Kumari Chowk, Kathmandu,

Kumari Ghar (or Kumari Chowk) houses the living goddess of Kathmandu. Built in 1757, the temple is known for its magnificent carvings as well as its divine inhabitant. The Kumari is a young girl who is believed to be the incarnation of the demon-slaying Hindu goddess Durga. Dating back at least to the Middle Ages, the cult of the Kumari is popular among both Hindus and Nepalese Buddhists – another notable example of the mingling of religious traditions in Nepal. There are about 11 kumaris across Nepal, but the Kumari Devi (or Raj Kumari – royal goddess) in Kathmandu is the most important.

The Kumari is a girl, who normally is in the age between 3 and 13 years. She is considered and worshipped as incarnation of the goddess Taleju. You can identify her by her red dress, which she has to wear constantly. She has to wear her hair in a topknot like a pagoda.

On her forehead she has the third eye of the wisdom. In Kathmandu the acting Kumari lives in a palace, built in 1757, at the Durbar Square. The palace is named as "Kumari Che", "Kumari Ghar" or "Kumari Bahal". The courtyard is named as "Kumari Chowk".