Stillborn Baby Declared Goddess Kali Incarnation in UP Village, Temple Planned
In the quiet, nondescript village of Halpura in Uttar Pradesh's Mainpuri district, profound grief has transformed into fervent religious devotion. A baby girl, declared stillborn by doctors and diagnosed with a fatal congenital condition, has been proclaimed by her family as an incarnation of Goddess Kali. This extraordinary development has captivated the local community and drawn visitors from across the region.
The Birth and Immediate Aftermath
Radha Devi, 25, wife of labourer Kanchan Kumar, delivered the baby at the community health centre (CHC) in Kuchela on January 21. The family had already been primed for a miraculous event, claiming that Radha had experienced a prophetic dream in which a goddess told her, "I am taking birth from your womb." They shared this account with neighbours, and word spread rapidly through surrounding areas.
CHC in-charge Dr SS Bhadoria confirmed the medical reality, stating, "The woman delivered a stillborn baby girl and the body was handed over to the family." The infant was embalmed and buried on February 2. However, what followed was anything but ordinary.
From Burial Site to Sacred Shrine
Soon after the burial, the site underwent a remarkable transformation. Villagers decorated the location, installed a photograph of the "goddess," and began holding regular bhajans, kirtans, and havans. According to local accounts, thousands of rupees have been offered at the spot, and preparations are actively underway to construct a permanent temple there.
Neighbour Geeta Devi made a startling claim, asserting that after the baby was brought home, she drank milk and urinated before being dressed as Goddess Kali and seated for worship. Another neighbour, Aman, described the child as appearing divine and said she had asked for a place of worship.
Medical Explanation Versus Deep-Rooted Belief
Medical experts identified the baby's condition as anencephaly – a severe and fatal congenital disorder where major portions of the brain and skull do not develop. Paediatrician Dr Hemant Kumar Sharma explained, "The condition develops in the early weeks of pregnancy and may be linked to several factors, including maternal weakness or deficiencies such as Vitamin B12 or folic acid."
Despite this clear medical explanation, belief has taken firm root in the village. Residents from nearby villages and towns such as Etawah, Firozabad, and Shikohabad have visited the site. Some visitors reported that the baby's large eyes reinforced their conviction that she was a manifestation of the goddess.
Historical Precedent and Broader Implications
This is not an isolated incident in Uttar Pradesh. A similar episode occurred in 2017 in Farrukhabad district, where a baby born with severe congenital deformities was declared stillborn at Lohia Government Hospital and diagnosed with anencephaly. At that time, some residents also attributed religious significance to the incident and expressed intentions to build a temple in remembrance.
The current situation in Mainpuri highlights the complex interplay between medical science and deep-seated cultural beliefs. While healthcare professionals provide factual explanations for tragic outcomes, communities sometimes seek spiritual meaning in their grief, transforming personal loss into collective devotion.
As preparations for the temple continue, the site remains a focal point of worship and pilgrimage, demonstrating how traditional faith can persist even in the face of modern medical understanding.
