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Toddler with eight limbs branded 'reincarnation of Hindu god' to undergo life-saving operation
Last updated at 14:22pm on 05.11.07A toddler born with eight limbs and believed by some to be the reincarnation of the multi-limbed Hindu goddess Vishnu, is set to undergo a 40-hour operation to remove half of her limbs.
Lakshmi Tatma was born joined to a 'parasitic twin' and will go under the knife at the hands of 30 surgeons to remove two of her useless arms and legs.
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Torment: Lakshmi can not walk or crawl and is unlikely to survive her teens without surgery
The headless 'twin' is joined to Lakshmi at the pelvis and has its own spinal column and kidney.
Without the operation the little girl would never be able to walk or crawl and would be unlikely to live past her early teens, doctors said.
The extraordinary eight-limbed baby was born in a poverty-stricken region of Bihar, India - on the day devoted to the celebration of the four-armed Hindu deity Vishnu.
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Fused: Lakshmi's body is joined with the parasitical twin which is attached to her body at her pelvis
Her mother Poonam Tatma said she believed her daughter was "a miracle, a reincarnation" of Vishnu.
Dr Sharan Patil, who will be leading the surgery at the country's Narayana Health City, in Bangalore, said: "Fortunately, Lakshmi has one complete body with a near perfect set of organs.
"Her skeletal system involves two bodies which are fused together at the level of the pelvis.
"The operation itself, although presents several challenges, is not the most complex in the world. What is highly unusual in Lakshmi's case is precisely how her bodies are fused, almost mirroring each other."
The Hindu god Vishnu is the preserver and protector of creation
Parents Poonam Devi and Shambu Das, who earn about 50p a day as casual labourers, were turned away from several hospitals before her plight was taken up by Dr Patil.
The operation is expected to cost about £100,000.
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Hope: Lakshmi and mother Poonam prepare for the operation
Poonam, who gave birth to Lakshmi on the celebration day of the four-armed Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity after whom the new born was named, said: "She is a miracle, a special blessing from God. But she is my daughter and she cannot live like this."
Laskhmi is the subject of a Channel 4 documentary as part of the Bodyshocks series.
Reader views (70)
Wow...a miracle child:-) Lord Vishnu has come to bless your home in the form of a daughter, that is truly remarkable. I wish Lakshmi all the best in her life, be proud of who you are because the good god has blessed you in the greatest way possible. I admire you and your family. Take care.
- Kerisha Radhakrishna, Durban, South Africa, 12/01/2011 19:23
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God Bless Lakshmi for she has been delivered to India by the grace of God to bring back the wealth, India so much deserves.. I think in our hearts we all know she will live a life no one will ever forget, she will fill peoples hearts with pure love and admiration of her feat may god bless her parents and the village where she was born for this is a goddess befor us.
- Florence פרננדו Charles, London UK, 07/11/2010 01:29
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it is a shocking story but i think God's plans are not our plans. I am praying hard for her so that she can have long live.
To her parents, keep on praying to only father who is above. the girl is really beatiful.
- Fatima Kalima, Blantyre, Malawi, 11/02/2010 10:08
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Im sorry that she had ended up like that, but i hope that she doesn't have to live her life like dat. Bless her heart.
- Javante Mack, Lufkin, Texas, 28/01/2010 18:29
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God bless you laxmi hope you have gr8 life ahead..and you never face any more problems in you life
- Namrata Shukla, India, 04/01/2010 06:29
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she is so cute i feel bad for her but im proud of her, i mean a toddler going for surgery .plus thats kind of sad for the mother.she had twins but she could only talk to one because the other was inside Lakshmi . Im prayin for you and your family ! 
- Siddney, Brooklyn,new york, 30/12/2009 17:20
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i am feeling sad for that child
- Jamesa, penville,dominica, 25/10/2009 22:44
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That's one brave girl.
- Shadman, Townsville, Australia, 19/10/2009 04:58
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To have her exist is a blessing to the entire world, she awakes the strayed souls. Cherish her always, from now she'll always be a part of my life.
- Ajay Senanan, Ontario, Canada, 18/10/2009 21:05
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The miracle of Lakshmi is that she has brought people of all different faiths together to unite in prayer for a common cause. She is truly a blessing to the world.
