TODAY -

The Concept of Soul in Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak
- Part 2 -

Chaoba Kamson *



A Scene from The Zeliangrongs :: Pix by Haobam Ronel (Director)
A Scene from The Zeliangrongs :: Pix by Haobam Ronel (Director)



8. Belief in the concept of Taroiram :

Taroiram means the land of the dead where ancestors live. Soul after departing from the body will live in a new place temporarily with his ancestors. That new place is called Taroiram.

The soul will come across the following places on the way of Taroiram :

(i) Ambaan Raangbang (a village gate)
(ii) Bamdondai (a resting place)
(iii) Tanungduipaang ( a river running between the border of Taroiram and human world)
(iv) Marinbangjang (a beautiful place situated at Taroiram)
(v) Phoulenlong (a windy place of Taroiram)
(vi) Taroi Bamdondai (a resting place of Taroiram)
(vii) Taroi Raangbang (a gate of Taroiram)
(viii) Taroi Kaidai ( a village of Taroiram)
(ix) Taroigwangbam (a place of Taroigwang)

The human soul will come and take rest at Marinbangjang and pass through the range of Phoulenlong.

Tingkao Ragwang created a male god called Taroigwang (Tamanpu) and his wife called Tamanpui empowering them to look after the souls in the land of the dead. Taroigwang means king of the Taroiram where he presides over. At the behest of Tingkao Ragwang, Taroigwang gives right direction to the soul to go this way or that way.

It is also believed that Taroigwang will give divine punishment to human soul in the land of the dead for wrong doing. The soul of good doer will climb paradise through the golden ladder culminating ultimately in the place of Tingkao Ragwang which is the highest place. Human soul is asked many questions relating to his activities during his life time by Taroigwang.

If good deeds done are more whereas bad deeds are less, the soul will start for rebirth. If good deeds done are less, such soul continues to live in the land of the dead suffering from anxiety and pain with a specific period. If such stipulated time is over, the soul will lead for rebirth. When a man dies, an elder will shout Au Auwe against the crown of the dead.

Au Au we mean giving courage to him, not to be afraid on the way of Taroiram. Thereafter a piece of ginger purifies the whole dead body addressing his name that his nature of death is normal and not unnatural (Theigai). The elder will tell him to go a good way and pour a little quantity of water in the hearth. A ritual called Gu-Kasetkeimei will be performed.

Unless this ritual is performed, the dead body cannot be taken a bath. After that, some hair of the dead will be cut followed by taking a bath. On reaching in the land of the dead, Taroigwang asks the dead man whether he takes bath or not. If not taken bath, Taroigwang is very angry with him. So it is compulsory to take bath for the dead as per custom. After burying the dead, diggers of the grave will go round the grave for three times starting from left side and again turning three times in right side.

Thereafter, the soul will leave the grave and proceed to his destination. The soul will travel on the back of frog while crossing over the river of Tanungduireng. So, the devotees of Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak (TRC) never kill any kind of frogs. And a dog slaughtered for the dead man will bark the evil spirits. Singing a mourning song (chun-Luh) for the dead man means to have a drink in the land of the dead. Garments for the dead are always worn on the left side so as to avoid removal of the same by the violent wind of Phoulenlong.

Therefore, left is always used for the dead. As soon as the dead man reaches the land of the dead, his ancestral relatives also ask many questions to him relating to worldly life. When he crosses over the river of Tanungduireng, he expresses melancholy and cries rolling over the surface on the earth looking back the material world.

When a man dies, a goat or a dog or a cow or a pig is slaughtered in honour of the dead. He uses the goat as a horse and the dog as his bodygurad. There is a belief that the human soul eats all the offerings but he does not eat solid things simply he enjoys smell only.

After Gaan-Ngai festival, the living descendents never offer any kind of rice or curry or drink or eatable on the grave. Good soul crosses the bridge constructed over the river of Tanungduireng whereas sinful soul crosses over the bridge sadly which is as small as hair.

The frogs carry on their backs those souls who cannot cross over the river. They have forgotten all the pleasures of the worldly life by eating a fruit of LUNG-NIM-THAI. Lung means mind, Nim means control and Thai means fruit. He will proceed to the land of the dead, the place of Taroigwang.

Those who commit suicide always live in a dark place where there is no light at all. They feel regretted why do they commit suicide ? They will spend the rest of their life in sadness and disappointment.

