| Thangching | |
|---|---|
Progenitor of the Moirang clan | |
| Member of Lainingthous,Maikei Ngaakpa Lais andUmang Lais | |
 Thangching, the Patron God of Moirang and his consort, Koiren Leima. | |
| Other names | Thangjing |
| Affiliation | Sanamahism |
| Major cult center | Moirang |
| Abodes | Heaven andEarth[1] |
| Weapon | Polo stick |
| Animals | White tiger andhorse |
| Mount | White tiger andhorse |
| Texts | Moirang Ningthourol Lambuba |
| Gender | Male |
| Region | Moirang |
| Ethnic group | Meitei |
| Festivals | Lai Haraoba |
| Consorts | Koiren Leima |
| Part ofa series on |
| Sanamahism |
|---|
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Scripture
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Thangching or Thangjing (Meitei: ꯊꯥꯡꯖꯤꯡ) is a primordial deity inSanamahism, the indigenous religion ofManipur. He is the ruling deity of theMoirang dynasty.[2][3][4][5] He rules supreme on the banks of the landlocked sea,Loktak lake.[6][7] He is one of the four cardinalUmang Lais.[8]The guardianship of the south western direction is alluded to Thangjing and the other directions toKoubru (north west),Marjing (north east) andWangbren (south east).[8][9][10][11]
Two of his most prominent pantheons are theThangching Temple and theThangching Hill (Thangjing Peak).[12][13]
Thangjing is a deity of pre-Hindu origin.[14][15][16][17][18]TheMoirang Ningthourol Lambuba mentioned thatMoirang was the amalgamation of different groups of people with different traditional beliefs. During the reign of King Fang Fang Ponglenhanpa (52 BC- 28 AD), all the diversities were merged into one with God Thangjing as the central figure.[19]
When the cult of Thangjing was merged into theUmang Laism, the folk deities associated with God Thangjing began to be identified with otherUmang Lais. One example is that of goddess Ayang Leima Ahal and goddess Ayang Leima Atonpi. These two goddesses were originally associated with fertility and agriculture. This fact is evident in the ritualistic songs praising them. Later, these two female deities were identified as the consorts of God Thangjing.[19]
When Thangjing was identified as anUmang Lai, the identity of the two goddesses was associated with that of goddessPanthoibi. Thus, the new identity of Goddess Ayang Leima Panthoibi was formed.[19]
Thangjing is described as the Lord of the tiger hunters.[11] TheMoirang Ningthourol Lambuba describes God Thangjing as the Divine Chief of Koireng people, the Progenitor of Kege Clan, the Protector of all the domestic as well as wild animals and the Lord of Mahui tribe.[19]
The history ofMoirang is always associated with the godly powers of Thangjing. Thangjing is a living God to the people ofAncient Moirang. The epic legend of theKhamba Thoibi is always related to God Thangjing. The ancient temple dedicated to Thangjing still stands on the banks ofLoktak lake in the present dayMoirang.[3][11]
In the legendary epicKhamba Thoibi, Lord Thangjing always stands for righteousness and as a saviour ofKhamba.[20]
Thangjing sentPhouoibi toKege Moirang (Keke Moilang) to prosper the human world.[7]
When goddessPanthoibi was searching for her belovedNongpok Ningthou, she asked God Thangjing and GodWangbren about the whereabouts ofNongpok Ningthou.To Thangjing, she said:
O! Thangjing, Supreme God of Moirang, Loktak is your mirror, My beloved Nongpok has gone like a wind, Like a cattle looking for its herd, I am looking for my beloved. Please tell meDoes he come to your country?[21]
Thangching had been worshipped since ancient times. Still today, there is an ancient shrine atMoirang. An annual ritual festival known asLai Haraoba is held early in summer in honor of the God.[22][23]During the annualThangjing Lai Haraoba festival, traditional dances and sports are performed as rituals. The performers follow the ancient customs of wearing the traditional attires of the royal lords and ladies.[16][17][24] The festival is celebrated during theMeitei lunar month of Kalen. It continues for a week.[25]Meiteis from all overManipur visit theThangjing Temple inMoirang.[26]
TheThangjing plant (Euryale ferox) is an aquatic plant that bears edible seeds. Its seeds are called "foxnuts" and are one of the most popular food items inMeitei cuisine ofManipur.[27][28]
TheThangching Peak (Thangjing Hill) is one of the four peaks, the others being the Koubru (after GodKoubru), the Kounu (after GoddessKounu) and the Loyalakpa (after GodLoyalakpa). These peaks are the holy places of worship of theMeitei ethnicity. Their names are derived from the names of the deities whom theMeiteis worship at the peaks.[12]
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