Boy, 12, hailed as god in India

Holy tail ... Arshid's growth

This 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 — 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.

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.”

Doctors say if the growth is not removed, Balaji’s twisted limbs could become worse.

see more photos after the jump........

Followers flock to Arshid Ali Khan’s temple — often leaving cash or gifts in return for a blessing.

Divine ... Arshid and devotee

Monkey god ... Hanuman

'I'm so happy' ... with grandparents Suraya and Iqbal