The Living Goddess
The Living Goddess
(Halle) As we wandered through Kathmandu we found ourselves in Durbar Square in a small palace courtyard. I admired the hand carved lattice windows and dark wooden doors. Built in 1757 AD, this temple is home to the Living Goddess, named The Royal Kumari of Kathmandu. Without warning, she appeared in the window. She stared sternly at the crowd of foreigners who stare back in awe. Her eyes were huge with thick black eyeliner. She was dressed entirely in red, her lips bright red as gold ornaments hung from her neck and bangles on her wrist. Her expression does not change. If she smiled, it would be an invitation to heaven and you would die. The Living Goddess looked directly at Zara, Maya, Jolie and I for the entire short period she exposed herself to the public. It was as if she had never seen American kids before. Suddenly she turned around and disappeared into the shadows of the temple. It was pure luck that we got to see the Kumari because she comes out at random times and days. She is the face on tourist guidebooks and post cards.
This 8½ year-old girl was chosen to be the Living Goddess based on her horoscope and the results of a horrifying test. When she was just 2 years old, the Hindu religious leaders put her in a dark room filled beheaded animals and blood. To become the Living Goddess, she had to remain calm and unafraid. A new living goddess is picked when the current Kumari hits puberty. A Kumari is believed to be the reincarnation of the goddess Durga who protects Kathmandu and watches over the country and all its citizens. She is said to have eyes in the past and future, and knows about everything going on in the present. She has the power to cure illness, to remove obstacles in the way of happiness, and to grant unlimited blessings on those of pure heart. It is said that she can punish the wicked with a single stare.
A Kumari is forbidden to leave the premises of the temple in which she lives in. She only leaves the building to attend festivals or special occasions, perhaps a dozen times a year. In order to maintain her purity, her feet must not touch the ground. During celebrations or festivals, she must be carried through the procession. Since a Kumari’s family or friends do not live with her, they are allowed to visit frequently. It was a very unique experience to be nearly face to face with a Living Goddess.
Halle, I was listening to NPR and they did a story on the Kumari! Because of you, I already had some background. Although I think that your description was just as informative and engaging. Thanks for educating all of us!
The news of Nepal’s devastation has hit us all hard.
The images we are receiving in the press are so dramatic and sad.
We were very pleased to hear that you were all ok.
We pray for all those affected and that The Royal Kumari can assist her people in this time of need.
Love xxx
George, Shaala, Saraya, Amayah and Hugo
I am learning so much from all of your writings. I can’t imagine what the life of the Royal Kumari must be like. She must be terribly weak if her feet can never touch the ground! She sure is pretty, though. She must have been thinking the same as she stared at the Salem girls. Maybe she was even a bit envious.
Waking up to horrifying news from Napal and praying that you are safe and able to help others less fortunate.
Hi Halle,
I was happy to learn that The Royal Kumari only stared at you and your sisters, but refrained from smiling. So fascinating!
Papa
What a story Halle. Her stare is intense. She is almost Jolie’s age! I can’t imagine how hard it is for her to not smile back.
Excellent writing btw. Hope your new teachers are given you high marks. xo!
This is fascinating, Zara! I had no idea this person even existed. I wonder what it is like to be her….not sure I would like it very much!
Oh and…we LOVED the Everest video. How cool!
xo
The Rinaldi’s
Dear Halle,
Your description of the horrifying test gives a whole new meaning to the concept of “time out” for a 2 year old! Yikes. I found myself wondering what her life must be like. But, if you never really experience anything else, maybe it seems “normal”. Did you learn anything about what happens to her once she is no longer the Living Goddess? Does she return to the real world? I am so glad that you had a chance to see her. I also hope that you have not asked to be carried around! Love, Grandma