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In Nepal, there are several types of Kumari, or living goddesses, each with their own unique characteristics and roles in society. Here are the main types of Kumari found in Nepal and their roles:
Royal Kumari
The Royal Kumari, also known as the Kumari of Kathmandu, is perhaps the most well-known and revered of all the Kumari in Nepal. Chosen from a young age, she resides in the Kumari Ghar, a palace-like structure located in the heart of Kathmandu's Durbar Square. The selection process for the Royal Kumari is a rigorous one that involves a series of physical and mental tests, including spending a night alone in a dark room with the heads of sacrificed goats and buffaloes.
Once selected, the Royal Kumari is treated as a living goddess and is not allowed to leave the Kumari Ghar except on rare occasions, such as during the annual Indra Jatra festival. During this festival, the Royal Kumari is carried through the streets of Kathmandu in a palanquin and provides blessings to the crowds of devotees who come to see her. Her role is also to provide blessings to the royal family, and she is believed to have the power to bring prosperity and good fortune to the people of Nepal.
Kumar Kumari
The Kumar Kumari, also known as the Taleju Kumari, is based in Patan, a city located south of Kathmandu. Like the Royal Kumari, she is chosen from a young age and lives in the Taleju Temple. Her selection process is also similar to that of the Royal Kumari and involves a series of physical and mental tests.
Once selected, the Kumar Kumari performs a similar role to that of the Royal Kumari, providing blessings to the people of Patan during religious festivals. She is also believed to have the power to heal the sick and bring good fortune to those who seek her blessings.
Jana Baha Dyah Jatra Kumari
The Jana Baha Dyah Jatra Kumari, also known as the Bisket Jatra Kumari, is based in Bhaktapur, a city located east of Kathmandu. She is selected from a young age and participates in the Bisket Jatra festival, which takes place each year in April.
During the festival, the Jana Baha Dyah Jatra Kumari is carried through the streets of Bhaktapur in a palanquin and provides blessings to the crowds of devotees who come to see her. Her role is to bring good luck and prosperity to the people of Bhaktapur, and she is believed to have the power to protect them from harm.
Shova Bhagwati Kumari
The Shova Bhagwati Kumari, also known as the Trishakti Kumari, is based in the village of Panauti, located in the central region of Nepal. Like the other Kumari, she is chosen from a young age and participates in the Indra Jatra festival each year.
During the festival, the Shova Bhagwati Kumari is carried through the streets of Panauti in a palanquin and provides blessings to the crowds of devotees who come to see her. Her role is to bring good fortune and prosperity to the people of Panauti, and she is believed to have the power to protect them from harm.
The Kumari plays a vital role in the religious and cultural life of Nepal. They are revered as living goddesses and are believed to possess divine powers. Each Kumari has her own unique characteristics and role to play, but they all share the same mission of providing blessings and guidance to the people of Nepal.
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