Henjunaha and Lairoulembi facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Story of Henjunaha and Lairoulembi
A book art depicting Henjunaha fighting the evil spirits
Folk tale
Name	Story of Henjunaha and Lairoulembi
Also known as	Henjunaha Lairoulembi (Old Manipuri: Hensunaha Lailoulempi)
Data
Aarne–Thompson grouping	no
Mythology	Meitei mythology (Manipuri mythology)
Country	Ancient Kangleipak (historical)  India (present)
Region	Moirang, Manipur
Related	Meitei folklore (Manipuri folklore), Meitei literature (Manipuri literature)

The Henjunaha Lairoulembi (Old Manipuri: Hensunaha Lailoulempi) is a famous love story from Manipur, India. It tells the exciting tale of Henjunaha and Lairoulembi. This legend is part of the Meitei mythology and folklore. It comes from the ancient Moirang province of Ancient Kangleipak (which is now Manipur).

This epic story is about the strong love between Henjunaha and Lairoulembi. Henjunaha was a brave boy raised by his poor mother. Lairoulembi was a kind girl from a wealthy family. Their love faced many challenges. They were even separated by a sad event. But Lairoulembi was very determined. She managed to convince Thongalen (Thongaren), the God of death. She asked him to send them both back to the human world.

"Henjunaha Lairoulembi" (Modern Meitei) and "Hensunaha Lailoulempi" (Ancient Meitei) are the names of the hero and heroine in this story. They are believed to be reborn divine lovers from Moirang, Kangleipak (early Manipur).

The Story of Henjunaha and Lairoulembi

A Love Story Begins

The story begins with the god Thangching (Thangjing). He created two people, Henjunaha Yangleingamba and Lairoulembi. He made them destined to be deeply in love. Henjunaha's father passed away when he was very young. His widowed mother, Khoiju Hongbi, raised him with great care. Lairoulembi grew up with her father, Thongnang Ningthouba. As they got older, their love for each other grew stronger.

A Mother's Warning

One day, Henjunaha's mother, Khoiju Hongbi, had a strange dream. It reminded her of the sad day her husband died. In her dream, she saw her headscarf fall into a stream. The current carried it away. Then, some people found it and gave it back to her. This unusual dream made her very worried. She warned Henjunaha not to leave their house.

A Fateful Night

The night before his mother's warning, someone had died nearby. Their body was buried at a place called "Khundinbi." This spot was close to Henjunaha's home. That evening, Henjunaha had dinner with his mother. She went to bed earlier than usual. But Henjunaha could not sleep. He really wanted to see Lairoulembi.

He quietly slipped out of the house. He carried a polo-stick with him. He walked towards Lairoulembi's house in the dark.

Facing Evil Spirits

When Henjunaha was about halfway, he heard strange sounds. They seemed to come from "Khundinbi." At first, he thought it was just villagers talking. But soon, he realized the truth. It was a group of evil spirits having a feast! Henjunaha felt scared, but he stayed calm. He knew if he ran, the spirits would catch him.

So, he decided to join them. He covered his head to pretend he was one of them. The spirits soon smelled a living human. They counted their members and found one extra. Henjunaha quickly tricked them. He offered to recount and said the number was correct. This confused the spirits. While they were still confused, Henjunaha slipped away. He ran as fast as he could towards Lairoulembi's house.

The spirits realized they had been tricked. They chased after him. They caught him just as he was about to step onto Lairoulembi's porch. Lairoulembi was fast asleep. She did not hear her lover's cries for help. When she woke up and came outside, she saw a terrible sight. Henjunaha was lying in a pool of blood. In her grief, she took a sharp knife and ended her own life right there.

A Journey to the Underworld

Henjunaha's soul was taken to the land of the dead. But Lairoulembi's soul was not allowed to enter. She was stopped from crossing the Styx (called Ashi Turel in Meitei). This river of the dead could only be crossed by a tiny thread and a bar. Disappointed, she cried on the dry riverbank.

Meanwhile, the youngest wife of God Thongalen (Thongaren), the God of death, came to fetch water. She saw Lairoulembi's soul. The goddess felt very sorry for her. She pleaded with her husband, God Thongalen. She asked him to give Lairoulembi's soul a place. At first, Thongalen said no. But he later changed his mind. He allowed both Henjunaha and Lairoulembi's souls to return to the human world. They could enjoy life again for one hundred years.

A Happy Return

Back in the human world, Lairoulembi's parents had a smart dog. The dog heard sounds coming from under the burial ground. It quickly led its masters to the spot. They dug up the ground. To everyone's surprise, Henjunaha and Lairoulembi woke up and were alive again! The two devoted lovers then lived happily ever after.

See also

• Lai Khutshangbi