Living Child Goddess in Nepal | BBC Our World | SAHAR ZAND

Summary

The video explores the ancient tradition of the Kumari, or living goddesses, in Nepal, where young girls are worshiped as divine beings until they reach puberty. Selected from a young age, they live in temples with strict rituals, isolated from normal life. As their time as a goddess ends, many face challenges adjusting to everyday society. The practice, while deeply rooted in Nepalese culture, is controversial due to its potential emotional impact on the children, sparking debates about their rights and well-being.

Takeaways

• 👧 The Kumari tradition involves young girls being chosen as living goddesses in Nepal, and they remain in this role until they reach puberty.
• 🏛️ Once selected, a Kumari must live in the temple with little contact with the outside world, and her feet must not touch the ground to preserve her divinity.
• 🌸 Puberty marks the end of a Kumari's reign, and transitioning back to normal life can be challenging, with some girls experiencing shock or difficulty adjusting.
• 🎉 Festivals like Dosan involve the worship of the goddess Durga, with the Kumari being seen as a living embodiment of the goddess during these celebrations.
• 🙊 Kumaris are not allowed to speak to anyone outside their family, further isolating them from regular social interactions during their reign.
• 🧘 One of the key criteria for becoming a Kumari is calmness and the ability to sit motionless and expressionless for long periods while being worshiped.
• 👩‍⚖️ Human rights organizations have raised concerns about the practice, arguing that it can negatively affect the psychological well-being of the girls involved.
• 🎓 Former Kumaris often face difficulty transitioning back to a normal life, including going to school and forming friendships due to their isolated upbringing.
• 💔 Some former Kumaris struggle with the emotional toll of leaving their goddess status, while others find ways to adapt and thrive in society.
• 🛑 Despite the controversies, the tradition continues with declining participation, as fewer families are willing to volunteer their daughters for the role.

Q & A

Who is the Kumari in Nepalese tradition?

The Kumari is a young girl regarded as a living goddess in Nepalese tradition, believed to be a human manifestation of the goddess Durga. She is worshiped and considered holy until she reaches puberty.

How is a girl chosen to become a Kumari?

A Kumari is selected from eligible families, typically from a specific Buddhist community, after a series of rituals and inspections by priests. The selection process includes tests of calmness and poise.

What restrictions are placed on the Kumari during her reign?

During her time as a Kumari, the girl is confined to the temple, has limited contact with the outside world, cannot speak to anyone outside her family, and her feet must not touch the ground.

When does a Kumari lose her status as a goddess?

A Kumari loses her status as a goddess when she experiences her first menstruation, signaling the end of her reign. At this point, she must leave the temple and return to mortal life.

What psychological challenges do Kumaris face after their reign ends?

Many Kumaris struggle with the transition back to normal life after being worshiped as a goddess. They must adjust to social norms, make friends, attend school, and cope with a sense of loss of their divine status. This can cause emotional and mental distress.

How does the community support former Kumaris after their reign ends?

The community provides some financial support, such as a government allowance, but the transition is difficult for many former Kumaris. Some, like Shanira, have proposed creating support groups to help ex-Kumaris adjust to society through counseling and skills training.

What are some criticisms of the Kumari tradition?

Critics, including human rights organizations, argue that the Kumari tradition violates children's rights, as the girls are isolated from normal childhood experiences, education, and social interactions, which may leave lasting psychological scars.

How do Kumaris influence the lives of worshippers?

Kumaris are seen as intermediaries between worshippers and the divine. People come to them with offerings, seeking blessings for jobs, visas, exams, and prosperity, believing the Kumari's presence brings good fortune.

What are some superstitions related to former Kumaris?

One superstition is that marrying a former Kumari can lead to death within six months. However, many former Kumaris have married without any incident, suggesting that these beliefs may be unfounded.

How has the Kumari tradition evolved in modern times?

The Kumari tradition is facing challenges as fewer families are willing to offer their daughters for the role. Modern concerns about child rights and education are influencing decisions, leading to a decrease in the number of candidates for the role.