9. Belief in the concept of Rebirth :

The followers of TRC believe the concept of transmigration which is known as rebirth. If a man is born, he will die; if he dies he will be reborn. When a transmigrated soul is born in new life that is called rebirth. After death, the soul goes to the land of the dead. After living there the soul will be born to human world. There is a belief that if a married sister dies, her brother will slaughter a pig or a cow or a fowl for her. That is called Theigui Loumei.

The purpose of Theigui Loumei is for her soul to be reborn in the family or clan of her father. Vivid evidence in this respect is that when a person dies the members of his family out of love with the colour of garlic or dried charcoal put a mark at a visible part of the dead body to identify the soul.

After some years, a person is born with such a visible mark then it is affirmed that the same soul is born and returned to his family. This indicates that an old member of the family returns home. During his long staying at Taroiram, Tingkao Ragwang will judge whether the said soul can be reborn or will continue to stay there. If satisfied, the soul will lead for rebirth. There is also a belief that the present people who were once born are the rebirth people.

10. Belief in the concept of Thundijang (Thuntadijang) :

Thundijang means place of extinction of life. Thun means a kind of plant and Dijang means place of extinction of life. Unpardonable sinful soul will go to Thundijang. The said soul lives in the midst of insects, mosquitoes etc. feeling hungry and spending in dark place.

Such soul expresses why does he commit such immoral sins of man and divine ? After living there, the soul converts into a big tree. Such soul will take a lot of time to become a man.

Whereas, the soul who converted into Thunbang will become as human being quickly. There is a belief that the inexcusable sinful soul will grow as Thunbang which will automatically be rotted after expiry of its life, the rotten plant will convert into worm, this worm is eaten by a bird again and this bird is eaten by man, and then the soul will be reborn among human being. So, there is no concept of extinction of life forever in TRC faith.

11. Concept of Sin :

Sin is a deviation from the accepted social, moral and spiritual norm of a society. In TRC belief, when a man breaks the social and moral code of conduct, it is called a sin. He gets retribution in different forms.

After death, human soul will transform into lower beings of animals, plants, trees, or vegetables and ultimately extinction of life or conversion into non living objects. However, there is a strong belief in the atonement of sin for wrong doings of man by Tingkao Ragwang if proper and prayer are offered to Him.

12. No concept of Hell :

There is no concept of hell in TRC belief. Taroigwang will punish the evil doers of the human world when they come to the land of the dead.

13. Calling of Soul :

The Zeliangrong people have the practice of Bukaomei ritual which implies calling of soul. The objective of this ritual is to return the soul to its original place, human body. Sometimes, soul goes out of body because of startling news or action caused by accident or unexpected events.

14. Ritual for Restoration of Soul :

When human soul is detained by Taroigwang, a ritual called, Taroijaimei Thoumung is performed by a priest beseeching him to release the captured soul.

15. Where does the soul go out of the body after death ?

It is believed that the soul goes out through nine natural openings of the body after death. they are two eyes, two ears, two nostrils, mouth, penis and anus. If the soul goes out of the eyes, his eyes open alive, his mouth open wide so and so forth.

Therefore, as soon as, a man dies, efforts are made to check up whether his mouth and eyes are in normal shape. It is also believed that good soul departs from the crown as exception whereas a sinful soul goes out through penis or anus after death.

16. Unnatural dead soul :

Unnatural death soul means one who commits suicide by consumption of poison, hanging, jumping down from a tree etc. Such soul is denied to access to the abode of Tingkao Ragwang as a divine punishment. So, the soul shows signs of mental anguish and haunts the human being. Such act of suicide is a great crime and immorality.

Concluded...


* Chaoba Kamson wrote this article for Hueiyen Lanpao (English Edition)
The writer is General Secretary, Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak Phom, Assam, Manipur & Nagaland.
This article was posted on December 27, 2011.



* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • 31st Governor Cup Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • PM welcome to Manipur: Feel the reality
  • Kainkhol wins best Social Message Film Award
  • Distortion of facts: Manipur sports movement
  • Govt services reach Manipur's tribal villages
  • 134th Durand Cup Trophies Flag Off
  • COVID-19: Update 05 July 2025 : Manipur
  • How to take care of oily skin in monsoon
  • First-Ever Tripura Esports Championship
  • Konung Kang Chingba #1 : Gallery
  • Manipur Iskcon's 25th Ratha Yatra 2025
  • Native Threshing machine made for farmers
  • COVID-19: Update 04 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Riso Ejang: Youth-led Transformation
  • Include males too in addressing HPV
  • Whispers from the past :: Poem
  • LPU opens permanent outreach centre
  • Raj Bhavan moving on the right track
  • Speculations over PM Modi's visit to state
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #7
  • Make Yourself Visible to Opportunity
  • Orange bowl: tradition with ecological wisdom
  • 10 ways to keep a kitchen garden disease free
  • Between PR, military mandates & AFSPA
  • Allocation fund for MLALAD Fund during PR
  • Denounces Killing of KNA Deputy C-in-C
  • COVID-19: Update 03 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Cases of fake Aadhaar cards
  • Sincere dealing must for stricter Aadhaar
  • Archaeology: Culture of Manipur : Booklet
  • Wanna be a singer? Get Botox
  • A Central institute in Manipur
  • Nagging in the name of love
  • COVID-19: Update 02 July 2025 : Manipur
  • 'Benefits' of Indira's Emergency
  • Social Stigma :: Poem
  • Inking a peace pact: Why, how: SoO quagmire
  • Van Mahotsav under shadow of declining forest
  • 11th Th Kishan Memorial Lecture : Gallery
  • Shinthoibi, Jangvei, Tamphaton : eMing
  • Manipur crisis & the Left media's blind spot
  • COVID-19: Update 01 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Bombom RK : Musclemania Universe NYC
  • The Grief :: Poem
  • Music Concert & Quiz (MCQ) 2.0
  • SoO agreement unlikely to be scrapped
  • Regulating use of plastic carry bags
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #4 : Gallery
  • International Day of Yoga @JNMDA : Gallery
  • BD Behring: The inimitable Gentleman I knew
  • Violence in the name of patriotism : Misguided
  • Daily oral vs long-acting injectable for HIV
  • COVID-19: Update 30 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Smile :: Poem
  • Why was President's Rule imposed ?
  • BJP under pressure to forge unity
  • Kang @Leikai in Imphal : Gallery
  • July Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • COVID-19 : A recurring crisis in Manipur
  • DC Kaith and Forestry in Manipur : Book
  • COVID-19: Update 29 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Longing for Peace :: Poem
  • Black badge, slogan protest by peeved scribes
  • Present the true picture before Delhi
  • Pung-Cholom @ Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Life: A Journey Through Thought & Being
  • Khongjai Hills & Kuki claim to indigeneity
  • Master Time by Managing Information
  • COVID-19: Update 28 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Pride & patriotism in CCpur's army families
  • The Power of Poppy - 87 :: Poem
  • World Decarbonisation Day: green environment
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #2 : Gallery
  • Loss of two precious lives from Manipur
  • Balancing civil liberties with public safety
  • COVID-19: Update 27 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Gender equality & human rights are indivisible
  • Stay hydrated this summer season
  • Silent Half of the Sun :: Poem
  • Connecting the dots in the wishlist
  • Assembly record tampering claims by ex-CM
  • The immortal legacy of Pukhramba Kajao
  • International Day against Drug Abuse 2025
  • COVID-19: Update 26 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Black pottery from Ukhrul - tribal heritage
  • Program on "Mission-Drug Free Campus"
  • Play makes a better world
  • Urgent Appeal to the Honourable MLAs
  • Tribal Empowerment Campaign at CCpur
  • Talk doing the round: PM to come
  • 'Emergency' relief for under-fire BJP
  • Golden Jubilee Art Fair @Imphal : Gallery
  • Declaration: Meetei People Convention, Delhi
  • A Flower Among the Rocks :: Review
  • Book Donation Campaign
  • Improved road connectivity boosts livelihoods
  • To Have Great Dreams :: Poem
  • COVID-19: Update 25 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Regret vs Sorry: Technical & moral insight
  • Cocktail of inept Govt, selfish people
  • State trailing others in cleanliness
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #6
  • UHI effect & rising temperatures in Manipur
  • Frequent road blockades cripple economy
  • COVID-19: Update 24 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Unite Health with Community health services
  • NSU, Imphal, tops IIRF Ranking 2025
  • Endless conflict :: Poem
  • Pak nobel pish prize for Trump
  • May 3, 2023 - June 24, 2025: Failure of Delhi
  • Hotter days, sudden rainfall no more a rarity
  • "The Great June Uprising" #2 : Gallery
  • How to Build a Career, Lead with Purpose
  • 2nd Foundation Day- Karnataka Meitei Assn
  • COVID-19: Update 23 June 2025 : Manipur
  • NSCN-IM Amnesty threatens to isolate it
  • Sunset :: Poem
  • Intl Yoga Day for a healthier environment
