Palace of the Kumari Ghar - Durbar Square - Kathmandu
by Aidan Moran
Title
Palace of the Kumari Ghar - Durbar Square - Kathmandu
Artist
Aidan Moran
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
The Kumari Ghar is the house of the Living Goddess Kumari, incarnation of Goddess Taleju.
The tradition of Kumari officially started in 1757 during the reign of King Jayaprakash Malla. But the tradition might have started before, in the 16th century during the reign of King Trailokya Malla. The legend says that the spirit of Goddess Taleju is incarnated as a little girl among the Newar Shakya caste. It is believed that the Kumaris have the Goddess living within them until they reach puberty. Then, the Goddess vacates the Kumari’s body, the little girl returns to the civil life and a new Kumari must be selected. The selection process is made by the highest priests. The Kumari is chosen after a special ritual called the Battis Lakshanas.
She appears daily to the public for a very short time in centre window of the palace.
Uploaded
May 17th, 2023
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