Devotees queue up outside the temple on Tuesday. Picture by Prashant Mitra (Above) Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Deori (Tamar), April 5: If the Cup has buoyed a nation of 1.2 billion, a certain goddess too is basking in the worldly glory of Indian cricket’s new idol — Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Mata Deori, an avatar of goddess Kali and the resident deity of Tamar’s Deori Mandir, is suddenly being swamped by the faithful from across the state. The temple, which till last week saw 200-300 visitors a day, is now the favourite daily pilgrimage of more than 2,000 people, courtesy Captain Courageous’ unwavering faith in the deity.

According to priest Manoj Panda, the number of devotees to the temple — ensconced 60km from the capital on the Ranchi-Jamshedpur national highway — has been swelling ever since Team India’s victory last Saturday. “From Sunday morning, a day after Dhoni’s win, the footfall multiplied several times. More than 2,000 people are trooping in daily from several parts of the state. This is unusual, but very welcome,” he said.

Tuesday too saw a serpentine queue of devotees in front of the temple.

“I have come to seek blessings for my younger brother, Prem, who is appearing for his matriculation examination, which begins today. I will also pray for the happiness of my family,” said Krishna Kumar, a resident of Bundu, before offering his puja.

Deepak Dutta of Jamshedpur also paid his maiden visit to Deori Mandir this morning. “My neighbours told me that the deity hears the prayers of all her devotees, Dhoni being one of her ardent ones. So, I have come to seek her blessings,” the Tata Motors employee said.

Suraj Singh Munda, needed urgent darshan. “I have some problems at home. I want Goddess Kali to give me strength and wisdom to resolve them,” he said.

Since his early days on the crease and after his Ranji debut in 1998-99, Dhoni has been a regular visitor to the Deori Mandir with friends or family. Before and after every match, he seeks the mata’s blessings and the World Cup was no exception.

Though the temple authorities are yet to receive word from the Team India skipper on his next visit, they believe he will come soon.

“I will offer a special puja for Dhoni when he comes,” Manoj Panda said, adding that he had sought blessings for the captain before the final.

No one could say for certain when the temple was built.

“According to a legend, an erstwhile king of Tamar saw a dream. The goddess told him that there was a temple in Deori, where she must be worshipped. Villagers, as directed by the king, cleared a forested patch to find a small temple with a stone statue of Kali. Ever since, the deity is worshipped here,” said Akhileshwar Panda, senior priest and Manoj Panda’s uncle.