What is Koupalu/ Koubru?

Laininghal Naoriya Phulo used "Waheirol" as a Semantics to study the meaning of words of Meeteilon.

Using Waheirol let's try to unlock the meaning of Koubru.

Koubru consists of two terms Kouba + Ru (Lu)

It is interesting that most Meetei words which have deep philosophical meanings have a subjective  as well as an objective meaning (objectified).

We know objectively it is a Mountain Range. Awang Koubru Assuppa according to our scriptures (Lairon) is said to be the origin of the Salailel (Sorarel) and his people.  There is a Cave at its peak.  There are NINE ekons (big ponds) spread across the ranges, 5 of which are easily found by normal Koubru pilgrims every year.  There is a huge monolith of EMA Phouoibee (Phou Oibee= becomes the Paddy).  This is an indication that Paddy was grown in the Koubru.

Koubru is also the name of the Ruler of Koubru Mountain who married Kounu Ema and had Eengelei as their daughter.  The tradition of Heijingpot/Heijing Kharai Puba is said to have been started from the time of Koubru.  All the deities, Thangjing, Marjing, Wangbrel Khanachaoba  have come to attain the engagement ceremony of Koubru and Kounu.  Kounu had asked Lord Koubru to prove his love and and that he is the Lord of the Koubru Mountain by offering 100 different kinds of flowers and 100 different types of fruits to all the guests from the side of the bride-to-be. Soon it was discovered that one Heikru lukmai/platter  was missing.  Kounu took this as a breach of agreement and trust and declared before all the elders and guest present that this marriage will be hence annulled.   Lord Koubru was disgraced in public ekai nungshi yanana( mixed feeling of shame and hurt) accepted his mistake as a negligence on his part but he went further and announced that Kounu must give birth to the child in her womb and if she is a baby girl which she will be she is to be named Eenglelei.

What is Koubru subjectively?

Kou-pa-Lu : Koupa = Call or called
Lu= Root/Skeleton /Mind
Eg.
Lu-Tang (Skelatal joints),
Lu-rel (Skull/Head),
Lu-kokpa(shaving head),
Lu-mang (Forehead),
Lu-ton(upper part of Skull),
Lu-kham (lower part of Skull),
Lu-sam(lowermost part of Skull),
Lu-chingba(Leader),
Lu-Hongba (change of Mind)
Saru/Sa-Lu = Animal/Flesh Bones
Maru/Ma-Lu = Its Bone/skeleton; roots (in plants); important (topic)

According to scriptures and oral tradition Koubru is represents Kok (the Head) just as Loktak the belly, Kangla the navel etc.

So Koubru may be safely interpreted as “that which is called the Root or that which is called the Head”
Sanaching Koubru is the first place where the Lais originated according to Leisemlon.

Koubru is not yet excavated for reasons best known to the Archeological Dept. inspite of this valuable information from our history.