A Living Goddess in Nepal: Kumari

Studying Hindu gods and goddesses?  Here’s a living one!

Kumari are living goddesses and worshiped by both Hindus and Buddhists in Nepal.

The newest Kumari is an 11-year old girl, who, according to the Huffington Post, is “considered to be the earthly manifestations of divine female energy, incarnations of the goddess known as Taleju, the Nepalese name for Durga.”

People from all over the world come to see her  and, notes the BBC in this fascinating story,  this young kumari must follow many rules.

“For one,” says the BBC,  her mother “has to apply special makeup to her daughter’s face in intricate designs. 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.”

The Daily Mail has some terrific pictures.  And  Channel 4 has a documentary simply called “Living Goddess.”