Meitei prophet

Laininghan Naoria Phulo
Phundrei
Born28 August 1888
LaishramKhun Mayai Leikai, Cachar (now Hailakandi) Assam
Died1941
NationalityManipuri
Occupation(s)Philosopher and religious reformer[1]
OrganizationFounded the Apokpa Marup in 1930, Cachar[2]
Known forRevivalism of the antique paganism Apokpaism (Meitei religion) of the Meitei ethnicity[3]
Notable workYumlai Lairon (1930), Meetei Yelhou Mayek (1931), Sakok Thiren (1931), Apokpa Mapugee Tungnapham (Laiwaa Ahumsuba) (1931), Singthaa Cheithaaron (1931), Chingnu Lairembee (1931), Gour Dharma Chatlakpa mataang (1931), Hounabung Amasung Laannabung (Meetei Leipaak Laipham) (1932), Ningthouren Paamheiba (1932), Tengbaanba Amasung Lainingthou Laibao (Laiwaa Ahaanba) (1933), Ahan Yaathang (1933), Konsen Turei Sengbagee Waaree (1934), Meetei Houbham Waaree (1934), Athoiba seireng (1935), Hourakpa Amasung Houbham (1935), Tha-in-Nong-in (Laiwaa Anisuba) (1936), Khudaa Nipaan (1936), Baamon-gee Matik (1937), Eigee Waareng (1940)[4]
TitleLaininghan
FamilyNaorem

Laininghan Naoria Phulo (born 28 August 1888) was a Meitei religious leader and the founder of Apokpa Marup. The objectives of Apokpa Marup are to spread and propagate the Apokpa Laining, a traditional cult and faith with renovation in rituals and religious functions.[5] According to Meitei doctrines, he was regarded as a prophet who was born to preserve and revive the suppressed ancient paganism of the Meitei ethnicity. He is seen as an example for all Meiteis to follow. Blessed by the divine grace of Apokpa Mapu, he discovered Meetei Yelhou Mayek after a long seven-year search with full concentration and determination, free from the carnal desire of family life. The source of inspiration for the search is that his pensive mind could not compromise with the idea that the Meetei had no written character of their own language. He introduced Meetei Yelhou Mayek to the front premises of his house in 1931.[6] He also left Sakok Thiren, the Meetei holy scripture, the philosophical doctrine behind creation and the being, with reference to the origin of the Meeteis. It is also known as “Hourakpa Puyaa.” [7] Still today, people celebrate his birthday in the month of Thawan, according to Meitei calendar, both in Assam and Manipur. [8]

Introduction

Laininghan Naoria Phulo, born on Tuesday, Bhadra Krishna Saptami Tithi, in 1810 Sakabda, was a significant figure in the Meetei community. Born in Laishramkhun Mayai Leikai, now known as Rajyeswarpur-II, he hailed from a noble family with a rich cultural heritage. Phulo's early years were marked by affection and thoughtfulness, earning him the endearing nickname "Phundrei" or "turner" due to his charming nature.[9]

Early Education and Career

Phulo received his early education at Rajyeswarpur No. 34 L.P. School and later excelled at Govt. Victoria Memorial High School, Hailakandi. After passing the entrance examination in 1914, he briefly served as an assistant teacher before joining the Assam Police Service as a sub-inspector in 1918. His postings in various locations exposed him to diverse influences, particularly those of saints and sadhus from the Meetei community.[10]

Revival of Meetei's Religion

Phulo was deeply committed to reviving the ancient Meetei religion, Apokpa Laining, which faced suppression during the reign of King Pamheiba. He faced criticism and opposition for challenging superstitious beliefs, leading to his ousting and boycott from society in 1929. Undeterred, Phulo, along with his supporters, formally embraced Apokpa Laining on April 12, 1930, marking a turning point in Meetei's religious history.[11]

