Who is the Living Goddess Kumari? The living goddess Kumari is a young girl from the Newar community in Nepal who has been chosen to embody the Hindu goddess Taleju. This tradition has been followed for centuries, especially in the Kathmandu Valley. The word "Kumari" means "unmarried girl" in Nepali, and the chosen girl is believed to be the living incarnation of the goddess during her time as Kumari. But how is she chosen? It’s not as simple as picking someone randomly. The selection process is quite strict and involves several tests. The girl must be from the Newar Shakya or Bajracharya caste, and she must meet certain physical and mental criteria. For example, she should have a calm and fearless nature, and her body should have no scars or blemishes. She also undergoes a series of tests to prove her bravery, like spending a night alone in a room filled with animal heads! https://amblehimalaya.com/the-living-goddess-kumari