Nepal worship 504 pre-pubescent girls praying for good luck and wellness

Sep 16, 2024

Pre-pubescent girls dressed as the living goddess Kumari sat in rows based on their allotted numbers to be worshipped, a ritual believed to ward off bad luck and disease. A total of 504 girls, all under 12, donned regalia resembling the goddess Kumari to perform rituals honoring Taleju Bhawani. This annual "Kumari Pooja," held by Newari girls in front of the Taleju Bhawani Temple, venerates the goddess known as the earthly incarnation of divine feminine energy. The living goddess Kumari is regarded as a manifestation of Goddess Durga in human form. The procession of worshipping girls follows three methods: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Tantrism. It’s believed participating girls will be free from health problems. The rituals involve a Buddhist guru, a Tantrik Karmacharya, and a Brahmin. Nepal’s unique tradition of worshipping the living goddess Kumari involves selecting a young Newar girl from the Shakya caste as the incarnation of Goddess Taleju.