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Living goddess Kumari
What is the Living Goddess Kumari?
The Kumari is a young, pre-pubescent girl who is revered as the living embodiment of the Hindu goddess Taleju (a form of Durga) in Nepal, particularly within the Newar community of the Kathmandu Valley. The word "Kumari" comes from the Sanskrit word "Kaumarya," meaning "virgin" or "princess."
Selection Process:
The selection process is rigorous and steeped in tradition. Potential Kumaris typically come from specific Newar castes (Shakya or Bajracharya) and are usually chosen between the ages of 3 and 5. They must meet 32 specific physical perfections, called the "battis lakshanas," which include:
- A body like a banyan tree
- Thighs like a deer
- Eyelashes like a cow
- A voice clear and soft as a duck's
- No blemishes or scars
- and many more…
Their horoscope must also be compatible with the King of Nepal's (historically) and now with the country's. There are also tests of courage and serenity; the chosen girl must show no fear when confronted with masked dancers or the sacrificed heads of buffalo.
Life as a Kumari:
Once chosen, a Kumari's life changes dramatically:
- Sacred Residence: She lives in a special palace called the Kumari Ghar (in Kathmandu, for the Royal Kumari) or a designated house in other towns.
- Limited Outside Contact: She rarely leaves the palace, except for specific religious festivals, and her feet are generally not allowed to touch the ground outside. She is carried in a palanquin or on the shoulders of attendants.
- Worship and Rituals: She is worshipped daily by devotees who believe she has divine powers. She performs rituals and blesses those who seek her audience.
- No Formal Education: Traditionally, Kumaris receive private tutoring within the palace, but they do not attend regular schools. This has been changing in recent years, with some Kumaris receiving more education.
- End of Reign: Her reign ends when she reaches puberty, experiences her first menstrual cycle, or suffers a significant injury or illness that causes her to bleed.
Different Kumaris:
While the Royal Kumari of Kathmandu is the most well-known, there are several other Kumaris in different towns and cities within the Kathmandu Valley and beyond, such as Patan and Bhaktapur. Each has its own traditions and levels of prominence.
After Being a Kumari:
The transition back to "normal" life can be challenging for former Kumaris. They have to adjust to a life without constant adoration and the constraints of their former role. There are often superstitions about marrying former Kumaris (believing it brings bad luck), although this is becoming less prevalent. The Nepalese government provides a pension to former Kumaris.
Controversies and Debates:
The Kumari tradition has faced some criticism and debate in modern times, with concerns raised about:
- Child Rights: Some argue that the practice violates the child's rights to education, a normal childhood, and freedom of movement.
- Cultural Preservation vs. Modernity: There is ongoing discussion about how to balance preserving this ancient tradition with modern values and human rights.
Despite these debates, the Kumari tradition remains a deeply ingrained part of Nepalese culture and continues to fascinate and inspire awe. She is a powerful symbol of divine feminine energy and a living link to Nepal's rich spiritual heritage.
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