A unique calf has been born with four nostrils and three eyes and locals believe it is an incarnation of God.
The Holstein Friesian jersey cow was born on a farm in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, India, where locals are queuing up to visit the 'sacred animal'.
Farmer Neeraj Chandel claims many believe it is the Hindu God Shiva, also known as the Lord of Cattle.
In photos and video footage, the cow can be seen with a third eye on its forehead, as well as four nostrils.
Neeraj said: ”As soon as the cow gave birth, we thought it is some kind of a wound on his forehead before finding it as an eye with the help of a flashlight.
"We then found four nostrils which further saw the locals thronging our home after the nocturnal birth.
“The calf is moving normally and drinks milk from the mother's udder and makes good use of the third eye on his forehead.
"It's more like God has visited us.”
The Indian calf weighs around 30lbs and has a longer tongue than the average calf but is still managing to drink milk normally.
Locals believe the birth of the animal will bring villagers good luck and prosperity, with many showering the animal with gifts such as coconuts and flowers.
This is not the first calf with multiple eyes to be born.
In May 2021, a three-eyed calf arrived in Brynmawr, North Wales, where it was later slaughtered.
Although the Indian calf is not destined for slaughter, its future is still uncertain, as one livestock department official believes the animal will not survive for long.
They said: “These are rare cases but such mutant animals do not survive for a longer period.
"They either live for 24 months or they can die in a couple of weeks.”
Neeraj has reached out to a local vet for a medical screening who confirmed that despite its unusual mutations, the three-eyed calf is currently healthy.
The farmer also confirmed that the other calves that his cow has given birth to previously are in good health.
He added: "Before this delivery, she had given birth to two [calves]. They were healthy and without any mutation."
As for the unusual appearance, a doctor has confirmed the cow’s extra features are purely down to science.
Private practitioner, Madan Anand, said: "The birth of a calf is just another case of deformity.
"It has nothing to do with the superstitions or even faith.
“People should be made aware, especially those who are from rural areas who tend to worship such animals.
"The local veterinarians in their respective domains such held awareness campaigns to avoid such practices.”
Despite many seeing the calf’s rare appearance as a divine miracle, the vet maintained that the cause for the deformity is a hormonal disorder.
The response from people in the immediate area suggested the calf was hugely important.
It still struggled to stay upright as other calves do when they have just been born.
But the reaction from the crowds which gathered suggested it had great significance.
