In Nepal, there is a centuries-old Hindu tradition of worshiping pre-pubescent girls as manifestations of divine female energy. Kumari Devi, or Kumari, is revered and worshipped by some of the country’s Hindus as well as Buddhists as a living goddess, the incarnation of Durga.
The selection process is especially rigorous; high priests choose the girl based on several physical characteristics, such as “neck like a conch shell” and “eyes like a cow”. Then, to prove that she is Kumari Devi, the girl must pass a series of tests. In one, she is placed in a darkened room with severed animal heads, while hideously masked men dance around and attempt to frighten her. In another, the girl must correctly identify items worn by her predecessor – a test similar to that used in Tibet to choose the new Dalai Lama. e selection is not a unilateral process by high priests; any girl who desires to be Kumari can be a candidate.
