Andriamanitra

Andriamanitra is a Malagasy term that generally translates to "God" or "the divine being" in English. It is a central concept in the traditional religions and spiritual beliefs of the Malagasy people, who inhabit the island of Madagascar. The term is often used to refer to a supreme creator deity who is seen as the ultimate source of all existence.

In many Malagasy belief systems, Andriamanitra is considered to be a transcendent and all-powerful being. While possessing ultimate authority, Andriamanitra is often perceived as being somewhat distant from the daily lives of humans, with intermediaries such as ancestors or spirits playing a more direct role in mediating between the divine and the earthly realms. However, the ultimate power and origin of all things are attributed to Andriamanitra.

The concept of Andriamanitra is not monolithic and can vary in its specific attributes and the ways in which it is understood and revered across different ethnic groups and regions of Madagascar. These variations reflect the diverse cultural and historical influences that have shaped Malagasy spirituality. The term is also often used in contemporary Malagasy Christianity and Islam, demonstrating its enduring significance in the island's religious landscape.