Imoinu

Imoinu
Goddess of household, hearth, family, fireplace, kitchen, wealth, peace and prosperity
Member of Lairembis
A terracotta idol of goddess Imoinu
Other names
  • Imoinu Ahongbi
  • Emoinu Ahongbi
AffiliationSanamahism
AbodesPhunga Lairu (fireplace), Sanamahi Kachin and Kitchen
ArtifactsCoin containers
SymbolsSenphu (Coin container), Chengphu (Rice pot) and Yotsabi (Tripod)
TextsPuYas
GenderFemale
RegionManipur
Ethnic groupMeitei ethnicity
FestivalsImoinu Iratpa
Equivalents
GreekHestia
HinduLakshmi
RomanVesta

Imoinu or Emoinu (Meitei: ꯏꯃꯣꯏꯅꯨ) is a goddess associated with household, hearth, family, fireplace, kitchen, wealth, peace and prosperity in Meitei mythology and religion of Ancient Kangleipak (Antique Manipur).[1][2][3] She is frequently associated with Leimarel Sidabi. She is regarded as one of the incarnations or representations of goddess Leimarel Sidabi.[4][5]

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.[6]

  1. ^ Singh, Rocky; Sharma, Mayur (25 July 2014). Highway on my Plate - II: the indian guide to roadside eating. Random House India. p. 44. ISBN 978-81-8400-642-1.
  2. ^ "A Hymn for Goddess Emoinu". e-pao.net.
  3. ^ "Meiteis celebrate Emoinu". telegraphindia.com.
  4. ^ Devi, Dr Yumlembam Gopi (16 June 2019). Glimpses of Manipuri Culture. Lulu.com. ISBN 978-0-359-72919-7.
  5. ^ "EMOINU AHONGBI THOUNIROL (A Traditional adoration to Goddess Emoinu)". e-pao.net.
  6. ^ Kipgen, Tingneichong G. (2010). Women's Role in the 20th Century Manipur: A Historical Study. Gyan Publishing House. ISBN 978-81-7835-803-1.