Goddess Yumjao Leima appears in a human form in white clothes to come to bless her son, the King of the kingdom.[6] Even during the death of a king, she came to the place in the form of a mortal being. She controls the life and the death of the kings. She is the chief of the household and the guidance of the kings.[5]
Relationship with the Queen Mother
Yumjao Leima is the divine representation of the Queen Mother of Kangleipak. All former queen mothers are integrated into the goddess. The Meitei kings ruled the in the names of their Queen Mothers. Battles and wars were conducted in the name of the Queen Mothers. In former times of war, the severed heads of enemies were offered to the goddess.[3][5]
Worship
Worshippers pray to Yumjao Leima for the longevity of the King. Her rites and rituals are performed by the Nongmai or middle-ranking class of maibis (priestesses) who lead her cult.[15][1] Yumjao Lairemma is mainly worshipped by the Thaopicham clan.[16]
Temples
Temple of Yumjao Lairembi, Kangla
The "Temple of Yumjao Lairembi" inside the Kangla is at the left side of the Temple of Pakhangba. Structurally, both the temples are of the same architectural styles. The southern wall of the temple is well decorated. The remaining three walls of the temple are of little decorations. A door with the lancite arch is in the southern wall of the temple. Two false doors surround the two sides of the one real door. All the doors (real and false) are framed with pilasters. The ground plan of the temple is in square shape. Its area covered is 2.43 square meters.[17]
Ima Ibemma Yumjao Lairembi Shanglen
In October 2011, a temple named "Ima Ibemma Yumjao Lairembi Shanglen" was built in honor of goddess Yumjao Lairembi in Thangmeiband town in Imphal.[18]
Yumjao Lairembi Temple is in Meino Leirak, Sagolband, Imphal, Manipur.
Thaoroijam Yumjao Lairembi Temple is in Thaoroijam Mamang Leikai, Nambol, Manipur.
Namesakes
Yumjao Lairembi Dramatic and Cultural Union
The "Yumjao Lairembi Dramatic and Cultural Union" is a nonprofit dramatic union. It was established in Khagempali Huidrom Leikai, Imphal in the year 2011.[20][21][22]