- Rachel, Texas, USA, 08/10/2009 05:58
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I am a Hindu, and although I have faith in GOD, I believe that the girl should be allowed to be operated. Whatever she might be, it is impossible for her to live like that- unable to fulfill her own needs. Believe in your religion but at the same time make sure your belief is not a nuisance to others.
- Pooja, Sri Lanka, 11/09/2009 14:58
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This is an unusual correctable abnormality, lack of information is a killer. People must be taught properly so that we can stop to confuse our diversedreligions and inherent birth abnormalities and disorders. It is imperative that if we see something not normal in our babies we should strive to make an effort to see proffessional DR's and the wealthy must please try and give something to the poor so that our babies are not cursed by permanent burdens of abmormalities. we must be carefull some people see these things the negative way of making money and enriching themselves and these are the things that we should totaly condermn.
Well done to the DR's that made this possible and god bless them all
- Lawrence M Shongwe, South Africa: Nelspruit, 24/08/2009 11:45
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This shows how we are all beautiful and a unique work of art from God. She's so cute and i hope she has a bright and healthy future. May God bless her family.
- Brittany C, Mississippi, 17/07/2009 21:14
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Good luck. My God Ganesh Deva and Vishnu Deva are with you.
- Ram C. Pradhan,, Dwarka, New Delhi, INDIA, 05/07/2009 10:47
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I hope you and your family are doing well. Lakshmi is really cute. I hope she has a wonderful life. I will pray for you and your family every day.
- Billie J Webber, Bangor, United States, 23/01/2009 14:21
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You are one of the cutest little girls I have ever seen. I am very happy that you and your family are doing well, and I wish you all the best of luck. Take care, and have a wonderful life.
- Sonora Owens, Ellsworth, United States, 23/01/2009 14:15
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she is so cute. Im happy the surgery went well. Good luck with every thing else.
p.s. im only 12 but i dont care i just love learning more about the surgery and every thing else
- Maitland, fishers indana, 15/01/2009 01:19
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Lakshmi,
I read this story with the though of sadness. In the picture with you and your mother I see nothing but happiness, and with that my thoughts turn to hope. You ARE a miracle and blessing from God and I wish you and your family well. God Bless.
- Kristen Destevens, Syracuse, NY, 14/07/2008 12:00
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Dearest Lakshi, I pray for you everyday when I first saw you on the news. The Lord is kind to provide you such a good health, it didn't matter whether you're in that stage as long as you live long.
God bless.
- Bernadette.Dongobir, Nauru, 16/05/2008 00:50
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I would just like to know what on earth is causing all these conditions and why it is only happening in India? Why these parents find nothing wrong with this and who is going to be paying for the surgery since they are all poor?
- Pauline, Gaborone,Botswana, 17/04/2008 20:49
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Eight Legged Baby.
- Ashira, NY, NY, 09/04/2008 21:15
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Dear Lakshi, you are truly a miraculous child!
I can only pray to the lord to give her blessing and good health.
Makes you think, is GOD there or no?
- Kalpana, Pune, India, 11/03/2008 13:39
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I watched the Bodyshock programme last night and I was inspired by the courage and dignity of Lakshmi's parents. They put their daughter first with no thought for themselves. The whole family are so lucky they have each other. Best wishes to all.
- Dawn, Leicester, United Kingdom, 20/02/2008 11:45
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Good luck and God bless!
- Ganraj Kaur Matharoo, Toronto, Canada, 20/12/2007 02:47
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I will be saying a prayer for her. I think that this little girl will do great things. Lakshmi is a very beautiful girl and will always be on my mind...
- Shanita Scotland, Atlanta, USA, 15/11/2007 01:20
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I believe that all the prayers that have been sent out to God on behalf of Lakshmi will take her through a successful surgery, I pray that God works through the hands of the surgeons as they give this beautiful child a normal life!
- Emma Khakula, Nairobi, Kenya, 14/11/2007 13:44
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She is a very beautitful little girl. I wish the best for her.
