Shitilong is a gigantic rock located in Mongsenyimti village of the Ao hills. Shitilong literally translates to ‘Elephant rock’. ‘Shiti’ means Elephant and ‘long’ or ‘lung’ means stone/rock in Ao- Naga dialect. This enigmatic rock was worshipped by the early settlers of the village and is still considered a sacred rock closely tied to culture and history of the village and its people.
The indigenous Naga tribes practiced animism as a core aspect of their cultural beliefs. In Nagaland’s animist worldview, spirits were thought to inhibit various aspects of the environment and rituals were performed to appease and communicate with these spirits. The pagan forefathers believed that elements of natures such as the trees, stones and natural phenomena, possessed spiritual essence and consciousness.
Let’s learn how this gigantic rock came into being and how it became the Guardian spirit of the village about a century ago.
According to history, one fateful morning when a farmer named Sowameren was going to the paddy field stumbled upon a small pebble. The man simply ignored and went his way. This predicament did not end for him that morning and he continued to stumble on the same diminutive pebble no larger than a pea for several consecutive days.
Frustration mingled with curiosity as he pondered its significance. Driven by determination, the old man resolved to take matters directly into his own hands. With resolute purpose, he embarked on the task of excavating the stone fully convinced that it would yield to his efforts. The first day resulted in a failed mission as he could not unearth the stone until late in the evening. The sun set and old Sowameren decided to call it a day.
Convinced that he would succeed the next day, he continued his excavation. Yet, as the earth yielded beneath his hands, astonishment washed over him. The old man dug the earth for a couple more days. Regrettably, the stone he unearthed exceeded his expectations in size.
After so much failed attempts, one night a voice emerged in his realm of slumber, called upon him and said, “You shall never be able to unearth me, for I am interwoven into the fabric of eternity itself, anchored to the core beyond time’s reach. Therefore, cease your endeavor.”
The message resounded with an unwavering certainty, foretelling the futility of his efforts to excavate the enigmatic presence. The man deciphered that it was a message from the spirit of the stone and since that day the rock was worshipped as the Guardian spirit by the pagan forefathers of the village. The enigma was worshipped in mass once a year during winter though rituals were performed by the selected few leaders of the village and sacrifices were offered regularly
Today, the culturally significant rock sits below the public playground of the village in all its enigmatic glory and serves as a folklorist attraction.
Literal translation- Sowameren from Nokojungba clan founded this rock. This rock was first named as Suwameren tsungmetsulong (Suwameren stumbling stone) or Sungoko long . The rock was worshipped as the Guardian spirit of the village. Later, the stone took the form of an elephant and saved the village from the enemies. Thus, the rock has been named as Shitilong.
Being worshipped and once believed to be the Guardian spirit of the village, several myths and legends surround Shitilong. According to the survivors of Shitilong era, the spirit would embark on a journey to the distant lands once a year. Upon the spirit’s return from its mysterious sojourn, an otherworldly resonance reverberated through the streets of the village. The sound akin to metal clanging and ringing sounds would fill the tranquil air commanding attention and igniting a sense of both awe and trepidation among the villagers.
Simultaneously, a cascade of pebbles hurled upon the thatched rooftops and bamboo walls of the village houses. The combination of clanging metal and patter of pebbles etched a memory among the few elders that lived through the times and would definitely linger in the collective consciousness of the villagers for the generations to come.
Legend also has it that during warfare with one of the neighbouring villages, the spirit of Shitilong took the guise of a woman with long, silky hair and took the very forefront of the battle. It appeared in front of the enemies with its ethereal transformation and its presence became a harbinger of triumph for the village. The spirit’s intervention bestowed victory upon the village and its mystical influence on the outcomes of conflict is a much talked phenomena until this day.
This mystical stone is no longer worshipped by its inhabitants however the legend is loved and talked about till this day.
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