  • Of clogged drains and plastics
  • Poor roads testify Govt indifference
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #1 : Gallery
  • The Silent Erosion of Manipuri Language
  • Design health services around people
  • Serene Hills Host Inspiring Int'l Yoga Day
  • COVID-19: Update 22 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Chopper services between Senapati & Imphal
  • High Court Judges interacted with convicts
  • Redyeing the Fabric :: Poem
  • Differences yet to be resolved stand
  • Border fencing rage as solution eludes
  • Radio E-pao: 14 new songs updated
  • Climate Adaptive Agroforestry
  • Manipur overlooked demographic shifts
  • Young designers shine on Fashion Stage
  • COVID-19: Update 21 June 2025 : Manipur
  • International Day of Yoga at Lamphelpat
  • International Day of Yoga at JNMDA
  • The Power of Poppy - 86 :: Poem
  • Keishampat Lairembi Haraoba #1 : Gallery
  • Crisis in Manipur's Contemporary Education
  • Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema
  • Identity: Caught between China & India ?
  • COVID-19: Update 20 June 2025 : Manipur
  • To The Father Who Listens :: Poem
  • How does net suspension affect youths ?
  • Targeting farmers to cripple state's economy
  • The virus is back and spreading
  • Who is afraid of Manipur ?
  • A threatened lily growing at Shirui Hills
  • World Environment Day in Manipur : Gallery
  • Ambubachi Mela at Maa Kamakhya
  • COVID-19: Update 19 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Dolls made from repurposed vegetable refuse
  • Condemns Attack on Farmer & Killing
  • Abhorrent politics of SoO
  • Police arrogance on harmless drivers
  • "The Great June Uprising" #1 : Gallery
  • Solution from Buddhist & Jain perspectives
  • AI sparks employment concerns in Manipur
  • Greatest Foe :: Poem
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Kangpokpi
  • Call for Recognition of a 3rd Category of IDPs
  • Jun 18, 2001- May 3, 2023: Seed of violence
  • Contract scam in hill districts
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #5
  • Spaced Out - Panthung Di Kadaaida! : Rvw
  • Condemns the Killing of Abdul Qadir
  • COVID-19: Update 17 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Thoubal aspirant makes Manipur proud
  • Tamenglong hospital brings quality healthcare
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Mayang Imphal
  • Kuki CM & Sixth Schedule
  • Selective protests, selective silence
  • Nailing the culprits need of the hour
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Erwin Khundrakpam : NEET-UG 2025 topper
  • Will we rise to #endAIDS challenge or stumble
  • COVID-19: Update 16 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Appeal to Prime Minister: Manipur Crisis
  • Urges Action on Misinformation
  • Condolences : 2 young cabin crew
  • Grateful To Be Alive :: Poem
  • Making bonfire on the roads
  • Aggression yet again, inspite of playing victim
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #2 : Gallery
  • Zomia, geopolitics, & the struggle for unity
  • COVID-19: Update 15 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Condolences : Demise of 2 Manipuri Girls
  • Manipur unites in grief after Air India tragedy
  • Hail arms recovery as step toward peace
  • Cleanliness Drive at JNIMS Campus
  • Global Wind Day for a clean environment
  • First came the rain, then the heat
  • Rise in Covid-19 cases
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • Meetei diaspora in UK runs for Myanmar victim
  • Manipur empower children with disabilities
  • COVID-19: Update 14 June 2025 : Manipur
  • World Blood Donor Day 2025
  • The Power of Poppy - 85 :: Poem
  • A Northeast Gin Makes Its Mark
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #3 : Gallery
  • Saluting Nganthoi, Lamnunthem : Joining hand
  • Condolence : Nganthoi & Lamnunthem
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #4
  • Namphake Monastery @ Dibrugarh : Gallery
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • /li>
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • 27th Meira Paibi Numit : Gallery
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #1 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #3 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #2 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #1 : Gallery
  • S Nirupama @Miss Universe : Gallery
  • Protesters to Raj Bhavan [May 25]: Gallery
  • Human Chain @Airport road [May 26]: Gallery
  • Miss Shirui Pageant Contestant: Gallery
  • 48 hrs Bandh: protest security forces: Gallery
  • Protest Rally: Journalist harassment: Gallery
  • HSLC 2025: Full Result (Check Roll No)
  • HSLC 2025: Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2025 : Compartmental candidates
  • HSLC 2025 : Comparative Statement
  • HSLC 2025 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2025 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSLC 2025 : Govt School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Aided School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Private School Pass %
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #2 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #2: Gallery
  • Riya Khwairakpam : HSE Science Topper
  • Keisham Hannah : HSE Arts Topper
  • Warepam Lidia : HSE Commerce Topper
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 1 : Ooba Video
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025