Nepal Honors 504 Young Girls in Annual Kumari Pooja Ritual
In Kathmandu, Nepal, 504 young girls under the age of 12 were honored as part of the annual Kumari Pooja ritual. This event, held on Monday, is believed to ward off bad luck and illnesses. The girls, known as ‘Kanyas,’ gathered in front of the Taleju Bhawani Temple, a site dedicated to the goddess renowned for her earthly incarnations of divine feminine energy.
Sangita Khadgi, a mother of one of the girls, explained, ‘Kumari Pooja is performed to pray for the good health of our daughters. This ritual is observed every year to ensure their long lives and to bring wellness into their lives by warding off misfortune.’
The Taleju Bhawani Temple, one of Nepal’s Shakti Peethas, opens its doors for worship only once a year during Dashain. The girls are led around the temple of Taleju Bhawani, a Hindu deity whose face has remained hidden from public view for centuries.
Rajan Maharjan, a member of the Pooja organizing committee, said, ‘We pray for their health and prosperity during this ritual.’ The ritual follows three traditions: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Tantrism. ‘The procession is performed through three methods: Buddhist, Hindu, and Tantrik. The Buddhist ritual (Bajrayana) is led by a Guru, the Tantrik ritual by a Karmacharya, and the Hindu ritual by a Brahmin. These traditions must be strictly followed,’ added Maharjan.
Nepal holds a unique tradition of worshipping the ‘Kumari,’ a living goddess selected through a rigorous process. A young Newar girl, free from blemishes, is chosen to represent the Goddess Kumari as an incarnation of Goddess Taleju, the protector deity of both the Malla and Shah dynasties.
The candidates, typically from the Shakya caste among the Newars, undergo a stringent selection process, some as young as four years old. The chosen girl must remain composed even when tested with frightening experiences. Once selected, she resides in the Kumari Ghar (Kumari’s House), where her feet must never touch the ground. She is only allowed to leave during certain festivals. The Kumari serves as the Living Goddess until she experiences her first menstrual cycle, after which her term ends.
Doubts Revealed
Kumari Pooja -: Kumari Pooja is a special ceremony in Nepal where young girls are worshipped as goddesses to bring good luck and health.
Kathmandu -: Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal, a country located north of India.
Taleju Bhawani Temple -: The Taleju Bhawani Temple is a famous temple in Kathmandu where the Kumari Pooja ritual takes place.
Kanyas -: Kanyas are young girls who are honored during the Kumari Pooja as representations of the goddess Durga.
Goddess Durga -: Goddess Durga is a powerful Hindu goddess known for fighting evil and protecting her devotees.
Hindu, Buddhist, and Tantrik traditions -: These are different religious and spiritual practices followed in Nepal. Hinduism and Buddhism are major religions, while Tantrik traditions involve special rituals and beliefs.
Living Goddess Kumari -: The Living Goddess Kumari is a young girl chosen to be worshipped as a goddess in Nepal. She goes through a special selection process and is considered very holy.
