Kumari Bahal

One such Indian tradition followed is that of worshipping the Kumari Devi. This practice involves worshipping pre-pubescent girls because, according to the Hindu tradition, they are believed to be an avatar of the divine feminine energy, Goddess Taleju. It is believed that the divine powers of the Goddess are borne by the one who meets all the requirements of the system of belief. Post a stringent round of selection, the chosen Kumari then resides in a sacred palace called the Kumari Bahal and is worshipped as the Living Goddess of Nepal until she starts menstruating.

For ages, Kumaris have been selected specifically from the Bajracharya or the Shakya Castes. They belong to the Newari Community and are chosen to be the Living Goddesses in their pre-pubescent age. Throughout Nepal, there are several Kumaris, but the one most famous is the Kumari of Kathmandu. Selection of the Living Goddess is quite a tedious process, and the selected one is titled 'Royal Kumari' who lives in the Kumari Bahal which is located right in the center of Kathmandu. On a chosen day, the Royal Kumari comes out in the balcony to bless her worshippers. This goes on every year till her first menstruation, after which, it is believed, that the divine energy leaves her body. On rare occasions, severe loss of blood due to an injury or illness is also considered to be the reason for the energy to leave the body. In that case, another girl is selected to become the Living Goddess, and the tradition is kept alive.