Kumari the living goddess of Nepal, a female divinity, is revered as the living virgin goddess and protector of all living beings. The word “Kumari” comes from Sanskrit, meaning “virgin.” She is the only living goddess in the world and is held in high regard during social and religious occasions.
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Here are 10 clear facts about Kumari the Living Goddess of Nepal
- Living Virgin Goddess: A young girl worshipped as a living goddess in Nepal, embodying the goddess Taleju, a form of Durga.
- Facial Expressions: The facial expression of Kumari includes multiple meanings, if she smiles at you is believed that it will bring bright good fortune, blessing, and happiness. It is considered a positive omen. Despite this, other facial expressions can have different interpretations, if she frowns, cries, or shows signs of distress, it is thought to be an unfavourable sign, possibly foretelling misfortune or challenges ahead. pines. For instance, In Nepalese culture, her expressions are taken seriously by her devotees, as she is regarded as a divine being with the power to influence one’s destiny.
- Strict Selection Process: She is chosen from the Newar Buddhist Shakya caste, typically between ages 4 and 5, and must meet strict physical and astrological criteria.
- Royal Kumari of Kathmandu: The most revered Kumari resides in Kathmandu’s Kumari Ghar, a palace where she is honoured as the Royal Kumari.
- End of Reign: Her divinity is believed to leave her body when she experiences her first menstruation, serious illness, or significant blood loss.
- Legends Behind the Tradition: The tradition is linked to various legends, most notably involving King Jayaprakash Malla and the goddess Taleju.
- Cultural Significance: The Kumari plays a vital role in Nepal’s religious festivals, particularly during Indra Jatra, where the king traditionally seeks her blessing.
- Worship in Hinduism and Buddhism: Worship is rooted in Hindu and Buddhist beliefs, symbolizing the divine feminine energy present in all beings. This practice of worshipping a living goddess is unique to Nepal and is respected by Hindu and Buddhist communities.
- Kumari Ghar Architecture: The residence, Kumari Ghar, is renowned for its intricate wooden carvings and terracotta art, reflecting 18th-century craftsmanship.
- Global Awareness: While deeply rooted in Nepalese tradition, she has gained global attention for being one of the world’s few living goddesses.
The Tradition of Kumari Worship
Kumari the living goddess in Nepal, also known as Kumari Devi or Living Durga, represents the holy feminine energy. The practice involves worshipping young prepubescent girls, aged 9 to 12, selected from the Shakya caste of the Newar Buddhist community in Nepal. It is believed that the Kumari embodies Taleju, a form of the goddess Durga. The tradition is prevalent in the Kathmandu Valley and some parts of Nepal, including Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Sankhu, and Bungamati. You can experience Kumari during the Kathmandu Valley tour in Nepal.
Where to See The Living Goddess
While there are several Kumaris in Nepal, the most renowned is the Royal Kumari of Kathmandu, residing in the Kumari Ghar, a palace in the city centre. The first recognized Kumari in Nepal is believed to have been a young girl named Muni Devi from the Shakya caste of the Newar community, The selection process for the Royal Kumari is stringent. As of 2017, Trishna Shakya, a three-year-old girl, holds the title of Royal Kumari. Another significant living goddess is Unika Bajracharya, the Kumari of Patan, crowned in April 2014.
End of the Kumari’s Reign
The divinity leaves Kumari’s body upon menarche (the onset of menstruation), serious illness, or significant blood loss due to injury. Typically, a Kumari reigns until she reaches 16 years of age, or in the case of Bungamati until her first milk tooth falls out.
Education of Kumari
The Kumari the living goddess, a young girl revered as the Living Goddess in Nepal, undergoes a unique education. She is trained in religious rituals, prayers, and customs by priests to fulfil her divine role. Alongside this, she receives formal education in subjects like math, science, and languages, often taught privately within her residence. The challenge lies in balancing her divine duties with modern schooling, ensuring she can reintegrate into society after retiring, typically at puberty. Post-retirement, she continues her education in a regular school, gradually adapting to life beyond her sacred role.
Legends Behind the Kumari Tradition
Several legends explain the origins of the Kumari worship. One popular tale involves King Jayaprakash Malla, the last monarch of the Malla dynasty. According to the legend, the goddess Taleju would visit the king nightly to play Tripasa (a dice game) and discuss the kingdom’s welfare. However, when the queen discovered their meetings, the goddess became enraged and vowed never to return, declaring she would only protect the kingdom if found in the body of a young girl from the Shakya caste.
Another version involves King Gunkam Dev, a predecessor of Jayaprakash Malla, while a third tale speaks of a girl possessed by the goddess Durga during Jayaprakash Malla’s reign.
Selection of the Kumari: The Living Goddess
Every 10 years, a Shakya girl aged 4 or 5 is chosen as the new Kumari. The selection process is strict, requiring the girl to possess several attributes, including an immaculate body, large expressive eyes, and a clear voice. The chosen girl must be brave, have a horoscope matching the king’s, and embody 32 excellent attributes known as “Battis Lakshan.”
Worshiping the Kumari
Kumari Puja is traditionally performed after Mahastami Puja or on the day of Navami Puja. It is also conducted alongside other rituals like Kali Puja, Jagaddhatri Puja, Annapurna Puja, and Shakti Puja. The Kumari Puja celebrates the slaying of Kolasur by the goddess Kali, who, according to Hindu scriptures, was reborn to protect the deities.
The worship of the Kumari is significant in both Hinduism and Buddhism, symbolizing the divine feminine energy present in all living beings. The Kumari is worshipped for a single day in Nepal, with specific titles given to the goddess based on her age.
Following are the title names given to the kumari as per her age:
- Age 1 Sandhya
- Age 2 Sarasvati
- Age 3 Tridhamurti
- Age 4 Kalika
- Age 5 Subhaga
- Age 6 Parvati/Uma
- Age 7 Malini
- Age 8 Kubjika
- Age 9 Kaalasandarbha
- Age 10 Aparajita
- Age 11 Rudrani
- Age 12 Bhairavi
- Age 13 Mahalakshmi
- Age 14 Pithanayika
- Age 15 Kshetragya
- Age 16 Ambika
Kumari Ghar: The Residence of the Living Goddess
Kumari Ghar, located near Hanuman Dhoka Palace (Kathmandu Durbar Square) in Basantapur, Kathmandu, is where the Royal Kumari lives. Visitors can see her twice a day, usually in the midafternoon. The Kumari Ghar (house) is known for its beautiful wooden carvings and terracotta art, showcasing excellent 18th-century craftsmanship. It is also home to a famous wall painting from the reign of Jaya Prakash Malla, although this is not accessible to the public.
