Living Goddes of Nepal- Kumari

Nepal’s Living Goddess locally known as Kumari. It is the tradition of worshiping young pre-pubescent girls as manifestations of the divine female energy or Devi in Hindu religious traditions.The word  ‘Kumari’ derived from Sanskrit Kaumrya which means “Virgin”.

In Nepal a Kumari is a pre-pubescent girl selected from the Shakya or Bajracharya clan of the Nepalese Newari Community.The Kumari is revered and Worshiped by both Hindus and Buddhists in Nepal. And the Royal Kumari of Kathmandu is lives in the Kumari Ghar which is situated at the

Darbar Square near by the Hanuman Dhoka Palace.

There are so many rules. For one Kumari’s mother has to apply special makeup at home on her face in intricate designs using rich shades of red and yellow as well as thick striking black around her eyes. Her feet were also painted and she was dressed in an ornate,traditional costume accessoried with jewellery which is passed down from one Kumari to the next.The girl isn’t allowed to go outside except for festivals.On those occasions,her feet must not touch the ground.That means someone has to carry the young goddess.And the Kumari is not allowed to speak to anyone besides her family and close friends.

A Kumari is believed to be the incarnation of the goddess Taleju (the Nepalese name of Durga)until she menstruates,after which it is believed that the goddess vacates her body. Serious illness or a major loss of blood from an injury are also causes for her to revert to common status.