Reuters AlertNet Lite - Villagers worship Indian infant as Mother Goddess

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Villagers worship Indian infant as Mother Goddess

14 Nov 2006 07:41:57 GMT
Source: Reuters

KOLKATA, India, Nov 14 (Reuters) - Thousands of people are flocking an Indian village to worship a baby girl born with rare tumours as they believe she is a reincarnation of Durga, the multi-armed Hindu mother goddess, police said on Tuesday.

The tumours on the infant, born in a village in the eastern state of Bihar a few weeks ago, looked like extra limbs, drawing locals from around the region with gifts of fruits and flowers, they said.

"People believe the girl is their deliverer, but experts say it is a case of congenital defect," said Amit Jain, a senior Bihar police officer.

Durga is worshipped by millions of Hindus, particularly in eastern India, as the preserver of life and destroyer of evil.

The baby, also named Durga, had been wrapped in a cloth and surrounded by flowers as a stream of visitors, their hands folded in prayer, come to her home in Diuri village, 110 km (70 miles) south of Patna, Bihar's capital.

"We hope they understand that the child needs treatment," Jain said by phone, adding that her parents were labourers who could not afford medical treatment.

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Last updated:Tue Nov 14 07:44:05 2006