Emoinu


Emoinu or Ebendhou Emoinu or Emoinu Ahongbi or Imoinu Ahongbi is the Manipuri Goddess of wealth, peace, fertility, wisdom, prosperity, vitality and resources in Manipuri religion as well as Manipuri mythology.
Emoinu is known for her sense of humor. Generally, she is portrayed as an old woman, as her name means "great-grandmother in Meiteilon.

Ancient texts

There are many ancient texts which mentioned the description of the deity. A few of them include "Emoinu Tengtharol", "Emoinu Mingkheirol", "Yumsharol", "Malem Chukkhong Puya" and so on.

Etymology

The name Emoinu stands for the goddess rearing the human beings. The first-word syllable E means human beings, moi meaning rearing and nu meaning Goddess.
Ahongbi means giver of the household properties plentifully. Ebendhou meaning great-grandmother.

Legend

There are two legends about the origin of the goddess Emoinu.
According to the text, the Sky God Salailen Sidaba has seven daughters, whom he sent them down to earth to prosper the human civilization. All the goddesses were given a certain task to serve in their future. In that event, a goddess was given the task to be the mother of peace, wealth and prosperity. Later, she was named "Emoinu Ahongbi".
She has various incarnations in various forms. Some of the forms are:
Imoinu Iratpa is observed every 12th day of the Meitei lunar month, Waakching. On this day, especially at night, Emoinu is offered what each can, particularly fish curries as dinner for Emoinu and a variety of cuisines in odd numbers.

Worship

Abode

There are two major places in a household where the deity could be worshipped:-
Ebendhou Emoinu is offered from the first serving of every meal prepared in a Meitei household. The serving is made by placing three servings of the cooked rice on a plate that is set aside. These offerings should be only vegetarian foods or fish.
The household members are asked to maintain discipline, be respectful, and be tidy so as to please Emoinu.

In popular culture