KlaudiaDupre70 at 11:31, 19 November 2025

2025-11-19T11:31:34Z

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{{Contains special characters|Meitei}}

The '''Chothe Thangwai Pakhangba''' ({{Script|Mtei|ꯆꯣꯊꯦ ꯊꯪꯋꯥꯏ ꯄꯥꯈꯪꯕ}}) is an 18th-century [[classical Meitei language]] literary work. The author addresses Vaisnava Thongnang Maya, who is identified as Meitei [[Pamheiba|King Garibniwaj]]. The story is a rare example of conjugal love in the [[ancient Moirang]] region and can be seen as the reverse of [[Nungpan Ponpi Luwaopa]].<ref name=":0">Manihar Singh, Ch. A History of Manipuri Literature. India: Sahitya Akademi, 1996.</ref><ref name=":1">A Glimpse of Manipuri Literary Works. N.p.: FSP Media Publications, 2018.</ref><ref>The Lost Kingdom of Moyon (Bujuur): Iruwng (King) Kuurkam Ngoruw Moyon & The People of Manipur. N.p.: Shashwat Publication, 2023.</ref>

== Birth and divine instruction ==

Thangwai Koting Ahanba was the king of [[Moirang]], and Leima Thammoilengpi was his queen. She became happy when she was pregnant, but the child was lost through a natural [[abortion]]. Soraren, the god of heaven, restored the child to her womb with instructions that he should be born as her son but should not live long enough to reach any [[rite of passage]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

Five months later, Soraren appeared in her dream, telling her that the child she carried was His own. He instructed that the child should not be given any ordinary food or drink. After the child was born, the god appeared again, revealed His connection to the child, and named him Chothe Thangwai Pakhangba.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

== Early life and marriage ==

Chothe Thangwai Pakhangba grew into a strong and graceful youth. His parents had forgotten the divine instructions. One day, he saw [[Sunulembi]], daughter of Thongnang Loikemba of [[Cachar]]i origin, and immediately fell in love with her. They were formally engaged and married in a grand ceremony.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

== Divine intervention ==

Soraren reminded Chothe Thangwai Pakhangba in a dream of the instructions given to his parents. When Sunulembi saw him in tears, he explained that he had to leave within five days. The next morning, this was told to his parents, friends, and relatives. On the appointed day, Chothe Thangwai Pakhangba, dressed in his best clothes with Sunulembi's help, prepared for the heavenly journey. Sunulembi insisted on accompanying him. They ascended towards the sky, observed by people below.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

== Trials on the journey ==

The couple faced several obstacles on their way to the abode of Soraren:

1. Flooded Sphere: The heavenly gate initially allowed only the husband to enter, but [[Sunulembi]] was later permitted.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

2. Swarm of Snakes: Sunulembi was allowed to proceed after her husband pleaded with the snakes.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

3. Access to Heaven: Soraren forbade the couple from staying together in heaven. He told Sunulembi to return to earth and feed her husband with heavenly food.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

Sunulembi refused, threatening to die from thirst and starvation if separated. Soraren sent dangers including a wild boar, a tiger, a flood, fire, and a hill-kite, but she remained unafraid.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

== Reunion and return ==

Moved by Sunulembi's devotion, Soraren allowed her to keep her husband. He also gave Chothe Thangwai Pakhangba the sceptre of Moirang and blessed him with a long and prosperous reign. The couple returned to earth alive and joyful, and the people of [[Moirang]] welcomed them, immediately making Chothe Thangwai Pakhangba king.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

== Themes and significance ==

The story combines fantasy with elements of realism, reflecting Moirang society of the time. Chothe Thangwai Pakhangba’s approach to love involved persuasion through friends and family rather than direct courtship. Sunulembi is portrayed as beautiful, calm, composed, and steadfast in love. Her courage and devotion are central to the story, and she is depicted as a figure comparable to legendary characters such as [[Savitri]] and [[Orpheus]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

== See also ==

* [[Nongban Pombi Luwaoba|Nungpan Ponpi Luwaopa]]
* [[Henjunaha]]
* [[Savitri and Satyavan]]
* [[Pativrata]]
* [[Orpheus and Eurydice]]
* [[Izanami]] and [[Izanagi]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Notelist}}

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[[Category:Meitei mythology]]
[[Category:Meitei folklore]]
[[Category:Meitei literature]]
[[Category:Couples]]
[[Category:Romantic literature]]

Chothe Thangwai Pakhangba - Revision history

KlaudiaDupre70 at 11:31, 19 November 2025