Lakshmi Embodied

Lakshmi Tatmae, named after the Hindu goddess of wealth (Lakshmi) seen above, entered surgery this morning. Why is a surgical procedure for a little girl halfway across the world of significance? Because young Tatmae suffers from isciopagus, which means that she has eight instead of four limbs. Believed by some in her village to be the living representation of the goddess, many disagreed with her parents' decision to have her extra limbs (and additional organs since she has two chests and stomach cavities) removed. This brings us to an interesting question. Should a child be allowed to suffer--Tatmae was initially projected not to live beyond her teens--if she is believed to be a living deity? (Photos are after the jump.)