Extraterrestrials in Meitei culture

The Meitei language PuYas, ancient scriptures of the Meitei civilization, describe the origin of Earth and life in ways that suggest the influence of extraterrestrial beings, referred to as the **Laiyam** (). Classical texts such as the Wakoklon Heelel Thilel Salai Amailon Pukok Puya and the Khamnung Ingal Leisaba describe the Earth as once being entirely covered in water, with life introduced through intervention from beings from the sky or outer space.

## Concept of extraterrestrial intervention

According to the puyas, Sitapa Mapu descended from the sky and played a central role in shaping life on Earth. The Lai race, believed to have originated from outer space, is said to have spread on Earth prior to the creation of human beings. This narrative aligns with the concept of directed panspermia, wherein life is seeded on Earth by advanced extraterrestrial beings.

The puyas mention terms such as “Aatinga Koilou Sitapa” and “Talang Aatingpapu Eepung Loinapa Aapakpana talang malangna Im oina haina humna asumna leilingeita”, describing a cosmic being residing in infinite space-time, who orchestrated the emergence of terrestrial life. Life on Earth, including plants, animals, and humans, is depicted as being purposefully created to preserve and propagate the Lai race’s species.

## Role of the Laiyam

The Laiyam are credited with introducing human civilization to Earth. The puyas describe Salailel Sitapa instructing his son Konsen Tulei Sengpa (Sanamahi) to begin the creation of life, including humans, in specific regions known as the chaks. These beings spread life across the planet, ensuring species survival and continuity, and left knowledge of the cosmos for humanity to preserve.

The texts further indicate that the Laiyam monitored and managed early life, intervening when intelligent beings threatened the balance or exhibited destructive tendencies. One such account involves the annihilation of the Saloi Phulup, an earlier humanoid race, suggesting that the Laiyam maintained order and prevented interference with their cosmic plan.

## Extraterrestrial origins of knowledge and life

In the Meitei worldview, the alphabet, human bloodlines, and natural resources are all seen as extensions of the cosmic order established by the Laiyam. The Eyek Epee Mayek/Laiyek, representing the seven bloodline lineages (Yek Salai/Meitei confederacy), and the concepts of Aatinga (Meitei letter for "A"), the cheising eyek Ama (Meitei numeral one) are symbolic of life originating from the sky or outer space.

The puyas emphasize the responsibility of humans to preserve life, knowledge, and the planet, reflecting the purposes of the Laiyam in seeding Earth with intelligent life. Human civilization, according to these texts, is both a vessel for the continuation of life and a repository of cosmic knowledge.

## Importance in Meitei culture

The accounts of extraterrestrial intervention in the Meitei puyas serve as an early conceptualization of life originating from beyond Earth. The Laiyam, through their descent from the sky, are central to the Meitei understanding of creation, human responsibility, and the transmission of knowledge. Rituals such as Lai Haraoba commemorate these acts, preserving narratives of the cosmic origins of life and civilization.

## Related pages

- Ancient Meitei literature
- Ancient Meitei religion
- Meitei deities
- Ancient Meitei hymns
- Meitei ritual songs
- Meitei astronomy
- Leichillon
- Meitei philosophy
- Meitei mythology
- Meitei folklore
- Meitei folktales