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| We were fortunate to be allowed to see the Kumari who appeared briefly from behind the white curtain on the right (but did not allow her photo to be taken). The story of the Living Goddess is amazing, and there are many legends based on it. It is a great honor to be chosen as Kumari. Usually a strong girl about 4 years old meeting 32 strict physical requirements (eye color, shape of her teeth, etc.) is chosen in a process similar to the selection of the Dalai Lama and moves into this palace. She is dressed/decorated colorfully and is only allowed to leave briefly a few times each year for special occasions where she presides and blesses the King of Nepal. Her reign ends with her first period, and the search begins again! |
