There’s something about the Khasi hills of Meghalaya that feels almost magical every time we visit. It’s not just the mist that clings to the mountains or the way the clouds seem to float so low you can almost touch them—there’s a deeper sense of connection to the land, its people, and the stories. One of the most captivating stories we’ve come across is the legend of Ka Pah Syntiew, the goddess who came to live among mankind.
Now, we all know about Shillong—the vibrant hill station that’s become the cultural and tourist hub of Meghalaya. But have you ever wondered where Shillong gets its name from? It traces back to U ‘Lei Shillong, a powerful deity who lived on Shillong Peak, a sacred mountain to the Khasi people. It was first a place of mystery, where few dared to wander, for it was believed to be home to spirits, dragons, and demons. But this mountain was also the domain of a god, and it was through the wisdom of a man named U Shillong that the Khasi people discovered the true nature of the deity residing there.
U Shillong taught the people how to revere the god, showing them the proper rituals, sacrifices, and ways to honor him. This god, later known as U ‘Lei Shillong, protected the people, offering them safety from illness and misfortune. In time, Shillong Peak took on the name of the god, and it became a place of pilgrimage and respect for the Khasi.
But perhaps the most intriguing part of the legend is not about U ‘Lei Shillong himself, but about his daughter, Ka Pah Syntiew, a goddess who left her divine home to live among men. Her story starts in a small village called Pomlakrai, which lies near the mystical Cave of Marai. Here, a group of young cowherds often gathered to play, practicing archery and herding their cattle as boys do. One day, something strange happened—a sight none of them expected.
As they played near the towering rock that stood beside the cave, they noticed a young girl sitting silently atop it. This rock had been there for ages, and no one had ever climbed to its peak. Yet there she was, sitting calmly, watching them play. The boys, stunned and confused, immediately ran back to the village, leaving their cattle behind. “She wasn’t there before!” they whispered to each other, wide-eyed. “Is she a spirit?”
When the boys reached the village, they told the elders about the strange girl on the rock. U Mylliem Ngap, the wise village chief, decided to investigate. He gathered a group of men and set off to the cave. And sure enough, there she was—a girl so beautiful and radiant that the men were struck silent. Her clothes shimmered in the sunlight, and her expression was calm, otherworldly.
“She must be from a wealthy family,” the men murmured to one another. But the question remained—how had she managed to climb to the top of the rock? And who was she? They called out to her, urging her to come down, but the girl sat still, not saying a word. The villagers began to worry. “We can’t leave her there,” one of the men said, “she’ll die if she stays up there all night.”
U Mylliem Ngap, ever the problem-solver, had an idea. “Cut some bamboo,” he ordered. “We’ll fashion a long pole and help her down.” The men worked quickly, constructing a pole that would reach the girl. But when they raised it to her, she remained unmoved, her eyes locked on something far beyond their reach. Time was running out as the sun began to set, and the villagers grew desperate.
Then, U Mylliem Ngap noticed a patch of wildflowers growing near the cave. He quickly gathered them, tied them to the end of the bamboo pole, and raised it again. This time, the girl’s face lit up with joy. She reached for the flowers, but each time she leaned closer, U Mylliem Ngap lowered the pole just slightly, coaxing her down inch by inch. Finally, her feet touched the ground, and the villagers let out a collective sigh of relief.
“Who are you, child?” U Mylliem Ngap asked gently. But the girl did not answer. She only smiled, her eyes filled with a light that was not quite of this world. The villagers, still unsure of who she was, took her in, and U Mylliem Ngap raised her as his own daughter. They named her Ka Pah Syntiew, meaning “the flowered one,” for the flowers had been the key to bringing her down from the rock.
As she grew, Ka Pah Syntiew became a wise and respected figure in the village. Her foster father often sought her counsel, for she had an unusual wisdom, and her decisions were always fair and just. Before long, people from other villages began to seek her advice as well, and they began to call her Ka Siem—meaning “the queen.” Under her guidance, the village prospered, and her fame spread across the Khasi hills.
When she came of age, U Mylliem Ngap arranged for her marriage to a nobleman named U Kongor Nongjri, and together, they had many children. Life in the village flourished under her leadership, and her children were as noble and beautiful as their parents. But, as often happens with divine beings living among mortals, there came a time when Ka Pah Syntiew had to reveal her true identity.
One day, after her children had grown, Ka Pah Syntiew gathered them together and spoke of her origins. “I am not of this world,” she began, her voice calm but serious. “I am the daughter of U ‘Lei Shillong, the god of the mountain. I was sent to live among mankind for a time, but now, my time here is ending.”
Her children, shocked by the revelation, begged her to stay. “Mother, you cannot leave us!” they cried. But Ka Pah Syntiew smiled gently and said, “My time has come. I must return to my father.”
The next morning, Ka Pah Syntiew left her home and walked toward the Cave of Marai. As she entered the cave, the mist closed in around her, and she disappeared from the mortal world, returning to the divine realm of her father. No one dared to follow her, for they knew she had returned to her rightful place among the gods.
Her descendants, however, remained, and to this day, they are known as the Siems of Shillong, noble chiefs who trace their lineage back to the goddess who once lived among men. The story of Ka Pah Syntiew has been passed down through generations, a reminder of the divine presence that once walked the earth, and the close connection between the gods and the people of Meghalaya.
This folktale has been told for centuries, and every time we hear it, we are reminded of how deeply spiritual and rich the Khasi culture is.
Do you think there is truth and history disguised as a story here? Or is it just lore? Thankfully, Meghalaya is a place where the line between the divine and the human is beautifully blurred, and there’s no way to tell.
