19/04/2024
Facts about Nepal's Living Goddess
1. The Buddhist Princess Revered by Hindus
In Nepal, the Kumari is a prepubescent girl selected from the Shakya clan of the Nepalese Newari Buddhist community. She is believed to be the manifestation of Taleju or Durga, the mother Goddess Mahadevi, who is associated with protection, strength, and power.
2. 16 Names Depending upon their age.
According to the “Jñanarnava Rudrayamala tantra”, a Kumari can be assigned a name depending upon her age. These all are name of divine females with powerful virtues in Hindu scriptures.
There are different oral traditions on how the selection of Kumari started, however the core idea behind it is the realization and acceptance that the divinity is formless and manifests in everything from the animate as well as inanimate.
3. The Fascinating Selection Process
The Kumari selection process is an enigma on its own. While many including the former Kumaris reveal that the process is no longer hard and fast as mentioned, still, it is something mysterious and mythical, fit for an interesting novel or movie.
Here is how enigmatic and interesting the process is:
The selection process is conducted by five senior Buddhist Vajracharya priests: namely the Panch Buddha, the Bada Guruju or Chief Royal Priest, Achajau, the priest of Taleju and the royal astrologer.
4. Interesting Inferential Symbols
You love tarot reading. You feel everything is connected. You love silence and symbols.
This means you will find the Kumari culture absolutely interesting. Here are some interesting inferences visitors can make or interpret of the Kumari’s actions:
· Crying or loud laughter: Serious illness or death
· Weeping or rubbing eyes: Imminent death
· Trembling: Imprisonment
· Hand clapping: Reason to fear the king
· Picking at food offerings: Financial losses
If the Kumari remains silent and impassive throughout the audience, her devotees leave elated. This is the sign that their wishes have been granted.
5. Modernisation Incorporated
Nowadays Kumaris attend public schools and have a life inside the classroom, although bit different from other students. Some opt to receive education through private tut
