Laikhurembi

Laikhurembi (Modern Meitei : ꯂꯥꯢꯈꯨꯔꯦꯝꯕꯤ, Ancient Meitei: Laikhulempi, ꯂꯥꯢꯈꯨꯂꯦꯝꯄꯤ) or Lai Khutlembi (Modern Meitei: ꯂꯥꯢ ꯈꯨꯠꯂꯦꯝꯕꯤ, Ancient Meitei: Lai Khutlempi, ꯂꯥꯢ ꯈꯨꯠꯂꯦꯝꯄꯤ) is the goddess of argument, justice, good counsel, divine law, order, retribution and secrecy in Sanamahism and ancient Meitei mythology (old Manipuri mythology). She is one of the most widely worshipped deities in Sanamahism (traditional Meitei faith).

Sacred sites and holy shrines dedicated to Goddess Laikhulempi are found scattered across different places in Manipur and Assam. Devotees, cultural enthusiasts and theologians often visit temples dedicated to her.

History
During the first century BC, Queen Laikhurembi was the first wife of King Thongaren (Ancient Meitei/Old Manipuri: Thongalen) of Khamnung country. Then king asked her to marry his younger brother, Poireiton, instead, because Poireiton's wife had died. Poireiton was beginning a journey to Tai Pang Pan and King Thongalel thought it would not be good for Poireiton to go without a wife. However, Laikhurembi did not want to go. Trees had already been planted to honor her as the King's wife. Instead of Laikhurembi, King Thongalel sent his second wife Leinaotabi to accompany her brother in law Poireiton as a wife.

Laikhurembi was later deified as a powerful Meitei goddess.

Mythology/Religious beliefs
Goddess Laikhurembi had special powers. She was Yungyatnaba (lit. erect and sharp) which meant she could see objects accurately no matter how far away they were. She could look at a person and see who he or she truly was inside. When she made a judgement, she would announce her decision wisely, and people got the right rewards for what they had done (things given in recognition of service, effort or achievement). No one could find her unless she wanted them to find her. No matter how hard a person would look, she could hide and stay hidden.

Lai Haraoba Festival
Lai Haraoba, the sacred festival of Sanamahism, is celebrated to please many gods and goddesses of this polytheistic faith. Among the deities, Goddess Laikhurembi is no exception. The greatest celebration takes place in Uripok town in Imphal. During this festival, in Uripok, a carnival like atmosphere subdues the sacred traditional ritualistic ceremonies. During the noisy possession of the festive occasions, the maibis (Meitei priestesses) dance in the gentle melodies of "Pena" (a traditional Meitei musical instrument). The maibis became possessed by the spirits when the music stopped and they delivered oracles. During this, the audiences listen to them very attentively.

Buy
One can buy garlands or bunches of flowers from the shopkeepers or the vendors near the religious sites, either for offering to the Goddess or for adoring for oneself.

Respect
People following any faith are allowed to enter the Sanamahist/traditional Meitei religious shrines or temples dedicated to Goddess Laikhurembi as she is the goddess of justice.
 * Every visitor must remove their shoes, slippers and socks before entering into the sacred sites.
 * Wear shoes that can be slipped on and off easily, particularly if you're planning to visit a lot of temples.

Learn
If you are visiting any temple of goddess Laikhurembi during the celebration of the Lai Haraoba festival, you can have the opportunity to learn how to play a "Pena". Pena is a traditional Meitei musical instrument. It is slightly similar to violin of the Western world. If you are interested, just humbly request any of the Pena players/performers in the crowd, they will teach you at free of cost.