- April Walker, Montgomery,USA, 13/11/2007 19:07
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What an absolutely beautiful, angelic child! Her facial expression is one of joy. Severe trials in our life teaches us compassion and humility. I am humbled beyond belief as I see a child faced with this enormous challenge smiling into the face of her beloved mother. I pray that those doctors will receive divine help from above. I will pray for her.
- Marianne Haslam, Draper, USA, 13/11/2007 19:01
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I am sorry about this little girl's plight. I hope that the operation will be alright. She is a pretty little girl.
Let us all pray that God will help all those surgeons who would have to participate in this process, and bring this little girl life so she can look back on and sing her praises to the most high.
I wish all the doctors God's grace and a steady hand to perform this most difficult operation.
- Anne Martin-Griffith, Barbados, West Indies, 13/11/2007 19:00
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I hope everything works all right and my best wishes to the family.
- Normajean Sutton, Princeton, USA, 13/11/2007 18:48
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Poor little girl, she must feel horrible.
- Justin Johnson, Helenville, Wi, 13/11/2007 18:22
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May Swami shower his blessings upon your little girl in the time of her recovery, and also bless all those doctors who played a very big role in this little angel's life, she is a miracle from god and will definitely grow up to be the most beautiful, talented young lady.
- Dalene Moodley, South Africa, 13/11/2007 13:59
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I will pray for the health and hasty recovery of your little girl. She is beautiful.
- Brenda Mauger, Scarborough ONTARIO CANADA, 12/11/2007 23:24
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I am amazed! May the blessings of GOD be with them always. God bless the surgeon and his team for doing the surgery. They are inspirations to their professions, may GOD's blessing be with them also.
- Sharmela, Bronx, New York - USA, 12/11/2007 21:24
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Shes a cute baby-hope the surgey goes succesful
- Zulfi, Birmingham, 12/11/2007 19:39
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Something like what has happened is truly extraordinary and I pray that Lakshmi Tatma's operation goes well and she is able to live a long, healthy, prosperous life! Best Wishes to her parents and family!
- Eduardo Gonzalez, Chicago, USA, 07/11/2007 22:02
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What a beautiful family, the loving angels will help you heal. Love, light and happiness to you.
- Vicky, Pukekohe, New Zealand, 07/11/2007 21:57
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I pray to God for her well-being and am optimistic that the surgical procedure will be successful. God bless the family.
- K. Malhotra, Morton Grove-USA, 07/11/2007 21:56
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We have your Family in prayers, hope the operation goes well.. With all the doctors, you are in good hands...
- Naja And The Grierson Family, West Philadelphia, Pa., 07/11/2007 21:42
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My heart goes out to you and your family, I hope everything goes well.
- Alexandra, Dunedin, New Zealand, 07/11/2007 21:42
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Amazing... And she's so cute! Even more amazing is the timing of her birth. And yes, I'm glad that the parents are level-headed enough to place their child's health above religious beliefs. My prayers are with this family, may they make it through the surgery safe and sound.
- Indigowatcher, United States, 07/11/2007 21:30
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I hope all is well with this poor little mite, she has been through so much already in her young life, god bless her and her family. Lets hope she pulls through it all to have a great and wonderful life.
- Sue, Sutton in Asfield England, 07/11/2007 21:14
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Good luck. My thoughts are with you.
- Cortney, Plano, Texas, 07/11/2007 21:02
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Peace and Blessing to you and your family. With all the love that is around you, I know that your surgery will go well.
- Carrell Clarke, Brooklyn, NY, 07/11/2007 20:04
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I work at childrens hospital in Dayton Ohio and I was amazed at this, all of us here in Surgery hope and pray that everything goes well, God Bless to the Doctors and Nurses and to your family.
- Celeste Knox (Dayton, Ohio, Ohio USA, 07/11/2007 19:36
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I will be praying for Lakshmi and family. God be with the surgeons and the family.
- Corina, Saint Cloud, MN USA, 07/11/2007 18:59
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Aww...I hope you make it, Lakshmi! :-D
- Angela Wilde, USA, 07/11/2007 17:50
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Best of luck to you and your loved ones.
- Nancy, Brooklyn, NY, USA, 07/11/2007 17:04
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Thank God for the team of doctors and other healthworkers who are performing this operation. I pray that all goes well. May God guide you all the way.
