Sanamahism
Sanamahism or Sanamahi religion (Meitei: ꯁꯅꯥꯃꯍꯤ ꯂꯥꯏꯅꯤꯡ), also known as Kangleism (Kanglei religion) or Lainingthouism (Lainingthou religion) or Meitei religion or Meetei religion or ancient Manipuri religion, is an ancient ancestor worshipping religion. It is the indigenous religion of the Meitei people and the tribal people of Manipur.[2][3] It is a polytheistic religion. In Sanamahism, thousands of Gods are worshipped in several pantheons.[4][5] It is a pre-Vaishnavite faith of the Meiteis[6] and the pre-Hinduism religion of Manipur.[7] This minority religion is a legally as well as socially recognized religion.[8]
 The Symbol of Sanamahism (Source: Wakoklon Heelel Thilen Salai Amailon Pukok Puya) | |
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| approx. 235,000[1] | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Manipur, Assam and Tripura in India | |
| Scriptures | |
| PuYa (Manipuri) | |
| Languages | |
| Classical Meitei |
Sanamahism is a 3800 years old religion and has its roots mainly in Southeast Asia. During its revivalism process, Sanamahism has some conflicts with Hinduism.[9]
Etymology
The term Sanamahism is derived from the word Sanamahi, who is an important deity in the religion.[2]
