The worship of these girls encompasses the religious traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Tantrism. It is believed that their involvement in this procession bestows upon them good health and overall prosperity. Central to the Kumari Pooja is the portrayal of the living goddess Kumari. This sacred ritual is believed to ward off malevolent influences and bring fortune not only to the participating families but also to the entire nation. Furthermore, it is thought to strengthen the children’s health through the performance of this ceremony.
A young Newar girl possessing exceptional qualities is chosen to embody the revered Goddess Kumari, who is considered the incarnation of Goddess Taleju, the protective deity of both the Malla and Shah dynasties. The Living Goddess is worshipped with utmost reverence, with even the Shah Kings adhering to the tradition of receiving the auspicious tika mark on their foreheads and seeking blessings from her. This practice dates back to the 17th century and was institutionalized by a Malla king.
The selection process to find the suitable girl to become the Kumari is highly rigorous. Candidates from the Shakya caste within the Newar community, some as young as four years old, undergo a series of challenging evaluations. The chosen girl must demonstrate composure and fearlessness, even in the face of difficult tests. Once selected, she resides in the sacred Kumari Ghar (Kumari’s House), where her feet must never touch the ground. She only leaves her abode during specific festivals. The girl remains the Living Goddess until she reaches puberty and experiences any form of bleeding.
Kumaris are exclusively selected from the Shakya caste, known for their proficiency in silver and goldsmithing. To be considered an eligible candidate, a girl must be in excellent health, free from ailments and physical imperfections, and retain all her teeth. Meeting these basic requirements, she then undergoes a thorough examination based on the thirty-two perfections of a goddess, known as “battis lakshanas.”
The Kumari tradition holds immense significance in Nepalese culture, where the chosen girl becomes a revered symbol embodying divine energy and protection. This ancient practice reflects a harmonious blend of religious beliefs and cultural heritage, enriching the tapestry of Nepal’s traditions and customs.