Kumari: The living goddess of Nepal

Kumari, which means a virgin girl, is worshipped in Nepal as a living goddess. Back in the Kirat and Licchavi period, there was no practice of worshipping Kumari, but in the 8th century, King Jaya Prakash Malla formally introduced the worship of the young girl who has not begun her menstrual period. They are worshipped as the living goddess Taleju (Durga). Not all girls could be Kumari; there are certain specific rules and regulations as well as criteria. The selection process of Kumari is followed by astrological, tantric, and spiritual, as well as cultural, principles.

Caste and Lineage

The girl must be from the Shakya clan and Buddhist community, and her parents should be of pure Shakya lineage.

Family background

The girl's parents' marriage should have been socially accepted and done traditionally, and her parents must be alive as well as they should be pure and clean.

Physical condition and age

The age at which the girl should have been chosen is between 2 and 6, and she hasn’t had menstruation; she must also be in good health, with no scars, no physical deformities, and no blemishes.

32 Signs of Physical Perfection

Kumari has to be traditionally divine and have certain characteristics, which are:

• Body like a banyan tree
• Thighs like a deer
• Chest like a lion
• Eyes shaped like a cow’s
• Eyelashes like a cow
• Voice soft and clear like a duck
• Hair and skin must be dark and lustrous
• Even teeth with no gaps or missing teeth

Astrology Compatibility

The girl’s horoscope must align favorably with the king's astrological chart, as she is regarded as his spiritual protector. Astrological experts are consulted as part of the final selection.

Selection Committee and Ritual Process

A special selection committee, made up of Bajracharya priests, royal astrologers, and Taleju temple caretakers. They are responsible for identifying and approving the Kumari. Once they find a suitable girl, they participate in a ritual involving the sacred sword of Taleju Bhawani. She accepts and holds the sword as a symbol of divine power, symbolizing the transmission of Taleju's power, after which she is formally declared the Kumari.

After the selection of Kumari, she was enthroned and began her life at the Kumari Ghar in Hanuman Dhoka. She performs ceremonial duties and is worshipped by both the general public and, historically, the royal family. She remains Kumari until her first menstruation, significant injury, or loss of ritual purity.

When will Kumari be replaced?

• If her teeth fall out (a symbolic end to divine purity)

• If she suffers from a serious illness.

• Upon the death of a reigning king, traditionally a significant event for royal Kumari selection.

• After her menstrual period occurs.

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When will Kumari appear in public?

Kumari is taken out of the Kumari Ghar (her residence) on only 13 special days each year, including: Indra Jatra (3 days), Changu Narayan Jatra (2 days), Seto Machindra Nath Jatra (2 days), Dashain, Chaitra Dashain, Ghode Jatra, Biska Jatra, and others.