The tradition of the Kumari, also known as the Living Goddess, is one of the most unique and revered practices in Nepal, especially among the Newar community of the Kathmandu Valley. This ancient tradition, which blends elements of Hinduism and Buddhism, elevates a young prepubescent girl to the status of a living deity, believed to be an incarnation of the goddess Taleju (a form of Durga). The Kumari is worshipped as a protector of the nation, and her presence is central to many of the valley’s festivals and rituals.
Origins and Mythology
The tradition of the Kumari is rooted in the story of Taleju, the guardian goddess of the Malla kings who once ruled the Kathmandu Valley. According to legend, the goddess Taleju used to visit the king in human form to discuss the affairs of the state. One night, the king made an inappropriate advance toward her, which offended the goddess, and she disappeared. Before leaving, however, she proclaimed that she would no longer appear in her original form but would instead reside in the body of a young girl from a specific caste.
This marked the beginning of the tradition of selecting a young girl, usually from the Shakya or Bajracharya caste (both Buddhist), to serve as the living embodiment of the goddess. While the Kumari is chosen from a Buddhist family, her worship is primarily Hindu, reflecting the unique syncretism of Nepal’s religious traditions.
The Selection Process
The process of selecting the Kumari is rigorous and sacred. The girl must meet a series of physical and spiritual criteria, known as the 32 perfections, which include flawless skin, black hair, dark eyes, and the shape of her teeth. More importantly, she must display a calm and fearless nature, signifying her divine qualities. The selection is traditionally overseen by Hindu priests and astrologers, and her ability to meet these perfections is seen as proof of her divine status.
The most dramatic part of the selection process involves a symbolic test of courage. The young candidates are taken to a dark room where they are exposed to various frightening sights, such as animal sacrifices and men dressed in terrifying masks. The girl who remains calm and fearless is believed to be the true embodiment of the goddess Taleju.
Once chosen, the Kumari is taken to live in the Kumari Ghar, a special palace in Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, where she resides until she reaches puberty.
Life as the Kumari
As the Living Goddess, the Kumari’s life is very different from that of a typical child. She is revered and worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists, who come to seek her blessings for health, protection, and prosperity. Her feet must not touch the ground, as it is believed that her divine energy would leave her body if she came into contact with the earth. As a result, she is carried in a special palanquin when she appears in public, typically during festivals.
The Kumari’s daily life involves rituals and ceremonies, but she also lives somewhat isolated from her family and peers. However, she receives an education and is cared for by attendants who ensures her comfort and well-being.
Her most significant public appearance takes place during the annual Indra Jatra festival, where she is carried in a grand procession through the streets of Kathmandu. During this event, the reigning monarch of Nepal (in the past, the king; today, a representative of the government) pays homage to the Kumari, reaffirming her status as the protector of the nation.
Another key event is Kumari Jatra, a festival within Indra Jatra, where the Kumari is taken out on a chariot through the city to bless the people and ward off misfortune. It is during such public appearances that devotees believe the Living Goddess can offer her blessings to cure ailments, bring good fortune, and ensure peace and prosperity.
The End of Divinity: Post-Kumari Life
The Kumari remains a living goddess until she reaches puberty. When she begins menstruating, it is believed that the goddess Taleju vacates her body, and the search for a new Kumari begins. After this, the former Kumari returns to her family and resumes a normal life, though the transition can be challenging.
In the past, the belief of marrying a former Kumari would bring misfortune, but in modern times, this notion has largely been dispelled. Many former Kumaris have gone on to lead fulfilling lives, pursuing education, careers, and family, though the psychological impact of their early years as a living deity can vary.
Cultural and Spiritual Significance
The Kumari tradition holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the people of Nepal. She is not only seen as a symbol of divine power but also as a protector of the nation and its people. Her presence is a reminder of the delicate balance between the human and divine, between the secular and sacred in Nepal’s religious life.
The Kumari also represents the unity of Nepal’s Hindu and Buddhist communities. Though the tradition originates from Hindu mythology, the Kumari herself is selected from a Buddhist family, symbolizing the harmony and intermingling of these two major religions in the Kathmandu Valley.
Modern Challenges and Criticisms
In recent years, the Kumari tradition has faced criticism and scrutiny, particularly regarding the rights of the young girls chosen to be goddesses. Concerns have been raised about their isolation, lack of normal childhood experiences, and potential psychological effects after they retire from their role. In response, there have been reforms aimed at ensuring better care, education, and reintegration into society after their term as Kumari ends.
Despite these challenges, the tradition of the Living Goddess remains strong. For many, the Kumari is a living symbol of Nepal’s rich heritage and spiritual identity, an enduring link between the past and present.
Conclusion
The Kumari tradition is one of Nepal’s most unique and enduring cultural practices. It embodies the deep reverence for the divine in everyday life, the blending of Hindu and Buddhist beliefs, and the nation’s spiritual legacy. Although modernity and criticism have brought changes to the tradition, the Living Goddess continues to be a cherished figure, both as a protector of Kathmandu and as a symbol of Nepal’s cultural and spiritual resilience.
3 Responses
Great!!
Great!!!
Bhaktapur!