Ngaleima facts for kids
Ngaleima (Meitei: ꯉꯥꯂꯩꯃ) or Ngareima (Meitei: ꯉꯥꯔꯩꯃ) is a special goddess from the Meitei mythology and religion. She is known as the goddess of fish and all the amazing creatures that live in the water. People believe she is one of the children of the main god. She is also a sister to other important goddesses: Phouoibi, who is the goddess of rice; Thumleima, the goddess of salt; and Ereima, the goddess of water.
Quick facts for kids Ngaleima |
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|---|---|
| Other names | Ngareima |
| Texts | Puya |
| Festivals | Lai Haraoba |
| Personal information | |
| Siblings | Phouleima, Thumleima and Ireima |
| Greek equivalent | Amphitrite |
Contents
The Goddess of Fish and Water Creatures
Ngaleima is seen as the female spirit of all aquatic life. This means she represents everything about fish and other animals living in water. In ancient times, fish were a very important food source for people. So, a goddess like Ngaleima was highly respected. She was believed to bring good luck to fishermen and ensure there were always enough fish in the rivers and lakes.
Her Family and Importance
Ngaleima is part of a family of powerful goddesses. Her sisters also look after important parts of nature and daily life. Phouoibi is the goddess of rice, which is a main food. Thumleima is the goddess of salt, another vital resource. Ereima is the goddess of water itself. Together, these sisters represent many things that people needed to survive and thrive in ancient times. Their stories teach us about how people valued nature and its gifts.
Stories and Celebrations
The stories about Ngaleima and her sisters are found in ancient texts called Puya. These texts tell us about their adventures and their roles in the world. People celebrate these goddesses during festivals like Lai Haraoba. These festivals are a way for people to honor the gods and goddesses and remember their old traditions. They often include music, dance, and special ceremonies.
Ngaleima in Modern Culture
Even today, the stories of Ngaleima and her sisters inspire artists. For example, a special show called "Phouoibi, the rice goddess" was performed in 2009. It was a type of opera that told the mythical story of the goddess and her sisters. Later, in 2017, a Manipuri language film called "Phouoibi Shayon" was released. This movie was also based on the exciting stories of goddess Ngaleima and her sister Phouoibi. These modern works help keep the ancient myths alive for new generations.
