The seven-year-old Nepal goddess that isn’t allowed to leave her home until she reaches puberty

Nepal: Meet Yunika, the 7-year-old ‘Goddess’ worshiped in Nepal. The young girl know as Kumari is clothed in traditional costume and decorated in face paint. The Kumari (which translates to Goddess) is a centuries-old tradition that means she will give luck to anyone who lays eyes on her and are chosen within Nepal through specific standards.

The Kumari's- a young girl selected typically between the age of 2-4 is worshiped by Buddhists and Hindus alike.

The Kumari must have an astrological chart that is supportive of the King of Nepal.
They are tested for a reported 32 physical attributes, which also includes “eyelashes like a cow” and a “voice as clear as a duck.”

 

These child “goddess” must live with their parents, who in must quit their jobs to become the Kumari’s fulltime carers, and can only leave their homes to attend holy festivals.

 

The feet of the goddesses never touches the ground, and are often carried around by their parents when they are required to leave the house.


According to Nightline, which was granted special permission to see this Kumari prepare for a day of receiving worshipers, what sounds like an honour, has also denied Yunika of a normal childhood as the girl is only allowed to play with other children indoors  while others play games outside.

Her father Ramesh Bajracharya told Nightline;

“When my daughter was selected as a Kumari, I felt very happy,” “It’s because Kumari is hugely regarded and respected living goddess in Nepal.”

But that respect and honour is only for a short time as the role is taken away as soon as the girls reach puberty.

A 32-year-old former Kumari Rashmila Shakya, speaking to Nightline said;

“When I was a Kumari, I was not allowed to walk outside. So it was a little bit uncomfortable when, after I retired from the Kumari house, a little uncomfortable walking on the road.”

Also the retired Kumaris faces other challenge such as the superstition that follows them.
Ms Shakya, who served as a Kumari for eight years, said a man who marries a former Kumari like her is destined to die young.

“This is only a superstition that if the Kumari marries a guy, the guy will die. This is only a superstition,” Ms Shakya said.

“All of the ex-Kumari are married. And I just married six months ago. This is only a rumour.”

The Prime Minister of Nepal has also paid his respects to young Yunika, who along with the Nepal government provide a lifelong pension to former Kumaris.