Indian boy with tail growing from his back hailed as god

A 12-year-old boy from India, who has a "tail" growing from his back, has been hailed as a God in the country.

Religious supporters visit Arshid Ali Khan's temple and often leave cash or gifts in return for a blessing, the Sun reported.

His ardent followers believe that the child, who is known as Balaji to his devotees, is the rebirth of Hindu monkey god Hanuman.

However, doctors assert that the boy is suffering from meningocele, a form of spina bifida, where the spinal cord develops abnormally.

Khan, who resides near Chandigarh with his grandparents, said that he loves his tail.

He insists that it's a gift from God and it's unusual but people respect him and bow before him because of it.

Balaji added that he feels special.

While doctors said that if the growth is not removed, Balaji's twisted limbs could become worse.