Khunu Leima
In its own language: ꯈꯨꯅꯨꯔꯩꯃ (Khunu Leima)
from Meitei words meaning 'pigeon lady'
A Meitei goddess who rules over pigeons and doves in the religion of Manipur.
Khunu Leima is a deity in Sanamahism, the indigenous faith of Manipur. She is known as the ruler of all pigeons and doves and can summon them at will.
- Goddess of pigeons and doves in Meitei mythology
- Daughter of the sky god Salailen
- Sister to Nganu Leima and Shapi Leima
- Married the same mortal man according to legend
- Can summon all pigeons to any location
What it is
Khunu Leima is a female deity within the Meitei pantheon. She serves as the goddess of pigeons and doves. Her name translates directly to pigeon lady in the local language. She holds dominion over these birds and possesses the power to gather them anywhere she chooses. This ability makes her a central figure for those interested in avian spirits or bird-related folklore within the region.
Where it comes from
She is one of the daughters of Salailen, the sky god. Along with her sisters Nganu Leima and Shapi Leima, she forms a significant triad in Meitei mythology. A key legend involves all three sisters marrying the same mortal man. This narrative ties her closely to the foundational stories of the Meitei people and their indigenous religious traditions.
Tools and materials
Pigeons and doves are her primary symbols. They represent her authority and presence. Devotees may look to these birds as signs of her influence. The animals themselves act as living extensions of her divine will in the natural world.
Khunu Leima, drawn and placed
- Living
- Revived
- Fading
- Historical
- Legendary
- Performed
- Lineage
- Meitei mythology
What it is for
Her role is primarily that of a ruler and protector of specific creatures. People revere her for her control over pigeon flocks. The Lai Haraoba festival is associated with her worship, though specific rituals are not detailed in available records. Her purpose centers on maintaining order among the birds under her care.
Who does it
Scholars study her role in Meitei mythology. There is no evidence of widespread modern public worship by general households. Her status is maintained through oral traditions and religious texts of the Sanamahism faith. The Meitei ethnic group identifies her as part of their cultural heritage.
Peoples and places
The Meitei people of Manipur recognize Khunu Leima as a key deity. She is part of the broader Sanamahism tradition. Other regions do not widely acknowledge her. Her significance is tied specifically to the geography and culture of Northeast India.
At a glance: who, where and when
What people believe
Sanamahism views her as a powerful spirit connected to the sky god Salailen. The belief system holds that she can command nature. The story of her marriage to a mortal man highlights her connection between the divine and human realms. This union is a core part of her mythological identity.
When it is done
The Lai Haraoba festival is linked to her veneration. This event celebrates various deities in the Meitei calendar. Specific dates for her worship are not explicitly defined in standard sources. The festival serves as a time for community remembrance of such figures.
How scholars and sceptics see it
Anthropologists and historians document her place in Meitei mythology. Researchers analyze the family dynamics of the goddesses. The legend of the shared husband is studied for its social implications. These accounts help preserve the history of the indigenous religion.
Compare and confuse
Ngaleima is another Meitei goddess, but she rules over fish. While Khunu Leima governs birds, Ngaleima governs aquatic life. Both are daughters of Salailen. This parallel shows how different domains of nature are managed by distinct female deities in the same pantheon.
Today
Her legacy survives in cultural studies and religious practice within Manipur. Diaspora communities may remember her through stories. Commercialization is minimal compared to larger global deities. She remains a specific figure for those engaged with Meitei spiritual traditions.
Questions people ask about Khunu Leima
Who is Khunu Leima?
She is a female deity in Meitei mythology who rules over pigeons and doves. Her name means pigeon lady. She is a daughter of the sky god Salailen and lives in the religious tradition of Manipur.
Where does this belief come from?
It comes from Sanamahism, the indigenous religion of the Meitei people in Manipur, India. The stories are part of the local folklore and mythological history of Northeast India.
What powers does she have?
She is believed to be the ruler of all pigeons. Legends say she can summon every pigeon to any place she wishes. This power demonstrates her authority over avian creatures.
Is she related to other gods?
Yes, she is the sister of Nganu Leima and Shapi Leima. All three are daughters of Salailen. Legend states they all married the same mortal man, linking them to human history.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Khunu Leima", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryJaadu rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Names and customs differ from one community to the next, and some knowledge is closed to outsiders and left out here. This page describes belief and practice. It does not say that any of it works, it is not a how-to, and it is not medical advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-06.
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