What Happens When Nepal's Living Goddess Emerges to Bless Worshipers?

The Kumari, or living goddess of Nepal, is a significant cultural symbol, representing a prepubescent girl chosen from the Newar community. This unique tradition involves the selection of a young girl who embodies divine qualities and serves in the role until she reaches puberty. During the weeklong Indra Jatra festival, the current Kumari, Trishna Shakya, participates in ceremonial parades, showcasing her revered status within Nepali culture.

Last updated: 12 October 2023 (BST)

Understanding the Kumari Tradition

The Kumari tradition is one of the most fascinating aspects of Nepalese culture, blending elements of both Hinduism and Buddhism. The young girl selected as the Kumari is seen as the physical embodiment of the goddess Taleju, a significant deity in both religions. Her role is highly revered, and she is treated with utmost respect throughout her tenure as Kumari.

• Chosen from the Newar community, typically before the age of 4.
• Serves in the temple palace until just before puberty.
• Participates in various religious festivals and rituals.
• Never allowed to touch the ground outside the palace.
• Represents a blend of both Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

The Selection Process

The selection of a Kumari is a meticulous process, governed by strict criteria. Candidates are typically girls aged between 2 and 4 who come from the Newar community. They must meet several physical and spiritual requirements, such as having excellent health, specific bodily characteristics, and exhibiting fearlessness and wisdom.

Criteria for Selection

To be chosen as a Kumari, a girl must fulfil the following criteria:

• She must be a prepubescent girl, ideally between the ages of 2 and 4.
• Her family must be of the Newar community.
• She should possess 32 physical features that align with the goddess Taleju's depiction.
• She must have a calm disposition and be able to withstand various tests, including being placed in a dark room with decapitated animal heads.

Life Inside the Kumari Palace

Once selected, the Kumari is taken to the Kumari Ghar (Kumari Palace) in Kathmandu, where she lives a life of seclusion. Her daily activities are filled with rituals, prayers, and ceremonies. She is cared for by a group of caretakers known as “bajracharyas” who ensure her needs are met and her spiritual duties are fulfilled.

Public Appearances and Festivals

The Kumari rarely leaves the palace; however, during festivals, she makes public appearances. One of the most significant festivals is Indra Jatra, which marks the beginning of the festive season in Nepal. During this time, she is paraded through the streets in a beautifully decorated chariot, allowing devotees to receive her blessings.

The Indra Jatra Festival

The Indra Jatra festival is a weeklong celebration that honours the god Indra, the deity of rain and harvest. It is one of the most important festivals in Kathmandu, attracting thousands of locals and tourists alike. The festival is characterised by vibrant processions, traditional dances, and various rituals.

Significance of Indra Jatra

The festival serves multiple purposes:

• It pays homage to the god of rain, ensuring a good harvest.
• It celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Newar community.
• It provides an opportunity for the Kumari to connect with her devotees.

Rituals and Ceremonies

Throughout the festival, numerous rituals take place, including:

1. The Kumari's chariot procession, where she is carried through the streets.
2. Processions featuring traditional musical performances and dances.
3. Offering prayers and rituals to various deities for blessings and prosperity.

The Role of the Kumari Beyond Festivals

While the Kumari's role is most visible during festivals, she also plays a crucial part in various ceremonies throughout the year. Her presence is often invoked during important religious events, blessings, and auspicious occasions.

Impact on Society

The Kumari tradition has a profound impact on Nepalese society. It fosters cultural identity and serves as a bridge between the spiritual and the earthly realms. The reverence shown towards the Kumari reflects the deep-rooted beliefs and values of the Nepalese people.

Controversies and Challenges

Despite the reverence associated with the Kumari, the tradition is not without its controversies. Critics argue that the practice can be detrimental to the physical and psychological well-being of the girls chosen. The transition out of the role can also be challenging, as they must adapt to a life outside the palace after serving as a goddess.

What Happens After Serving as Kumari?

Once a Kumari reaches puberty, she is no longer eligible to serve in the role. The transition can be difficult for many girls, who have spent their formative years in a unique environment. They often face challenges in reintegrating into normal society and may struggle with their identity.

Support and Adaptation

To help former Kumaris transition, some organisations and individuals provide support. This includes counselling and integration programmes aimed at helping them adapt to life outside the palace. However, resources can be limited, and not all former Kumaris receive the necessary assistance.

Future of the Kumari Tradition

The Kumari tradition continues to face scrutiny and debate, particularly concerning the welfare of the young girls involved. As society evolves, there are discussions about modernising the practice to ensure the safety and well-being of the chosen Kumaris while retaining cultural significance.

Preserving Cultural Heritage

Efforts are underway to preserve the Kumari tradition while addressing contemporary concerns. These include creating awareness about the psychological effects of the role and advocating for the rights and welfare of the Kumaris.

Conclusion

The Kumari tradition is a unique and complex aspect of Nepalese culture, representing a fusion of spirituality, tradition, and societal values. As the current Kumari, Trishna Shakya, participates in the Indra Jatra festival, she embodies the hopes and beliefs of many. The future of the Kumari role remains uncertain, but the tradition’s cultural significance endures.

How do you think traditions like the Kumari can be preserved while ensuring the welfare of those involved? #Kumari #Nepal #CulturalTradition

FAQs

What is the Kumari tradition in Nepal?

The Kumari tradition involves selecting a young prepubescent girl, known as Kumari, who embodies the goddess Taleju. She serves in this role until puberty, participating in various rituals and festivals.

How is a Kumari chosen?

A Kumari is chosen based on strict criteria, including age, physical characteristics, and spiritual qualities. The selection process involves tests and assessments to identify the most suitable candidate.

What happens to a Kumari after she reaches puberty?

Once a Kumari reaches puberty, she is no longer eligible to serve. The transition can be challenging as she must adapt to life outside the palace, often requiring support and assistance.

What is the significance of the Indra Jatra festival?

The Indra Jatra festival celebrates the god Indra and marks the beginning of the festive season in Nepal. It features processions, rituals, and showcases the cultural heritage of the Newar community.

Are there any controversies surrounding the Kumari tradition?

Yes, critics argue that the Kumari tradition can have negative effects on the physical and psychological well-being of the girls selected. Discussions on modernising the practice are ongoing to ensure their welfare.