The Myth and Legend of the Shirui Lily: Protected by the Spirit of Shirui hills, Manipur

Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae Sealy) locally known as Kashong Timrawon, is a rare bell-shaped flower with bluish-pink petals, showing seven colours under a microscope. Every year, between May 15 and June 5, Thousand of Scientists and tourists all over the world come to see this precious beautiful flowers growing in Shirui Hills, located in Shirui Village in Ukhrul district of Manipur. It’s the peak season of this flower.

English Botanist Dr Frank Kingdon Ward from the New York Botanical Society first discovered the flower in 1946 and named it after his wife, Jean Macklin. This flower won the prestigious merit award in the Chelsea Flower Show organised by the Royal Horticulture Society, London. In 1989, it was declared the State Flower of Manipur.

What remains noteworthy is the belief that this beautiful plant can only be grown in Shirui Hills, because attempts to plant it elsewhere by the British, locals, scientist and tourist never succeeded.

According to legends of the Tangkhul Naga community, a princess lies buried in Shirui Hills, waiting for her lover to return. The flower comes from the soil where the princess was buried. Several mythologies have been passed down over generations; tales told by the indigenous people of Ukhrul with much love and awe for the flower. Another beliefs is that Kashong Timrawon is a protective spirit which resides there and protects the Shirui Peak. Anyone who wants to witness this rare species of flower can visit Ukhrul district of Manipur.