Living Goddess Kumari

A long way from history, Kumari, the living goddess is reknown for her calmness and divine power. The living goddess Kumari is identity of the country, Nepal. Nepal is only country where Kumari is praised as ‘holy spirit’ by Hindus and Buddhists.

Who is 'Kumari'

The word Kumari is extracted from Sanskrit word ‘Kaumarya’, which refers to ‘Young’. Kumari is a pre-pubescent girl who is chosen from Shakya or Bajracharya caste family of Nepal. It is believed that Kumari is incarnation of Goddess Taleju.

History Behind

The history behind , the beginning of Kumari has been passed over generations for many years by our ancestors. It was the rule of King Jaya Prakash Malla, late night, the King used to play tripasa : dice game with Goddess Taleju. The king was not allowed to reveal the secret to anyone.

But one day, his wife saw Goddess Taleju and Goddess Taleju got fired up. Goddess Taleju urged the king that, if he wants to protect his country or see her again, he must find a little girl who will be incarnation of her spirit. Then, the king left the palace in search of a little girl who resembles Goddess Taleju.

Major requirements to be Kumari

To become a rightful candidate for Kumari, following requirements are necessary.

She must be good in health, must not have shed by blood, must not have lost teeth yet and should be unblemished. Further more prerequisites are examined like battis lakchyan or thirty-two characters. Also her eyes and hair should be very black and have soft hands and feets. Her voice must be melodious and have small and recessed sexual organs. The family of candidate is also examined.

During the analysis, 108 buffalos and goats are sacrificed to Goddess Kali. After the completion of above test, the young candidate is send to withstand against the anxiety by leaving her alone in a room among heads of those sacrificed buffalos and goats for one night. If she holds off then she is the spirit of Goddess Taleju but she is frightened then another candidate is brought to carry out same process.

What after selection

The selected candidate is regarded as the living Goddess Kumari. The life gets totally changed. Then, she is bound to stay in palace(Kumari Ghar), she rarely gets to meet her parents and friends. She is taken care by appointed parents in the palace. She is enforced to wear on red attire and coat on fiery eye on her forehead which is the symbol of destruction of evilness.

Kumari is also brought out in some special occasions, carrying in golden palanquin but not more than fifteen times a year. She is not allowed to put her feets on the ground and wear shoes, they are covered with red stockings. She acheive her education in the palace.

Kumari Festival

The most awaited festival of Nepal, Indra Jatra(named after Lord Indra) falls on every September. The living goddess Kumari along with god Ganesh and Bhairav are strayed around old Kathmandu in chariot. Carrying on the tradition, Kumari also used to bless the King but now to President and Prime Minister. We can’t go ahead without Lakhe (Rakchek: the protector) and Phulukisi(White Elephant), as they are the major attribute who glows the festival more. Thousands of people attend the festival and to receive blessings from god and goddess.

Some glimpse of Indra jatra