In the Palazzo-Tempio it will live isolated but will be able to watch TV
The new living goddess of Nepal is only two years old and 8 months, revered both by the Hindus and by Buddhists. Aryatara Shakya was chosen as Kumari, among the Shakya clans originally from the Kathmandu valley, for her skin, her hair and perfect eyes. The CNN explains that another fundamental requirement is not to be afraid of the darkness, despite the age. The family, friends and the faithful accompanied her in procession in the temple-palazzo where she will live isolated for several years, up to puberty. He will come out of his home only a few days, for the holidays, dressed in red, with the hair gathered and a third eye painted on the forehead.
The previous Kumari, who is 11 years old, left the building from a back door on a Palanchino brought by his family and his supporters. After being goddess since 2017, she has returned to being a mortal and will receive a pension of about 110 dollars per month, just higher than the minimum wages.
Often adapt to normal, it turns out to be complex for these girls, who have never gone to school and have had few contacts with peers. According to Nepalese folklore, moreover, men who marry an ex Kumari will die young, and so many girls remain unmarried. Until a few years ago the Kumari had no access to education, now they are followed by private teachers. Another recent novelty is the possibility of watching television.
For their families, the choice of girls as living goddesses is a great honor. “Yesterday was only my daughter, but today she is a goddess,” said the father of the new Kumari, Ananta Shakya. He said that even before his birth there were warning signs: “During pregnancy, my wife dreamed that she was a goddess and we knew she would become a very special person,” he said.
Aryatara Shakya was chosen during the eighth day of the most important Hindu festival of Nepal, Dashain, celebration of the victory of good on evil. The offices and schools were closed while people celebrated with their families.
Thursday will be called to bless the devotees, including the president.
