet (2017-11-13).Modern Practices in North East India: History, Culture, Representation.Taylor & Francis.ISBN 978-1-351-27134-9.
^Socialist India.Indian National Congress. All India Congress Committee. 1973.
^^a ^b ^cChaki-Sircar, Manjusri (1984).Feminism in a traditional society: women of the Manipur Valley.Shakti Books. p. 116.ISBN 9780706919677– via archive.org.
^^a ^bSingh, Dr Th Suresh (2014-06-02).The Endless Kabaw Valley: British Created Visious Cycle of Manipur, Burma and India.Quills Ink Publishing.ISBN 978-93-84318-00-0.
^"The God Lainingthou Thangching Koylellai".e-pao.net.
^Singh, A. Prafullokumar (2009).Elections and political dynamics.Mittal Publications.ISBN 978-81-8324-279-0.
^Laveesh, Bhandari (2009).Indian States At A Glance 2008-09: Performance, Facts And Figures - North-East And Sikkim.Pearson Education India.ISBN 978-81-317-2348-7.
^^a ^bSingh, Arambam Sanatomba (2021-06-18).Ecotourism Development Ventures in Manipur: Green Skill Development and Livelihood Mission.Walnut Publication.ISBN 978-93-91145-59-0.
^^a ^bKohli, M. S. (2002).Mountains of India: Tourism, Adventure and Pilgrimage.Indus Publishing.ISBN 978-81-7387-135-1.
^Darpan, Pratiyogita (2008).Pratiyogita Darpan.Pratiyogita Darpan.
^^a ^b ^c ^dBirajit, Soibam (2014-12-01).Meeyamgi Kholao: Sprout of Consciousness.ARECOM ( Advanced Research Consortium, Manipur). p. 82.
^Singh, Rajkumar Mani (2002).Khwairakpam Chaoba Singh.Sahitya Akademi.ISBN 978-81-260-1519-1.
^Meitei, Mayanglambam Mangangsana (2021-06-06).The Sound of Pena in Manipur.Marjing Mayanglambam.ISBN 978-93-5473-655-1.
^Devi, Dr Yumlembam Gopi (16 June 2019).Glimpses of Manipuri Culture.Lulu.com.ISBN 978-0-359-72919-7.
^Delhi, All India Radio (AIR), New (1967-12-03).AKASHVANI: Vol. XXXII, No.49 ( 3 DECEMBER, 1967 ).All India Radio (AIR), New Delhi.{{cite book}}:CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
^Singh, T. S. P. (2018-05-31).Apology.Partridge Publishing.ISBN 978-1-5437-0188-3.
^Gajrani, S. (2004).History, Religion and Culture of India.Gyan Publishing House.ISBN 978-81-8205-065-5.
^Ghosh, G. K. (2002).Water of India: (quality and Quantity).APH Publishing.ISBN 978-81-7648-294-3.
^"Thangjing".medicinalplants.co.in.May 2016.
^"Thangjing – A potential aquatic cash crop in Manipur".e-pao.net.

[1] Roy, L. Somi (2021-06-21).And That Is Why... Manipuri Myths Retold.Penguin Random House India Private Limited.ISBN 978-93-91149-65-9.

[2] "The God Lainingthou Thangching Koylellai".www.thesangaiexpress.com.

[Prakash_2007-3] Prakash, Col Ved (2007).Encyclopaedia of North-East India.Atlantic Publishers & Dist.ISBN 978-81-269-0706-9.

[4] Chaudhury, Dipanjan Roy (2008).Northeast: Diverse Complexity.Har-Anand Publications Pvt. Limited.ISBN 978-81-241-1437-7.

[5] Roy, L. Somi (2021-06-21).And That Is Why... Manipuri Myths Retold.Penguin Random House India Private Limited.ISBN 978-93-91149-65-9.

[6] Singh, N. Tombi (1975).Manipur and the Mainstream.Chitrebirentombichand Khorjeirup.

