The Teen Chula (Tri-Stone) in Kirat Tradition
The Teen Chula, known as Suptulung in Kirat culture—especially among the Rai and other Kirati communities—is one of the most sacred spiritual symbols within the household. It consists of three sacred stones representing the Supreme God and Goddess and serves as the spiritual heart of the home.
The Suptulung symbolizes:
- Ancestral blessings
- Spiritual protection
- Harmony between humanity and nature
- The connection between the physical and spiritual worlds
The Three Sacred Stones
Each stone of the Teen Chula carries deep spiritual meaning and represents different forms of ancestral and cosmic energy.
Papalung
The right stone symbolizes the male ancestors and represents strength, protection, and lineage.
Mamalung
The left stone symbolizes the female ancestors and embodies nurturing energy, care, wisdom, and continuity of family traditions.
Ramilung
The front stone represents collective spiritual energy, blessings, social harmony, and the unity of the community.
Spiritual Significance
The Kirat people believe that rituals at the Suptulung have been practiced since time immemorial and passed down through generations. These sacred traditions continue to be preserved today.
Rituals and offerings are commonly performed:
- Before cultivation
- During harvesting seasons
- During religious ceremonies and festivals
- To honor Mother Nature
- To seek ancestral blessings and protection
The Suptulung acts as a sacred medium connecting:
- The spirit world
- The human world
- Nature and ancestral wisdom
Cosmic Philosophy of the Chula
The philosophy of the Teen Chula forms an essential foundation of Kirat identity and spirituality. It symbolizes unity among the diverse Kirati clans and sub-groups, binding them together as one spiritual and cultural family.
More than a hearth, the Suptulung represents:
- Sacred ancestry
- Cultural continuity
- Spiritual balance
- Respect for nature and all living beings