In A two-year-old girl in Nepal has been declared a new living goddess (4 photos)

A two-year-old Nepalese girl has become the new Kumari—the incarnation of the Hindu goddess Taleju. The girl passed a test of courage: she was shown several sacrificed buffalos and masked men dancing in blood. The little girl was not frightened.





On September 28, the Kumari's enthronement ceremony took place in Kathmandu. Eight-year-old Trishna Shakya handed over her powers to Aryatara Shakya upon reaching puberty. The girl was dressed in a red dress and had her eyes lined with black eyeliner. Now she will leave her family and live in the Kumari Palace.



Kumari is the living embodiment of the Hindu goddess Taleju, worshiped by both Hindus and Buddhists. Meeting her is believed to bring good luck.

The selection process is based on strict criteria based on ancient tantric principles and astrological calculations. Buddhist monks and the royal astrologer oversee the process.

She must be healthy, without scars or moles, and have no dental problems.

If the candidate successfully passes the initial physical test, she is further examined for unique bodily features, such as thick eyelashes, a long neck, and a lotus-like skin tone. Her horoscope must match the royal one.

Then the girl is tested for courage.





After her coronation, the Kumari will live in the palace and see her family only at rare events, which take place about 13 times a year. When she leaves her chambers, she is carefully carried in people's arms because she cannot touch the ground.

Until recently, the goddess spent most of her time in one room, without access to education or information about the outside world, making it difficult for her to return to normal life.

Human rights activists have pushed for changes: the Kumari now has a mentor, access to books, magazines, and the internet. Certain people, often those with influential connections, are allowed to see the goddess in her room, where she sits on a gilded throne.



The Kumari's actions during visits are closely monitored. Her actions are considered a harbinger of the future for visitors.

According to ancient beliefs, if she cries or laughs loudly, a person will suffer a serious illness or death. If she chooses treats, it foretells financial losses.

People who cannot enter her room stand by the window, hoping to catch a glimpse of the girl and receive her blessing.