Revisiting Priesthood System of Limbu Community

Abstract

Limbus are one of the major tribes residing in the hills of Darjeeling and Kalimpong, Sikkim, Eastern Nepal and other parts of Northeastern states of India. They worship ancestors, nature and various deities. They call their religion ‘Yumaism’ or ‘Yuma Samyo’ and their religious philosophy ‘Mundhum’. Based on Mundhum they have numerous customs, tradition and customary laws, rites and rituals. They have their self-established priesthood system comprising of different categories of priests, collectively known as Pegi Fangsam or Murabang in Limbu language. The Murabangha are an indispensable part of Limbu community. Limbus believe that without Murabangha, the existence of Mundhum is unimaginable and all their rites and rituals will remain unattainable. In the absence of the concept of temple, idols worshiping and religious texts in the Limbu community, the relevance of Murabangha are utmost. They are believed to possess a comprehensive knowledge of Mundhum and have immeasurable responsibility of protecting, preserving and passing on the Mundhum. With this background, this paper attempts to revisit the relevance of priesthood system, their structure and role in Limbu community. This study is supplemented by both primary and secondary data. For primary information, interviews of Limbu shamans and Mundhum experts were conducted. Existing literature including books and articles on Limbu culture and traditions were referred to as secondary source of information.