The Kangla Fort: A Holy Palace for Meetei

The Kangla or Dry land in old Meetei language, is located in Imphal, the capital of Manipur, was the centre of attractions and superior ruling palace since 33 AD to 1891 AD (till Anglo Manipuri War). The mythical God-king Nongda Lairen Pakhangba first throne in this place in 33AD. Today the entire area of the Kangla is approximately 236.84 acres, including an outer moat and Kekrupat.

The history of Meetei is embedded in this palace and the socio-religious roots of Meetei is traced. The Kangla is a holy place of Manipur and the nerve centre of Meetei cosmology. We called this place a miniature version of the land of Meeteis and the indigenous surrounding tribes. According to Maichous, (religion scholar) there are more than 300 holy and sacred places in Kangla fort. Some of important holy places are:
Nungjeng Pukhri : It’s a sacred pond located in the north-west of the "Uttra" and this pond is believed to be the abode of Lord Pakhangba, the first God king.
Kangla Men Surung: A sacred place for coronation ceremony/erat-thouni of kings of Manipur. According to belief, the results of the ceremony/erat-thouni will decide that the king will be able to rule the state or not.
Site for Lord Koubru(Rain God): The coronation site for better rainfall. It’s located at northwest side of Kangla fort.
Nunggoibi (War Goddess): A sacred place of worship for Goddess of war. The ritual called "Huyein Lalu Chanba" was performed here whenever the ruler of Manipur emerged victorious in battle.
Manglen: This is cremation site of the Kings of Manipur. According to Cheitharol Kumbaba, the royal chronicle, this site was developed by Maharaj Garibaniwaz in 1738 AD.