Korouhanba

Korouhanba (Old Manipuri: Kolouhanpa, lit. 'Master of the Sky') is the God of the Sun, the Sky and the Heaven in Meitei mythology and in the religion of Ancient Kangleipak (early Manipur).[1][2][3] He is also known as Taohuireng and is one of the two sun brothers in the Numit Kappa epic legend. He is also called "Ngantureng" because of his ability to remove darkness. He is described as "Songbu Chiraitangba" — a physician who is bald headed.[1]

This article is about the personification of the Sun. For the Maker of the Sun in Meitei mythology, see Nongshaba.
Korouhanba
(Old Manipuri: Kolouhanpa)
God of the sun, sky and heaven[1]
Other namesKolouhanpa, Numit, Taohuireng, Taodanba, Ngantureng
AffiliationMeitei mythology (Manipuri mythology) and Meitei religion (Sanamahism)
Major cult centerMoidangpok
AbodeHeaven
SymbolSun
DaySunday
TextsNumit Kappa, Soupon Lailemma Loutalon, Wakoklon Heelel Thilen Salai Amailon Pukok Puya
GenderMale
RegionAncient Kangleipak (early Manipur)
Ethnic groupMeitei ethnicity
FestivalsLai Haraoba
Equivalents
Greek equivalentHelios, Apollo
Roman equivalentSol
Hinduism equivalentSurya
Egyptian equivalentRa
Term
EnglishKorouhanba
Ancient Meiteiꯀꯣꯂꯧꯍꯟꯄ
(ko-lou-han-pa)
Modern Meiteiꯀꯣꯔꯧꯍꯟꯕ
(ko-rou-han-ba)
Assameseকোৰৌহন্বা / কোৰৌহনবা
(ko-rou-han-ba)
Bengaliকোরৌহন্বা / কোরৌহনবা
(ko-rou-han-ba)
Hindiकोरौहन्बा
(ko-rou-han-ba)
Sanamahism
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Etymology
"Korouhanba", the name of the Sun God, written in medieval Meetei Mayek abugida

The Meitei name "Korouhanba" (ko.rəu.hən.bə, ꯀꯣꯔꯧꯍꯟꯕ) is a term for the Sun. This term is generally used in verses or in poems. "Korouhanba" (ko.rəu.hən.bə, ꯀꯣꯔꯧꯍꯟꯕ) can be fragmented into "Korou" (ko.rəu, ꯀꯣꯔꯧ), "Han" (hən, ꯍꯟ) and "Ba" (bə, ꯕ). "Korou" (ko.rəu, ꯀꯣꯔꯧ) means the day. "Han" (hən, ꯍꯟ) means "to be older". "Ba" (bə, ꯕ) denotes noun form.[4]

Description

According to the Meitei tradition, Sun God Korouhanba has a strong connection with the human body, human soul and also the origin of life. The human body is a "Lang" (lit. trap). Inside the trap, the "Thawai Polpi" (lit. soul bird) is kept. The soul bird leaves the former "Lang" and enters into another "Lang". The process is called "Langon" (lit. Changing of Lang). The "Polpilang Puya" text describes that the sun is the origin of life. According to the text, this information was told to Luwang Leikoiba by Mangang Laininghal. He (the Sun) represents the Supreme Being in the world of things (non living) and beings (living). He is Korouhanba.[5][2][3]

Cults and pantheons

The Lai Haraoba festival is celebrated in the honor of God Korouhanba every year. The most significant shrine dedicated to God Korouhanba is in Moidangpok town in Manipur.[6] The cults and pantheons dedicated to God Korouhanba are mainly maintained by the Thokchom family of Meitei ethnicity.[7] He has religious association with the Maring people.[8][9]

Connection with other deities

God Korouhanba has connection with Mangang Luwang Khuman — the three divine teachers in many legends.[1][2][3]

Namesakes

Martial Arts Club

The Ibudhou Korouhanba Thang-Ta Moidangpok is a club of Thang Ta, a martial art form of the Meitei ethnicity. This martial arts association was a leading participant in the 31st State Thang Ta Championship in the year 2021.[10][11]

See also
  1. Pisatao
  2. Taoroinai

References
  1. Singh, Moirangthem Kirti (1993). Folk Culture of Manipur. Manas Publications. ISBN 978-81-7049-063-0. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
  2. Kanglei Langba Pakhangba (in Manipuri). 1955. p. 4 – via archive.org.
  3. Leishemlon Areeba (in Manipuri). 1983. p. 4 – via archive.org.
  4. "Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary.Korouhanba". uchicago.edu. 2006.
  5. A Critical Study Of The Religious Philosophy. August 1991. p. 111 – via archive.org.
  6. Cheitharol Kumpapa (Royal Chronicle of Manipur 33 A.D – 1984 A.D) by Brahmacharimayum Kulachandra Sharma (in Manipuri). p. 447 – via archive.org.
  7. Devi, Lairenlakpam Bino (2002). The Lois of Manipur: Andro, Khurkhul, Phayeng and Sekmai. Mittal Publications. ISBN 978-81-7099-849-5. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
  8. Ayyappappanikkar, Sahitya Akademi (1997). Medieval Indian Literature: An Anthology. Sahitya Akademi. ISBN 978-8126007882. Retrieved 1 June 2021.
  9. MEDIEVAL INDIAN LITERATURE AN ANTHOLOGY VOL. 3. Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi. 1959. p. 391 – via archive.org.
  10. "Ibudhou Korouhanba Thang-Ta Moidangpok leading with 15 gold". e-pao.net.
  11. "Thang-Ta Maheikol, Yumnam Huidrom take home team champions title of 31st State Thang-Ta C'ship 2021". e-pao.net.

Bibliography
  • A Critical Study Of The Religious Philosophy - by Singh, L. Bhagyachandra 1991
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