Sanamahism or Sanamahi religion (Meitei: ꯁꯅꯥꯃꯍꯤ ꯂꯥꯏꯅꯤꯡ), also known as Kangleism (Kanglei religion) or Lainingthouism (Lainingthou religion) or Meitei religion or Meetei religion or ancient Manipuri religion, is an ancient ancestor worshipping religion. It is the indigenous religion of the Meitei people and the tribal people of Manipur.[2][3] It is a polytheistic religion. In Sanamahism, thousands of Gods are worshipped in several pantheons.[4][5] It is a pre-Vaishnavite faith of the Meiteis[6] and the pre-Hinduism religion of Manipur.[7] This minority religion is a legally as well as socially recognized religion.[8]
Sanamahism is a 3800 years old religion and has its roots mainly in Southeast Asia. During its revivalism process, Sanamahism has some conflicts with Hinduism.[9]
↑Bertil Lintner (2015). Great Game East: India, China, and the Struggle for Asia's Most Volatile Frontier. Yale University Press. p. 113. ISBN 978-0-300-19567-5.