Goddess who's a bloke was jobless in Big Smoke

Steven Cooper is proof that reincarnation can take many forms. The unemployed transvestite from Tooting in south London is now relishing his new life - being worshipped as the goddess of Indian eunuchs.

Mr Cooper, or 'Pamela' as he likes to be known, has been the local deity in the temple in Becharaji, a remote village in the state of Gujarat, for the past two months.

Every day, for an hour each morning and evening, the 32-year-old sits inside the temple, wearing a sari with his long hair tied in two loose pigtails, blessing worshippers and pilgrims.

Many of the worshippers are eunuchs who regard Mr Cooper as the reincarnation of Bahucharaji Mata, the Hindu patron goddess of Indian eunuchs, who according to legend castrated her husband.

This conviction came the moment they saw him, owing to his resemblance to the goddess as she is portrayed in posters and calendars.

'For the first time in my life, I feel at home and accepted in a way I never was in England,' he said. 'I'm grateful that I can serve a useful purpose. In Tooting, my life was boring and meaningless. I was just drifting.'

Pilgrims even believe that Mr Cooper can cure infertility. 'Several women here have told me that they have become pregnant after her blessing,' said Kirit Bai Jani, the temple accountant.