Formation of Apokpa Marup

In April 1930, Phulo founded the universal religious institution, Apokpa Marup, with the objective of spreading Apokpa Laining and promoting a classless Meetei society. He emphasized the rejection of caste supremacy and faced initial obstructions from traditionalists. The formation of a governing body, Ahan Taraanithoi, comprising twelve superior devotees, became integral to decision-making within Apokpa Marup.[12]

Challenges and Triumphs

Phulo encountered numerous challenges, including physical attacks during rituals, but legal victories, such as the 1933 court verdict in favor of Apokpa Marup, strengthened his cause. His teachings gained recognition, especially after his attendance at the Nikhil Hindu Manipuri Mahasabha meeting in 1936, where he successfully advocated for the right to worship in one's own language and traditions.[13]

Legacy

In 1937, Tikendradhwaja, the Rajkumar of Maharaja Kulachandra of Manipur, conferred upon Phulo the title "LAININGHAN: Dharma Guru" after being impressed by his teachings. Phulo also promoted the introduction of Meetei Yelhou Mayek, the ancient Meetei script, foreseeing its prevalence in the future. His legacy continues through Apokpa Marup, dedicated to the development of Apokpa Laining.[14]

Literary Contributions

Phulo authored numerous holy books in the Meetei language, contributing significantly to the theological aspect of Apokpa Laining. His writings remain essential to understanding the principles and beliefs of the ancient Meetei faith. Some of the important literary works by Laininghan Naoria Phulo are:

  • 1. Yumlai Lairon (1930): Procedure and Rituals of Apokpa Worshiping Inside the House of Every Meeteis Family
  • 2. Meetei Yelhou Mayek (1931): the ancient script found inscribed on a piece of metal preserved by the headman of every Meeteis clan and worshiped. Laininghan Naoria Phulo put much more stress on this script to be the real Meetei script and to use the same to pave the way for development in Meetei writings.
  • 3. Sakok Thiren (1931): The philosophical doctrine behind creation and being with reference to the origin of the Meeteis It is also known as “Hourakpa Puyaa.”
  • 4. Apokpa Mapugee Tungnapham (Laiwaa Ahumsuba) (1931): The existence and realization of God, supreme power Almighty, with all His attributes and relations between the finite and the infinite. It is the third philosophical doctrine of Laininghan.
  • 5. Singthaa Cheithaaron (1931): The procedure of Meetei rituals for socio-religious functions
  • 6. Chingnu Lairembee (1931): Panegyric of Umang Lairembee, believed by the Meeteis
  • 7. Gour Dharma Chatlakpa Mataang (1931): The period when the Meeteis converted to the Vaishnaba cult and how the king Paamheiba was influenced by Saanto Das Gossai
  • 8. Hounabung Amasung Laannabung (Meetei Leipaak Laipham) (1932): Identification of the Original Land of the Meeteis and Appraisal of Motherland Meetei Leipak with all solemnity
  • 9. Ningthouren Paamheiba (1932): About the king Paamheiba and how Santo Das Gossai influenced him to burn to ashes all the scriptures whatever the Meeteis had, and also how he captured Irom Thambaal, killing Irom Chaoba, her husband.
  • 10. Tengbaanba Amasung Lainingthou Laibao (Laiwaa Ahaanba) (1933): The Universe and God and the Ideas Behind Creation This is the first philosophical doctrine of Laininghan
  • 11. Ahan Yaathang (1933): Advice of the Guru to His disciples on How to Realize Oneself and God by Observing Celibacy and Achieving Divine Grace
  • 12. Konsen Turei Sengbagee Waaree (1934): A poem written on Sanaamahi and insisting upon the Meeteis to realize their own things.
  • 13. Meetei Houbham Waaree (1934): Description of the origin of the Meeteis generation at Meetei Leipak (Manipur) with a plea to acknowledge their own identity.
  • 14. Athoiba seireng (1935): The special poems with humble appeal to use one’s own tongue in religious affairs
  • 15. Hourakpa Amasung Houbham (1935): Evolution of the Universe and the Being and Social Order
  • 16. Tha-in-Nong-in (Laiwaa Anisuba) (1936): Comparison of the way of couple life with that of celibacy and relations between Atma and Paramatma It is the second philosophical doctrine of Laininghan.
  • 17. Khudaa Nipaan (1936): Description of the celestial bliss experienced by Laininghan in eight steps of moment
  • 18. Baamon-gee Matik (1937): Might of the Meetei Brahmins on the Meetei Society
  • 19. Eigee Waareng (1940): Laininghan Naoria Phulo’s own words criticize misinterpretations and corruptions, especially by the Meeteis in the Vaishnaba cult, and help them realize reality. [15]

