Berhampur: A handwritten letter from a child has captured widespread attention and moved devotees to tears after it was found inside the donation hundi (offering box) at Maa Tara Tarini Temple in Odisha’s Ganjam district.
According to sources, temple staff came across the emotional letter, addressed directly to the presiding deity of one of the revered Shakti Peethas, tucked among the coins, notes, and other donations on Saturday during the routine opening and counting of offerings from the hundi.
Handwritten Prayer Melts Hearts
The letter, written in a child’s innocent handwriting, pours out deep pain, hope, and unwavering faith. While it does not include the child’s name or any contact details, its contents reveal a young soul burdened by hardship yet clinging to divine protection. The child reportedly expressed prayers for hope, safety, and relief from troubles, including a reference to an “enemy” troubling the family, pleading with the Goddess to remove obstacles and shower blessings.
In addition to voicing his grief, he sought education and wisdom, prayed for the well-being of his family members—his mother, grandparents, and older brother— and beseeched that they be kept free from grief.
According to Purusottampur Tehsildar Binod Behera, the letter was found when the hundi was opened after a gap of three months as part of standard procedure, with temple officials and staff present. “Our staff came across the letter after the hundi was opened. It was written by a child who poured out their pain and hopes before the Goddess,” he said.
The letter has sparked emotional discussions among devotees and temple visitors, with many describing it as a poignant reminder of pure, unfiltered devotion.Temple authorities have preserved the letter, viewing it as a symbol of faith amid life’s struggles.
The Temple
The Tara Tarini Temple, perched atop the scenic Kumari hills overlooking the Rushikulya River, attracts thousands of devotees year-round, especially during festivals like Chaitra Parba. Many visit for rituals such as the ‘mundan’ (first haircut) ceremony for children, seeking the Goddess’s protection.
