Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Bounded Goddess

Kumari’s Window

Behind these windows lives Kumari, a four years old living goddess, believed to be the reincarnation of the goddess Durga. Kumari translates to virgin in the Nepali language and she is worshipped by both Nepali Hindus and Buddhists until her first menstruation. It is believed that once Kumari bleeds from menstruation or serious bodily damage, the spirit of Durga is released. The goddess will then return to a common life that is fully covered by the Nepalese government. She is unable to wed and will remain a virgin her entire life. I was able to see the most famous Kumari (there are several in Nepal) in Kathmandu.

No comments:

Post a Comment