Conclusion

Laininghan Naoria Phulo's life was a dedicated pursuit of reviving and preserving the ancient Meetei religion, Apokpa Laining. His courage in challenging orthodoxy and promoting a classless society left an indelible mark on Meetei's religious and cultural history. Today, Apokpa Marup stands as a testament to Phulo's enduring legacy.[16]

Bibliography

References

  1. ↑ Sanajaoba, Naorem (1988). Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization. ISBN 9788170998532.
  2. ↑ Devi, Lairenlakpam Bino (2002). The Lois of Manipur: Andro, Khurkhul, Phayeng and Sekmai. ISBN 9788170998495.
  3. ↑ Laininghan Naoria Phulo (Phundrei) Memorial Trust, or Laininghan Trust (2022). A seminar on “Laininghan Phulogi Khorirolna Khunaida Piriba Khudol”.
  4. ↑ Ahan Taranithoi, Haunasang, Apokpa Marup (2010). A Brief Life Sketch of LAININGHAN NAORIA PHULO THE PROPHET (1888–1941).{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  5. ↑ Naoria, Amusana (2015). Apokpa Laining (in Manipuri).
  6. ↑ Laininghan, Naoria Phulo (1931). Meetei Yelhou Mayek (in Manipuri).
  7. ↑ SAKOK THIREN (The holy book of the Meeteis) Left by: Laininghan Naoria Phulo, the founder of Apokpa Marup, the propagator of Apokpa Religion. Ahan Taranithoi Haunasang Apokpa Marup. 2010.
  8. ↑ Sanajaoba, Naorem (1988). Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization. Mittal Publications. ISBN 978-81-7099-853-2.
  9. ↑ Ahan Taranithoi, Haunasang, Apokpa Marup (2010). A Brief Life Sketch of LAININGHAN NAORIA PHULO THE PROPHET (1888–1941).{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  10. ↑ Ahan Taranithoi, Haunasang, Apokpa Marup (2010). A Brief Life Sketch of LAININGHAN NAORIA PHULO THE PROPHET (1888–1941).{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  11. ↑ Ahan Taranithoi, Haunasang, Apokpa Marup (2010). A Brief Life Sketch of LAININGHAN NAORIA PHULO THE PROPHET (1888–1941).{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  12. ↑ Ahan Taranithoi, Haunasang, Apokpa Marup (2010). A Brief Life Sketch of LAININGHAN NAORIA PHULO THE PROPHET (1888–1941).{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  13. ↑ Ahan Taranithoi, Haunasang, Apokpa Marup (2010). A Brief Life Sketch of LAININGHAN NAORIA PHULO THE PROPHET (1888–1941).{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  14. ↑ Ahan Taranithoi, Haunasang, Apokpa Marup (2010). A Brief Life Sketch of LAININGHAN NAORIA PHULO THE PROPHET (1888–1941).{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  15. ↑ Ahan Taranithoi, Haunasang, Apokpa Marup (2010). A Brief Life Sketch of LAININGHAN NAORIA PHULO THE PROPHET (1888–1941).{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  16. ↑ Ahan Taranithoi, Haunasang, Apokpa Marup (2010). A Brief Life Sketch of LAININGHAN NAORIA PHULO THE PROPHET (1888–1941).{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)

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