Living Goddesses of Nepal: Mystique and Majesty

Kumari is a name given to a chosen virgin in Nepali religious practices. It's believed that Kumari is a manifestation of the divine feminine power or Shakti. It's also known as the Living Goddess

The girl is believed to be possessed by Taleju, or Durga

Kumari literally means princess in Sanskrit

Currently, the 9-year-old Kumari in Kathmandu is the most well-known of the many girls who are worshipped in Nepal

Kumaris are drawn from the Newar community, the original inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley for whom planets

Kumaris are only worshipped for one day in Nepal. Usually one cannot be a Kumari beyond 16 years of age because of menarche

The primary purpose of a kumari puja is the realization of the divine potential in all human beings, especially women