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Journalism of Courage
A temple in Tamil Nadu recently turned down a devotee’s request to retrieve his iPhone after he dropped it in the donation box, or “hundi,” during his visit. According to the temple authorities, once something is placed in the hundi, it “belongs to the deity.”
According to a Times of India report, the incident took place at the Arulmigu Kandaswamy Temple in Thiruporur, near Chennai. Dinesh, a resident of Vinayagapuram, had gone there with his family last month to offer prayers. While he was putting money into the hundi, his iPhone slipped out of his pocket and fell into the donation box.
Despite approaching temple officials to reclaim his phone, Dinesh was informed that offerings placed in the hundi are considered the deity’s property, and they could not return the device to him.
Dinesh filed a complaint with the HR and CE (Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments) officials, requesting to be notified when the temple’s hundi would be opened. When the authorities finally opened the box on Friday, Dinesh hurried over to recover his iPhone.
However, the temple officials stood firm on their decision and did not allow him to take the phone. Instead, they offered him the chance to take the SIM card so he could download any important data.
The incident was later shared on Instagram by a page called “Viralbhayani,” providing details.
The post has generated a range of reactions online. While many users found it funny, others felt it was “unjustified.”
One person said, “I will buy the loan i will go and put the My loan documents to hundi Temple will take over.” Another user wrote, “Pk 2 movie ka shooting chal rha hoga.”
A third individual commented, “No this is not justified.”
