Kumari (children)

The Kumari (Sanskrit, f, कुमारी, Kumari, literally " girl " ) applicable in Nepal since the 16th century as an incarnation of the Hindu goddess Taleju. The beginnings of this tradition dates back to the 14th century. Depending on the location it is also seen as an incarnation of Durga or Kali. Kumaris there is next to Kathmandu including in Patan / Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Bungamati, Kwa Bahal, and Tokha.

Kumari of Kathmandu

The best known Kumari lives in a temple - palace at Durbar Square in Kathmandu, the capital of the country. During infancy, between two and four years, it is selected from Buddhist Newar ethnic group and worshiped until their first menstruation as a " living goddess ".

Once a year, as part of a major religious festival, Dasain, the King of Nepal went to her and kissed her feet. He had himself blessed by the Kumari, by letting himself dab of her a Tika, a sign of blessing, on the forehead. How is the Divine Child while the king acted against, was interpreted by many Nepalis as an omen for the fate of the country and the monarchy. Since the abolition of the monarchy in 2008 she visited the Maoist prime minister.

Previously, the Kumaris received no schooling at all, as a goddess is considered to be omniscient. Today, the Kumaris are taught by private tutors and their knowledge tested. Since the girl goddess must not be contradicted, the teaching is difficult. Former Kumaris receive after they have lost their divine status, now a pension from the state (monthly 30, - € ) and will continue to be supported in order to facilitate their entry into a normal life.

Several times a year leaves the Kumari 's palace and takes part in religious festivals. The largest of these festivals is Indra Jatra The Kumari in a temple chariots ( Ratha ) is driven through the streets of Kathmandu and venerated by the faithful. At this week's annual festival includes performances of dance dramas. When Mahakali pyakhan mentioned dance drama fight Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Kumari, three incarnations of Durga, against a number of demons.

More Kumaris in Kathmandu Valley

Kumari of Bhaktapur

The Kumari of Bhaktapur enjoys more freedom than her colleague in Kathmandu. You can leave the house and meet friends and also attended a regular school.

The former Kumari of Bhaktapur, Sajani Shakya was known far beyond the borders of Nepal addition, as they and their parents a trip to the U.S. undertook in June 2007 to be at the premiere of the documentary Living Goddess at Silverdocs Film Festival here. Since it has thus violated the tradition, which prohibits a reigning Kumari to leave the country, she was removed from office. On public pressure but was reinstated after she had undergone a purification ritual after their return.

Kumari of Lalitpur

The Kumari of Lalitpur allowed to leave as well as her colleague in Kathmandu the house only to the great festivals and is taught by a private teacher. She lives in her parents house.

In Lalitpur, there is a special feature: a Kumari, who retain their divine status about her childhood also. Dharma ( Dhana ) Kumari Bajracharya, who was appointed in 1953 at the age of 2 years to Kumari, remained until 1985, in office.