Type: | Meitei |
Ngaleima | |
Deity Of: | Goddess of fish |
Member Of: | Lairembis |
Other Names: |
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Affiliation: | Sanamahism |
Cult Centre: | --> |
Abode: | Underwater world |
World: | --> |
Weapons: | --> |
Artefacts: | --> |
Animals: | Fish |
Symbol: | Fish |
Colour: | --> |
Consorts: | --> |
Father: | Salailen |
Siblings: | |
Children: | --> |
Texts: | PuYas |
Gender: | Female |
Greek Equivalent: | Amphitrite |
Roman Equivalent: | Salacia |
Region: | Manipur |
Ethnic Group: | Meitei |
Festivals: | Lai Haraoba |
Ngareima is the goddess of fish and aquatic life in Sanamahism, the indigenous religion of Manipur.[1] [2] [3] [4] She is a sister (or friend) of the goddesses, Phouoibi, Thumleima and Ereima.
Menstrual blood, hay, rice stalks, hentak (edible fish paste), and broom are considered profane to Ngaleima.[5] So, if there is an adverse entry of fish into the fishing nets, the presence of menstruating woman is highly suspected at the spot, especially on the floating dam. Other suspicious reasons are the dropping down of the charoo (hay, dried paddy stalks) or hentak (edible fish paste) or sumjit (broom) by people out of jealousy into the place.
Ngareima is considered to be one of the divine manifestations of Leimarel Sidabi, the supreme mother earth goddess. It is said that Leimalel becomes Ngaleima when she is in the fish yard.[6]