"Living Goddess Of Nepal - Kumari"

          
            In Nepal and India, there is a tradition of worshiping young pre-pubescent girls as manifestations of the divine female energy or Devi(a goddess) in Hindu religious traditions. In Nepal, a Kumari is a pre-pubescent girl selected from the Shakya clan of the Nepalese Newari(a type of caste) community. Kumari means young, unmarried girl. Kumari word is derived from Sanskrit word "Kaumarya" meaning "virgin". It is also a name of the goddess "Durga" as a child. A Kumari is believed to be the bodily incarnation of the goddess Taleju(the Nepalese name for goddess Durga). The Kumari is revered and worshiped by some of the country's Hindus as well as the Nepali Buddhists, though not the Tibetan Buddhists. There are several Kumaris throughout Nepal, with some cities having several, the best known is the Royal Kumari of Kathmandu.


Selecting the Goddess
          The selection of the Kumari, who is entitled to sit on the pedestal for worship as the Living Goddess is an elaborate affair. According to the traditions of Vajrayana sect of Mahayana Buddhism, girls in the age-group of 4-7 year, who belong to the Shakya community, and have an appropriate horoscope are screened on the basis of their 32 attributes of perfection, including color of eyes, shape of teeth, and voice quality. They are then taken to meet the deities in a dark room, where terrifying tantrik rituals are performed. The real goddess is the one who stays calm and collected throughout these trials. Other Hindu-Buddhist rituals that follow determine the real Kumari.


Girl Becomes Goddess
          After the rituals and ceremonies, the spirit of the goddess is said to enter the girl's body. She takes on the clothing and jewelry of her predecessor, and is given the title of Kumari Devi. She is worshiped on all religious occasions. She then lives in a place called "Kumari Ghar", at Kathmandu's Hanumandhoka palace square. It is beautifully decorated house where the living goddess performs her daily rituals.


Goddess turning human
          The Kumari's godhood comes to an end with her first menstruation, after which it is believed that the goddess vacates her body. Serious illness or a major loss of blood from an injury also cause her to revert to the common status.