The Living Goddess Kumari

Tweet

We learned something I think is very sad when we were in Nepal. I'll tell you about it first, then I'll add my commentary. In Nepal they worship many different gods and goddesses. They also have a living goddess. The way the guide explained it to us, to the best of my memory, and you can research it more online if you are interested, is that they select a virgin girl, around 5 years old. She must be without any scars, warts, or blemishes. She has to have good even skin pigmentation. There is a rigorous process for her selection. They believe the ordinary child, once selected, becomes possessed by the goddess Taleju or Durga. They worship this child. They actually worship this child. She is taken from her family and taken care of (imprisoned) by devotees who educate her. She is not allowed to ever cry or show any emotion whatsoever. They locked her in a room with scary things to "train" her not to cry out or make any sound whatsoever. Her feet can never touch the ground and she is carried everywhere. We saw this little girl for 5 minutes. She has to make regular public appearances daily so people can pray to her. The one we say in Kathmandu (there are more than one in Nepal) is called the Royal Kumari of Kathmandu, her real name is Trishna Shakya. She is currently 9 years old I think. Once she reaches puberty, or rather once she starts menstruating/has her first period, she is no longer considered a living goddess and she is replaced by another 5 year old little girl. I asked our guide whether or not the little girl had any say so in whether or not to become the living goddess. He said no. Her parents nominate her and then the state controls her until she reaches puberty. I, as a Christian, of course object to the worshipping of a living human being and any forms of multiple gods and goddesses. But I especially object to the way these young girls are forced into this life not of their own choosing. Photo taken by me of a poster of the current Kumari. You aren't allowed to take photographs of the real Kumari.