Nepal Chooses A Two-Year-Old As Living Goddess: What Rules, Rituals, And Restrictions Will Define Her Life

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On a quiet Kathmandu morning, a little girl was lifted gently in her father's arms, her tiny feet never touching the ground. At just two years and eight months, Aryatara Shakya was no longer just her parents' beloved child-she had become Nepal's new Kumari, the living goddess revered by both Hindus and Buddhists.

Crowds lined the streets, folding hands in reverence, bowing their heads, and touching her feet with their foreheads. For her family, the moment was surreal. "She was just my daughter yesterday, but today she is a goddess," said her father with tears of pride.

Photo Credit: AP

What Is The Tradition Behind Choosing A Living Goddess?

The Kumari tradition is centuries old and deeply rooted in Nepal's history. She is believed to embody the goddess 'Taleju', a form of Durga, and serve as a protector of the nation. The Kumari is not just symbolic; she is actively worshipped during major festivals such as Indra Jatra, Dashain, and Tihar, where she blesses devotees and even high-ranking officials, including the President. Once a girl becomes Kumari, she lives in the Kumari Ghar, a temple palace in Kathmandu, where rituals, prayers, and blessings surround her every day.

Photo Credit: AP

What Is The Age Of A Living Goddess?

Kumaris are usually chosen at a very young age, typically between 2 and 4 years old. At this stage, they embody purity and innocence, untouched by worldly attachments. Aryatara Shakya, at 2 years and 8 months, has now stepped into this revered role. The chosen girls are expected to remain Kumari until puberty, after which they return to being ordinary mortals. The cycle then repeats with another young girl from the community taking her place.

How A Living Goddess Is Chosen In Nepal?

The selection of a Kumari is not a casual decision but a meticulous spiritual process. The candidate must belong to the Shakya clan of the Newar community, indigenous to the Kathmandu Valley. The girl must meet strict physical and spiritual criteria-flawless skin, clear eyes, perfect teeth, unblemished hair, and no fear of the dark. Families from the clan often compete for this honor, as having a Kumari elevates their social status. When the council of priests and elders identifies the chosen one, she is carried ceremoniously to the Kumari Ghar, where she begins her life as a living goddess.

Photo Credit: AP

What Are The Rules To Be Followed By A Living Goddess?

Life as a Kumari is far from ordinary. Once chosen, the goddess lives a secluded existence inside the Kumari Ghar. She wears red attire, her hair tied in topknots, and her forehead adorned with a symbolic "third eye." She has limited playmates and is allowed outside only for special festivals. For her followers, even a glance from the Kumari is believed to bring blessings.

However, this divine honor comes with challenges. Many former Kumaris struggle to adjust when they return to ordinary life, facing difficulties in school or with social interactions. Folklore even claims that men who marry ex-Kumaris risk an early death, which is why many remain unmarried. Over the years, some traditions have softened-Kumaris now receive private education within the palace, sometimes have access to television, and enjoy a more modern childhood than their predecessors.

Does The Government Pay A Monthly Pension To The Retired Kumaris?

Yes. To support retired Kumaris as they transition back into ordinary life, the Nepalese government provides a small monthly pension of about $110. While modest, it is slightly above the minimum wage and ensures that these women, who once held such a unique position in society, are not left entirely unsupported.