During promotions for his upcoming horror-comedy 'Bhoot Bangla', Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar recounted a deeply personal and emotional incident from his early childhood that his family considers nothing short of a miracle.
A Fateful Journey to Vaishno Devi
Kumar revealed that his very birth was the result of his parents' fervent prayers at the revered Vaishno Devi Temple. His mother and father had specifically prayed for a child, requesting a "naughty" one, and a year later, he was born.
What began as a thanksgiving trip to the temple following his first birthday in 1969 soon turned into a frightening ordeal. During the journey, the infant Akshay's health rapidly deteriorated. "I suddenly fell very ill," he shared. "I had a high fever, first 103°F, then 104°F, and I became unconscious."
Faith Over Fear
With limited medical care available in Katra at the time, a doctor advised his parents to take him to Delhi. Despite the alarming situation, his mother chose to place her unwavering faith above her fear. She believed, "If Mata Rani (the goddess) has given us this son, then if she wishes, she can take him back. But we won’t turn back; we will continue our journey to the temple."
Determined, his parents continued their uphill trek, chanting "Jai Mata Di" as they made their way to the shrine. Akshay vividly recalled being dressed in a red frock, which he still possesses, while unconscious. His parents bathed him inside the temple, offered prayers, and wept as they sought divine intervention.
The Miraculous Recovery
It was then that an extraordinary event unfolded. A stranger approached his father and remarked, "Your son has a beautiful smile." Akshay continued, "My father turned towards me, and I was smiling. And truly, my temperature dropped to 98°F. I was completely fine."
Kumar attributes his sudden and complete recovery to the powerful energy of the sacred site. This childhood experience remains a profound testament to his family's faith and a story of remarkable survival against the odds.