Classical Meitei odd numbers, related to the Chang Thokpa tradition
The concept of Chang Thokpa (ꯆꯪ ꯊꯣꯛꯄ) is a central religious and philosophical tradition of the Meitei people of ancient Kangleipak (present-day Manipur). This tradition is deeply rooted in Meitei culture and has been practiced in rituals and ceremonies of the Meitei indigenous religion (Sanamahism) since ancient times. Common expressions such as "Laphoi Laphang Chang Thokpa", "Heiram Taret, Leiram Taret", and "Ngaram Taret, Sharam Taret" reflect this enduring custom.
These practices reflect the deep spiritual and philosophical heritage of the Meitei civilization that once shone with advanced thinking and symbolic systems long before colonial or external religious influences.
Etymology
The term Chang Thokpa comes from the philosophical Meetei language called Wang-u-lon.
Chang (ꯆꯪ) means “everything that exists” — it represents creation, existence, and vitality without the idea of death.
Thokpa (ꯊꯣꯛꯄ) means “to originate” or “to come out” — referring to ongoing creation and life.
Together, Chang Thokpa symbolizes the eternal source of life and creation, believed to be the Ultimate Reality in Meetei belief.
The Meetei people worship a supreme, formless, and deathless creator known as Ama (ꯑꯃꯥ), meaning "One". This idea comes from the ancient Meetei scripture called the Puya, especially the text Wakoklon Heelel Thilel Salai Ama-Ilon.
According to the scripture:
Ama (ꯑꯃꯥ) existed in a primordial state — shapeless and formless.
Ama is described as Kampi — a concept meaning Fire, Light, and Heat, which are considered the first conditions of life.
Marriage ceremony (ꯂꯨꯍꯣꯡꯕ): The bride circles the groom seven times before placing the garland.
Even the making of traditional swords (Khutlai Thangsang) involves using seven materials from seven Saturdays (Thangcha).
Use of odd numbers
Classical Meitei odd numbers, related to the Chang Thokpa tradition
If the numbers 1 or 7 are not available, the Meetei tradition allows the use of other odd numbers like 9, 11, or 13 — still under the concept of Chang Thokpa. However, even numbers, such as 14, are considered inauthentic and seen by some as a distortion introduced during the Hindu influence in the 18th century.