- Naya, Tema, Ghana, 07/11/2007 16:54
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I hope the operation goes well. Good luck!
- Anonymous, Leicestershire, England, 07/11/2007 16:52
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I pray to the almighty who can make all things possible that this sweet baby girl will get through this surgery successfully and can live a healthy and normal life like any mother would love. My prayers are with you always.
- Kerry-Ann Notice, Jamaica, 07/11/2007 16:38
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May God bless you sweetheart, you are nothing but a miracle I pray that everything in life will be a success for you.
- Denise, Newark, New Jersey, USA, 07/11/2007 16:24
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I wish you the best of luck Lakshmi. We were all just saying what a pretty little girl you are.
- Kerry Briers, Andover England, 07/11/2007 15:10
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Heather - she needs the surgery because she will probably suffer severe infections by leaving the extra limbs on. Already, other news sources have stated she has suffered infections due to them. Also, she won't live past her early teens as I'm guessing she wouldn't develop well enough. There's also the fact that she wouldn't be able to walk or crawl and thus her quality of life is limited. The best option for her is to undergo surgery. Sometimes "parasitic" twins are not operated on, but more often than not, it's always beneficial to remove them because they pose serious health risks to the child.
- Healthgirl, Canada, 06/11/2007 20:39
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I pray this little sweetheart recovers quickly and with no complications!
- Deanna M., USA, 06/11/2007 20:19
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What a beautiful girl! Lakshmi, I wish you all the best on your surgery.
- Maiona, Mangere, Auckland, New Zealand, 06/11/2007 19:44
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"Why do doctors say she must have the limbs removed? In these photographs she looks healthy and happy. Unusual birth defect or not, look at her beautiful face."
Didn't you read the article? She won't live past her teen years unless the limbs are removed.
- Alonzo, Chicago IL USA, 06/11/2007 18:48
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Heather, are you a doctor? It is a defect, although extraordinary and amazing, it might lead to problems later on in life. Health and the way the human body is a very difficult thing that takes years to study, and I think the doctors, in this case, do know best.
- Marcus, Manchester, England, 06/11/2007 18:46
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Wow, I'm glad that the child's parents can reconcile their beliefs with the need to do this operation. I wish them all the best of luck!
- Anonymous, Durham, NC, USA, 06/11/2007 00:14
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Why do doctors say she must have the limbs removed? In these photographs she looks healthy and happy. Unusual birth defect or not, look at her beautiful face. She is extraordinary. And kudos to Poonam for safely delivering her.
- Heather, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA, 06/11/2007 00:09
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Poor little thing, she's adorable and I'm so glad to hear her parents are going to do all they can to give her a normal life. I pray to God the surgery is successful and she is able to pursue her dreams.
- Debi B, Memphis, USA, 06/11/2007 00:06
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What a beautiful child.
- John Dunn, Lilburn, Ga. USA, 06/11/2007 00:02
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God bless Lakshimi and her family! She's a beautiful little girl, and deserves every chance at a normal, healthy and happy life. Good luck to you, little sweetie.
- Mom_Of_Four, Liberty, NJ USA, 05/11/2007 23:46
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God bless this child. She is lovely.
- Just Me, San Diego, USA, 05/11/2007 23:08
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Poor thing. Arrrhh, she looks healthy and happy, though.
- Barb, Wheeling, WV USA, 05/11/2007 22:59
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I notice she is considered to be "a miracle, a reincarnation" of Vishnu, yet still she will go under the knife to remove "the miracle". More of a unusual twist of nature I suspect.
- Tommy Husbands, London, UK, 05/11/2007 22:43
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God bless this child, and my prayers for a flawless surgery.
- Chris, NY, USA, 05/11/2007 22:01
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God bless and be with this child, her parents and the surgeons!
- Scott, USA, 05/11/2007 21:55
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God bless this special child, she even has a smile on her little face.
- Flossmore, Chicago, USA, 05/11/2007 21:01
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In most modern countries, this beautiful child would have been aborted. Her parents are to be praised.
- Chukkal, Kent, USA, 05/11/2007 21:01
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