Kumari (goddess)

Kumari, meaning "virgin" in Nepali, Sanskrit, and other Indian languages, refers to the tradition of selecting young girls as living goddesses in Nepal. The Kumari are pre-pubescent girls believed to be the embodiment of the goddess Taleju (the Nepalese name for Durga). This practice is most prevalent amongst the Newari community, an indigenous group in the Kathmandu Valley.

The selection process for a Kumari is rigorous and involves various tests designed to identify a girl who possesses the 32 perfections of a goddess. Criteria include physical characteristics (such as specific eye color, hair color, and body shape), the ability to remain calm and fearless in the face of ritualistic animal sacrifices (historically, and occasionally still, buffaloes), and the verification of past horoscopes. The chosen Kumari traditionally comes from the Shakya caste (goldsmith or silversmith caste) within the Newari Buddhist community.

Once selected, the Kumari resides in a Kumari Ghar, a specially designated residence often within a temple complex. She is treated with reverence and believed to possess divine power. Her primary duties involve attending religious ceremonies, granting audiences to devotees who seek blessings, and participating in specific festivals and processions. The Kumari is seen as a protector of the city and its people.

The Kumari tradition continues until the girl experiences her first menstruation or suffers a significant loss of blood from an injury. At this point, it is believed that the goddess vacates her body. A new Kumari is then selected to take her place, and the former Kumari returns to a normal life. The experience of being a Kumari can be both a blessing and a challenge for the young girls involved, as it isolates them from many aspects of normal childhood and presents difficulties in reintegrating into society after their tenure.

The tradition of the Kumari has faced criticism from human rights groups, who argue that it violates the rights of the child by restricting her freedom and access to education. However, it remains a significant and deeply ingrained aspect of Nepalese culture, with supporters emphasizing its religious importance and cultural significance. Recent reforms have attempted to address some of the human rights concerns, such as providing the Kumari with education and healthcare.