The Tale of Lai Khutshangbi
Long ago, in the land of Kangleipak ( present day Manipur)
lived a demoness called Lai Khutshangbi
( means the deity with long hands).
Fierce in form, a most feared being in Meitei Mythology,
her mouth gaped wide, her tung hung long,
hands dragged below, with fingers sharp as talons.
This demoness besides stealing livestock,
would slip her hands through cracks in bamboo walls
snatching away young children from afar.
There was a man and woman with their only child
called Shasi (or Naocha ) living in an isolated house near a forest
where Lai Khutshangbi dwelled.
That fierce demoness longed to seize the child,
yet feared the father-fierce and bold.
But when Shasi's father was away her chance came.
Then one night she came and asked the mother
voice deep, " Is Shasi's father home tonight ? "
Frightened the mother whispered, "Yes he is here awoke."
Night after night the demoness came and left deceived.
The father at last returned.
Hearing from his wife what happened a trap he set
his blade in hand to cut the cursed hand that plagued the land.
Again the demoness came-crafty close,and sly.
her voice a hiss she asked, "Tell me, is Shasi's father gone ?"
The mother as planned replied, "Yes, he has gone."
Happy, the demoness thrusted her hand through the earthen wall.
Swift as lightening the father's sword chopped her hand.
The demoness wailed and rain through the fields.
"Shasi's mother you liar, you cheat ! " she screamed in terror
as she fled, her other hand dragged through the soil
of the darkened land.
The father followed,blade held tight and with one swift strike
the other hand gone.
Screamed she in pain, her blood raining down the cane.
So red patches on it timeless still remains,
the sugarcane still bearing the mark.
After that in Kangleipak children played fearless day and night.
Copyright © Akham Nilabirdhwaja Singh | Year Posted 2025
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