The boy of 12 with a “tail” growing from his back has been hailed as a God in India.
Followers flock to Arshid Ali Khan’s temple — often leaving cash or gifts in return for a blessing.
They believe the youngster — Arshid Balaji to his devotees — is the reincarnation of Hindu monkey God Hanuman. But doctors say he has meningocele, a form of spina bifida where the spinal cord develops abnormally.
Arshid Balaji, who lives with his grandparents near Chandigarh, said “I love my tail. It’s a gift from God. It’s unusual but people respect me and bow before me because of it. I feel special.
“I’m so happy with grandparents Suraya and Iqbal.” Doctors say if the growth is not removed, Balaji’s twisted limbs could become worse.
Follow me on Twitter @modexechee
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| Arshid's Holy Tail |
Followers flock to Arshid Ali Khan’s temple — often leaving cash or gifts in return for a blessing.
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| Divine, Arshid and Devotee |
They believe the youngster — Arshid Balaji to his devotees — is the reincarnation of Hindu monkey God Hanuman. But doctors say he has meningocele, a form of spina bifida where the spinal cord develops abnormally.
Arshid Balaji, who lives with his grandparents near Chandigarh, said “I love my tail. It’s a gift from God. It’s unusual but people respect me and bow before me because of it. I feel special.
 |
| Arshid and his grandparents |
“I’m so happy with grandparents Suraya and Iqbal.” Doctors say if the growth is not removed, Balaji’s twisted limbs could become worse.
Follow me on Twitter @modexechee
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