Whispers of the Flooded Kangleipak: The Sacrifice of Yairipok’s Maiden

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Yairipok Thambalnu — The Unlucky Meitei Maiden — Sacrificed to the Water God Wangpulen to stop the great flood of the Imphal River & her tributaries in Kangleipak Kingdom (Manipur) — Her death brought back peace
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Once upon a time, in the verdant valleys of Kangleipak, now known as Manipur, there lived a young maiden named Thambalnu, which means “Lotus girl” in the Meitei language.

Her home was in the picturesque Yairipok region, where she lived a humble life with her mother and younger brother. Thambalnu was blessed with a beauty so profound that it became the talk of the town, and her gentle spirit was as calming as the serene waters of the Kanglei realm.

Lady Thambalnu’s days were spent helping her mother with chores and playing with her friends of the village. Her laughter was like music, and her presence was like the soft glow of the morning sun.

Among the many who were enchanted by her charm were two young men: Mohon Singh, a kind-hearted soul with a modest background, and Pranam Singh Selungba, a man of noble birth and an official in King Gambhir Singh’s court.

The affection both men harbored for Thambalnu soon turned into a rivalry that threatened the peace of Yairipok. Mohon’s love was pure and simple, while Pranam’s was passionate and fierce. Thambalnu, in her wisdom, tried to soothe the growing tensions, but her efforts were in vain.

As fate would have it, a great calamity befell the kingdom. The Imphal River, which had been a source of life for the people, swelled with the monsoon rains and breached its banks. The land was flooded, and the people were in despair.

The Royal Oracle, seeking to appease the water deity Wangpulen (also known as Wangpuren or Wangbaren or Wangbren), declared that the sacrifice of a maiden with her name ending with a suffix “nu”, would bring an end to their suffering.

The choice fell upon Thambalnu, whose beauty had already caused much discord. Some say she was chosen out of jealousy, others believe it was her destiny.

On the fateful day, as the villagers gathered by the river’s edge, Thambalnu looked upon her people with love and compassion. With a heart heavy but resolute, she stepped into the waters, offering herself to the deity.

The waters that had raged like wild horses calmed, and the floods receded. Thambalnu’s sacrifice had saved her people, but at the cost of her own life. The village of Yairipok mourned the loss of their Lotus girl, and her story was etched into the annals of history.

Today, the tale of Lady Yairipok Thambalnu is more than just a story; it is a legacy of love, sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit of the people of Manipur. It is a reminder of the power of nature and the sacrifices made by those who came before us.

And so, the memory of Thambalnu, the Lotus girl, continues to bloom in the hearts of those who hear her story.