Shapi Leima
Goddess of rodents
Member of Lairembis
Goddess Shapi Leima
Other names
  • Sapi Leima
  • Shabi Leima
  • Shabireima
  • Sabi Leima
  • Sabireima
AffiliationMeitei mythology (Manipuri mythology) and Meitei religion (Sanamahism)
Animalsrodents
Symbolsrodents
GenderFemale
RegionManipur, Northeast India
Ethnic groupMeitei ethnicity
FestivalsLai Haraoba
Personal information
ParentsSalailen (Soraren)
SiblingsKhunu Leima and Nganu Leima
Term
EnglishShapi Leima
Ancient Meiteiꯁꯄꯤ ꯂꯩꯃ
(sa-pee lei-ma)
Modern Meiteiꯁꯕꯤꯔꯩꯃ
(sa-bee-rei-ma)
Assameseশবী লৈমা / শবীৰৈমা
(sha-bee lei-ma / sha-bee-rei-ma)
Bengaliশবী লৈমা / শবীরৈমা
(sha-bee lei-ma / sha-bee-rei-ma)
Hindiशपी लैमा / शबी लैम
(sha-pee lei-ma / sha-bee lei-ma)
Sanamahism

Shapi Leima (Shabi Leima) or Sapi Leima (Sabi Leima) is the goddess of rodents in Meitei mythology and religion. She is a sister of goddesses Khunu Leima and Nganu Leima. Legend says that all three sisters married the same mortal man.[1][2][3][4][5][6]

Etymology

The Meitei female given name "Sapi Leima" (ꯁꯄꯤ ꯂꯩꯃ) or "Sabi Leima" (ꯁꯕꯤ ꯂꯩꯃ) is made up of two component words. The two words are "Shapi/Sapi/Shabi/Sabi" (ꯁꯕꯤ) and "Leima" (ꯂꯩꯃ). "Sabi" (ꯁꯕꯤ) is a rat like animal. It lives in the clumps of bamboos.[7] It is known for having sharp teeth.[5] The word "Leima" (ꯂꯩꯃ) is further made up of two component words, "Lei" (ꯂꯩ) and "Ma" (ꯃ). "Lei" (ꯂꯩ) means land or earth. "Ma" (ꯃ) means "mother". Literally, "Leima" (ꯂꯩꯃ) can be translated as "Land Mother" or "Mother Earth". But in general context, "Leima" (ꯂꯩꯃ) means a queen or a mistress or a lady.[8]

Description

Shapi Leima (Shabi Leima) is described as the mistress of all the rodents of the world. At any time, she could summon all the rodents at any place she wishes. She is the youngest daughter of the god Salailen (alias Soraren).[2][3]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Tal Taret (in Manipuri). 2006. p. 39 – via archive.org.
  2. 1 2 Tal Taret (in Manipuri). 2006. p. 48 – via archive.org.
  3. 1 2 Manipuri Phungawari (in Manipuri). 2014. p. 203 – via archive.org.
  4. ↑ Regunathan, Sudhamahi (2005). Folk Tales of the North-East. Children's Book Trust. ISBN 978-81-7011-967-8.
  5. 1 2 Singh, Moirangthem Kirti (1993). Folk Culture of Manipur. Manas Publications. ISBN 978-81-7049-063-0.
  6. ↑ Eben Mayogee Leipareng (in Manipuri). 1995. p. 107 – via archive.org.
  7. ↑ "Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary.Sabi". uchicago.edu. 2006.
  8. ↑ "Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary.Leima". uchicago.edu. 2006.

Bibliography

  • Glimpses of Manipuri Culture - Dr. Yumlembam Gopi Devi
  • The History of Manipur: An early period - Wahengbam Ibohal Singh · 1986
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