Puya Mei Thaba facts for kids
Puya Mei Thaba (which means "the burning of the sacred books") was a very important historical event in Manipur. It happened in 1729 AD. During this time, many old and sacred books, called puyas, were burned. These books belonged to the ancient Meitei faith, known as Sanamahism.
This event took place under the strict orders of Emperor Pamheiba. It happened on the 23rd day of the Manipuri lunar month of Wakching. The burning happened right in front of the Uttra Sanglen, which is inside the Kangla Palace in the Manipur kingdom. Many people see this event as the start of new religious ideas and changes coming into Manipuri society.
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What Were the Puyas?
The puyas were ancient and sacred scriptures of the Meitei people. They contained important knowledge about their history, culture, religion, and traditions. These books were like a treasure of wisdom for the Sanamahism faith, which was the traditional religion of the Meitei people for a very long time.
Who Was Emperor Pamheiba?
Emperor Pamheiba was a powerful ruler of the Manipur kingdom. He gave the orders for the puyas to be burned. This act was seen as a way to introduce new beliefs and change the existing religious practices in the kingdom. His rule marked a significant turning point in the history of Manipur.
Why Was This Event Important?
The burning of the puyas was a huge loss for the Meitei people. It meant that a lot of their ancient knowledge, stories, and religious texts were destroyed forever. This event is considered a major turning point because it led to big changes in the culture and religion of Manipur. It opened the door for new ideas and practices to become more common in society.
Remembering Puya Mei Thaba
Even today, this historic event is remembered. It is called "Puya Mei Thaba Numit," which means "The Day of the Burning of the Puyas." People observe this day in different parts of the regions where Manipuri people live, especially in Manipur. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving history and culture.
