Kumari Bahal, Kathmandu, Bagmati Nepal

Kumari Bahal (House of the Living Goddes) is where the Kumari or the “living goddess” lives. The present Kumari, Matina Shakya began her service in 2008. This three storey building has intricately carved windows and balconies and its entrance is guarded by stone lions. It was built by Jaya Pradash Malla in 1757.

The worship of young girls - known as Kumaris - believed to be the incarnation of a deity, is an old Buddhist tradition in Nepal. Chroniclers refer to the existence of such cults as early as the end of the 13th c. Some time later, probably in the reign of Jaya Prakash Malla, one particular "living goddess" became identified with the Hindu deity Durga.

The King, it is said, was forced to flee Kathmandu and took sanctuary at Guhyeshvari. One evening there arrived at the temple a Buddhist from Kathmandu who claimed his daughter was the new Kumari. Jaya Prakash Malla asked to be allowed to worship her. On being brought to the exiled king the girl announced that he would be restored to power within four days. And so, with the help of the deity Guhyeshvara, he was.

The Kumari is said to be a living incarnation of the goddess Parvati, by the Hindus and is considered an incarnation of Tara by the Buddhist. She is selected from a group of young girls from the Buddhist Shakya lineage of Newari gold or silver smiths by esoteric rites. She must have the right horoscope and has to meet 32 physical requirements in reference to the color of her eyes, eyelashes like a cow, a neck like a conch-shell, body like a banyan tree, her teeth and the sound of her voice. She is then placed in a dark room with buffalo heads displayed. Men dance around with horrible masks and make loud scary noises. During this time she must not show any fear. The Kumari then chooses clothing and decoration that were wore by previous Kumaris, in a test similar to what is done while selecting the Dalai Lama. Also her horoscope must be compatible with the King. After being selected as the Kumari, she moves into the Kumari Bahal and her family move in with her. She does not leave, except for during Indra Jatra and several other festivals. During her period as the goddess she lives in seclusion and her feet are not allowed to touch the ground. When she reaches menstruates at puberty, or when she has a serious accidental blood lost, another girl takes her place and she is allowed to get married. It is believed that to marry an ex-Kumari will bring misfortune. After stopping being the Kumari she is paid a good dowry.