Imoinu
Imoinu or Emoinu is a goddess associated with household, hearth, family, fireplace, kitchen, wealth, peace and prosperity in Meitei mythology and religion of Ancient Kangleipak. She is frequently associated with Leimarel Sidabi. She is regarded as one of the incarnations or representations of goddess Leimarel Sidabi.
In Meitei mythology, Imoinu is known for her sense of humor. Generally, she is portrayed as "an old woman", as her name means "great grandmother" in Meitei language.
The personality of Imoinu and other goddesses like Panthoibi and Phouoibi depict as well as influence the boldness, courage, independence, righteousness and social honour of Meitei women.
Etymology and nomenclature
The meaning of the name "Emoinu Ahongbi" can be found by splitting it up word by word. Here, "E" refers to human being. "Moi" refers to rearing. "Nu" refers to female deity or goddess. So, "Emoinu" means goddess who rears the human beings. "Ahongbi" means giver of plentiful household properties.The name Imoinu stands for the goddess rearing the human beings. The first-word syllable E means human beings, moi meaning rearing and nu meaning Goddess.
Ahongbi means giver of the household properties plentifully. Ibendhou meaning great-grandmother.
Description
Dr. Parratt described Emoinu Ahongbi as another form of Goddess Leimarel Sidabi. Leimarel Sidabi is the supreme mother. Imoinu is regarded as an ever resourceful lady. She always gives wealth and prosperity to the mankind. She was shown as having a human appearance. She resides near the fire hearth. The goddess is believed to be the controller and regulator of good conduct and behavior of the human beings.Imoinu Ahong Achaubi is a deity for good moral behavior, besides wealth and prosperity. As a social code of conduct, a Meitei woman should go out from home only after prayers and worship of the goddess and other household deities. When she returns home, she should pray to the deity.
The Meitei people believed that goddess Imoinu lives in the houses of those who strictly obey her favorite social and moral behavior norms. Imoinu blesses such people with nungai yaifaba, watta padaba, tekta kaidaba and punshi nungshangba. These are the basic needs of life in the human world.
Mythology
According to ancient Meitei text "Lairembi Nongumlol", the Sky God Salailen Sidaba has seven daughters, whom he sent them down to earth to prosper the human civilization. All the goddesses were given a certain task to serve in their future. In that event, a goddess was given the task to be associated with peace, wealth and prosperity. Later, she came to be known as "Emoinu Ahongbi".Origin
After the creation of the sky and the planets, Sidaba ordered His wife, Leimarel Sidabi to produce another Leimarel. The second Leimarel would be the second woman. Her responsibility was to take care of the mankind on the planet called earth. Goddess Leimarel Sidabi obeyed her divine husband's order. She created another Leimarel. The appearance of the second Leimarel was similar to the first Leimarel. The first Leimarel named the second Leimarel as "Emoinu Ahongbi".Lover
Once goddess Imoinu fell in love with a man. The two became lovers. They swore to be husband and wife. One day, she visited his house in his absence. She discovered that he was already married to another woman. After knowing this, she sacrificed her love. She swore on not to see the man again. She never married to anyone. So, she remained as a virgin goddess.Worship
Ancient worship
Imoinu is a hearth deity. She is annually worshipped on the 12th of the Meitei month of Wakching. She is also worshipped daily, as part of a Meitei ritual. It is done in every Meitei household with the offering of a little cooked rice before eating.Modern worship
Nowadays, there is little or no households with proper phunga lairu. So, a modern fireplace is developed. Here, traditional rites and rituals are performed in honor of the goddess.There are a lot of changes in the way of worshipping Goddess Imoinu. However, the essence and the importance always remain the same as forever.
Abode
There are two major places in a household where the deity could be worshipped:-- One abode is at the fireplace "Phunga Lairu" of the kitchen of the household.
- Another place is at the "Sanamahi Kachin", the South western corner of the household.
Ritual
The household members are asked to maintain discipline, be respectful, and be tidy so as to please Emoinu.
Festival
The Imoinu Iratpa is a religious festival dedicated to goddess Imoinu. It is celebrated on the 12th of Wakching month every year. Traditionally, worship and prayers are performed inside every households. Nowadays, Imoinu Iratpa festival is also celebrated in a larger way in public gathering clubs also.Wherever the festival is performed, seasonal fruits, vegetables and fish are offered to goddess Imoinu.
Imoinu Iratpa is observed every 12th day of the Meitei lunar month, Waakching. On this day, especially at night, Emoinu is offered what each can, particularly fish curries as dinner for Emoinu and a variety of cuisines in odd numbers.