A two foot tall priest in India is battling a mystery medical condition that has caused his body to shrink and his bones bend.
Bharat Tiwari has suffered from a rare ailment since he was five – but baffled doctors have yet to diagnose him.
Locals in Jabalpur, a bustling city around 515 miles (830km) south of New Delhi, have dubbed Bharat ‘the Bendy Priest’.
The 53-year-old claims locals treat him as a respected figure, believing that he could be the reincarnation of an ancient god.
Bharat Tiwari has suffered from a rare ailment since he was five – but baffled doctors have yet to diagnose him
In an interview with Barcroft Media, Bharat said: ‘People from different villages come to see me and they pay me respect.
‘Nobody taunts me and everyone respects me and I bless them. They are all very helpful to me.’
Bharat added: ‘I’ve been like this since childhood and I am not sure how it happened.’
Bharat, who says his condition is a gift from God, believes it may have happened after a wall fell on him when he was young. But doctors remain adamant it is a condition in his bones.
The poverty-stricken priest revealed his parents ‘tried all sorts of treatments’ at the time but nothing worked.
Bharat, who is unable to work because of his condition, said: ‘I believe in God and I know everything comes from him.
Locals in Jabalpur, a bustling city around 515 miles (830km) south of New Delhi, have dubbed Bharat ‘the Bendy Priest’
The 53-year-old claims locals treat him as a respected figure, believing that he could be the reincarnation of an ancient god
In an interview with Barcroft Media, Bharat said: ‘People from different villages come to see me and they pay me respect’
‘This too is from God and it shouldn’t make me sad or depressed. I haven’t got a disease, I’m not sad so it’s no problem.’
Bharat faces surprisingly few issues in his everyday life – despite being unable to work. He said: ‘I haven’t faced any problem as such.
‘I always find ways to take care of myself. I travel like normal people and I can travel anywhere without any issues.’
‘Also I am able to do the daily chores like I wash my clothes and I go to the market myself. I make tea for myself and for others too.’
Bharat’s friend and temple owner Sadhaya Pragya Bharti even claimed that locals often ask him for help with gardening.
He said: ‘In our Hindu culture there were disabled priests and we believe he is a reincarnation of them.
‘We don’t make fun of our priests. They are like our Gods and we do worship them.
Bharat, who says his condition is a gift from God, believes it may have happened after a wall fell on him when he was young
Bharat, who is unable to work because of his condition, said: ‘I believe in God and I know everything comes from him’
Bharat faces surprisingly few issues in his everyday life – despite being unable to work. He said: ‘I haven’t faced any problem as such
‘Tiwari doesn’t take any help in any form. He is proud of himself and does all his work himself. Ironically, we sometimes ask him for his help with things, like gardening.’
A local doctor, who has been looking after Tiwari for the past seven years, fears it is too late to begin treating the unknown condition now.
Dr J.K Narula said: ‘He stays fit generally and the problem is related to his bones. Nobody in his family knows about his disease. He doesn’t have any past records.
‘Because of his age I don’t think there is any chance of him getting better but any further deterioration can be avoided and taken care of.’
Despite his rare ailment, Bharat lives a fulfilled and happy life within his community. He said: ‘I believe in God, and I bless everyone.
‘I am happy that due to this condition people come to see me, and I am happy to bless them. I pray that everyone’s blessings come true.’
Bharat’s friend and temple owner Sadhaya Pragya Bharti even claimed that locals often ask him for help with gardening
Despite his rare ailment, Bharat lives a fulfilled and happy life within his community. He said: ‘I believe in God, and I bless everyone’