Nahangma, the Warrior Life-Force Goddess
Kirati · deity · mythic / cult continuous to present · deity
Nahangma is a martial deity of the Limbu, imagined enthroned on the mountain heights in the manner of Himalayan war-gods. In the Nahangma rite the shaman calls upon her so that the household head's soul may 'rise' (sam phungma) and his warrior dignity and political legitimacy be renewed; he receives arms identical to hers. In the oral tradition she and the grandmother-mother Yuma are figured as standing antagonists, a polarity of martial and nurturing power.
Domains
- war and warrior prowess
- life force of the household head
Powers
- to raise the warrior life-force of the household head
- to grant prowess and victory in war