A Maiba or an Amaiba (literally, "priest") is a male religious leader authorised to perform the sacred rites and rituals of Sanamahism (Meitei religion), especially as a mediatory agent between human beings and one or more deities. They have the authority or power to administer religious rites as well as sacrifices to gods. Their office or institution is called Maiba Loishang (Maiba Loisang), later renamed as Pandit Loisang, during Aryanisation of Meitei culture. They also served as healers, doctors, magicians, medicine men, physicians and shamans. They play important roles in the ancestor worship (apokpa khurumjaba) ceremony. Chief priest or chief among the maibas is called Maichou, a term formed with the amalgamation of two words ("maiba"- priest, "achouba"- big, chief, great). Since their position is not hereditary, they acquire their positions through talent and skills. The female counterpart of a Maiba is a Maibi.

According to the Loiyumpa Silyel Constitution,

1. Asheibam family is responsible for attending to the cleansing of the monarch.

2. Aram-bam family is responsible for taking care of the bathe.

3. Toibicham family is responsible for playing the Tharaochi (Meetei musical instrument).

4. Arupam (Arubam) family is responsible for maintaining cleanliness and purity.

5. Aheibam family is responsible for making the Pukhamnati (plate with decorated rim).

6. Loukham family is responsible for drawing the Meiba (Meetei device to produce fire).