There was once a small and peaceful village named Echapur. It was not a big village, but it was filled with warmth, simplicity, and strong bonds among the villagers. Everyone in Echapur lived like one big family. People shared their joys and sorrows, helped one another in times of need, and celebrated festivals together.
At the very center of the village stood a large and ancient pond. It was surrounded by several old tamarind trees, whose branches spread widely and cast cool shadows over the water. Because of these tamarind trees, the pond became known as Tetul Pond.
Beside Tetul Pond stood an old temple, worn by time but still standing proudly. The temple was dedicated to a mysterious goddess, whom the villagers believed to be extremely powerful and protective. The villagers often said that the goddess was very "jagrata," meaning she was awake and aware of everything happening in the village.
People believed that the goddess actually lived beneath the waters of Tetul Pond.
Many strange events had happened in Echapur over the years, and these events strengthened the villagers' faith in the goddess.
Sometimes, a young girl from the village would suddenly go missing. Her family and neighbors would search everywhere — the fields, the forests, nearby villages, and relatives' houses — but she would not be found.
Then, after a few days, she would suddenly return home.
Strangely, when she returned, she would look beautifully dressed, wearing a new sari and shining ornaments. But whenever anyone asked her where she had been, she would only smile quietly and refuse to say anything.
The villagers never fully understood what happened, but they believed that the goddess had taken her for some divine purpose.
Another mysterious tradition also existed in Echapur.
Whenever there was an important ceremony in the village — such as a wedding, a religious ritual, or a festival — the family organizing the event would write a list of the things they needed on a small piece of paper. Then they would float that paper on the waters of Tetul Pond at night.
The next morning, something miraculous would happen.
All the items written on the list would be found neatly placed near the edge of the pond.
The villagers believed that the goddess herself provided those items.
For many years, this mysterious blessing continued. The villagers deeply respected the goddess and believed she protected their village and fulfilled their wishes.
But one day, something happened that changed everything.
In Echapur lived a man named Gopal. He was a hardworking villager, and he lived with his wife Pululk.
One day, Pululk suddenly went missing.
The entire village began searching for her. Gopal searched everywhere — in the village, in nearby markets, and even at Pululk's parents' house. But no one had seen her.
Days passed.
Eight or nine days later, Pululk suddenly returned home.
Gopal was both relieved and confused. As soon as he saw her, he asked anxiously,
"Where were you all these days? The entire village searched for you. I even went to your parents' house, but you were not there. Tell me, where did you go?"
Pululk looked calm and quiet. After some hesitation, she finally spoke.
She said softly,
"The goddess who lives beneath Tetul Pond sometimes takes the girls of this village with her. She takes us there to help clean and care for her divine home beneath the water."
Gopal listened in disbelief.
Pululk continued,
"She keeps us there with great love, just like her own daughters. We talk with her, spend time with her, and even help braid her hair. She treats us with kindness and affection."
Then she explained something even more mysterious.
"The goddess takes one girl from the village from time to time. When it is time for us to return, she sends us back dressed beautifully, wearing new saris and ornaments."
But Pululk also revealed something important.
"The goddess has one strict rule," she said.
"We are never allowed to tell anyone what we see beneath the water. If we ever reveal the secret, we will die immediately, and the goddess will leave the village forever."
Pululk finished speaking and looked at Gopal seriously.
But Gopal refused to believe her.
Instead of trusting his wife, he became suspicious. His mind filled with doubt and anger. He accused Pululk of lying and even called her unfaithful.
Pululk tried to remain silent, remembering the goddess's warning.
But Gopal would not stop questioning her.
Finally, in anger and frustration, he made a solemn oath and forced Pululk to tell him the truth.
Bound by his oath and unable to resist any longer, Pululk finally revealed everything she had seen beneath the waters of Tetul Pond.
The moment she finished speaking, something terrible happened.
Pululk collapsed and died instantly.
Gopal was shocked and terrified. The villagers were also deeply saddened by the tragedy.
But the strange events did not end there.
The next morning, the villagers noticed something very unusual near Tetul Pond.
On the eastern side of the pond, the ground looked as if it had been cut or deeply marked, like the tracks left behind by a massive chariot passing through the
After that day, the miracles of Tetul Pond completely stopped.
No more items appeared by the pond when villagers floated their lists. No mysterious blessings came anymore.
Gradually, misfortune began to spread through Echapur.
Crops failed.
Food became scarce.
Poverty and hardship entered the village.
The