[Session_1999-7] Session, North East India History Association (1999).Proceedings of North East India History Association.The Association.

[Birajit_81-8] Birajit, Soibam (2014-12-01).Meeyamgi Kholao: Sprout of Consciousness.ARECOM ( Advanced Research Consortium, Manipur). p. 81.

[9] Dzüvichü, Lipokmar; Baruah, Manjeet (2017-11-13).Modern Practices in North East India: History, Culture, Representation.Taylor & Francis.ISBN 978-1-351-27134-9.

[10] Socialist India.Indian National Congress. All India Congress Committee. 1973.

[archive.org-11] Chaki-Sircar, Manjusri (1984).Feminism in a traditional society: women of the Manipur Valley.Shakti Books. p. 116.ISBN 9780706919677– via archive.org.

[Singh-12] Singh, Dr Th Suresh (2014-06-02).The Endless Kabaw Valley: British Created Visious Cycle of Manipur, Burma and India.Quills Ink Publishing.ISBN 978-93-84318-00-0.

[13] "The God Lainingthou Thangching Koylellai".e-pao.net.

[14] Singh, A. Prafullokumar (2009).Elections and political dynamics.Mittal Publications.ISBN 978-81-8324-279-0.

[15] Laveesh, Bhandari (2009).Indian States At A Glance 2008-09: Performance, Facts And Figures - North-East And Sikkim.Pearson Education India.ISBN 978-81-317-2348-7.

[books.google.com-16] Singh, Arambam Sanatomba (2021-06-18).Ecotourism Development Ventures in Manipur: Green Skill Development and Livelihood Mission.Walnut Publication.ISBN 978-93-91145-59-0.

[Kohli_2002-17] Kohli, M. S. (2002).Mountains of India: Tourism, Adventure and Pilgrimage.Indus Publishing.ISBN 978-81-7387-135-1.

[18] Darpan, Pratiyogita (2008).Pratiyogita Darpan.Pratiyogita Darpan.

[Birajit_82-19] Birajit, Soibam (2014-12-01).Meeyamgi Kholao: Sprout of Consciousness.ARECOM ( Advanced Research Consortium, Manipur). p. 82.

[20] Singh, Rajkumar Mani (2002).Khwairakpam Chaoba Singh.Sahitya Akademi.ISBN 978-81-260-1519-1.

[21] Meitei, Mayanglambam Mangangsana (2021-06-06).The Sound of Pena in Manipur.Marjing Mayanglambam.ISBN 978-93-5473-655-1.

[22] Devi, Dr Yumlembam Gopi (16 June 2019).Glimpses of Manipuri Culture.Lulu.com.ISBN 978-0-359-72919-7.

[23] Delhi, All India Radio (AIR), New (1967-12-03).AKASHVANI: Vol. XXXII, No.49 ( 3 DECEMBER, 1967 ).All India Radio (AIR), New Delhi.{{cite book}}:CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)

[24] Singh, T. S. P. (2018-05-31).Apology.Partridge Publishing.ISBN 978-1-5437-0188-3.

[25] Gajrani, S. (2004).History, Religion and Culture of India.Gyan Publishing House.ISBN 978-81-8205-065-5.

[26] Ghosh, G. K. (2002).Water of India: (quality and Quantity).APH Publishing.ISBN 978-81-7648-294-3.

[27] "Thangjing".medicinalplants.co.in.May 2016.

[28] "Thangjing – A potential aquatic cash crop in Manipur".e-pao.net.

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v t e Sanamahism
Practices and beliefs	Lai haraoba Ritual dance Polytheism Animism Meitei festival Mythology
Sanamahism shrines	List of Umang Lai Laishang Meitei architecture
Notable Lai	Taibang Mapu Sanamahi Lainingthou Koupalu Lan Leima
Important literature	Numit Kappa Sanamahi Laihui
See also	Religion in Manipur List of Meitei deities