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The Living Goddess
In Nepal, a Kumari is a prepubescent girl selected from the Shakya caste or clan of the Nepalese Buddhist community. The Kumari is revered and worshiped by some of the country's Hindus. While there are several Kumaris throughout Nepal, the best known is the Royal Kumari of Kathmandu. The selection process for her is especially rigorous. Unika Bajracharya, selected in April 2014 as the Kumari of Patan, is the second most important living goddess. A Kumari is believed to be the incarnation of Taleju (the wrathful form of the Goddess Durga.) When the Kumari experiences her first menstruation, it is believed that the goddess vacates her body. Serious illness or a major loss of blood from an injury also causes loss of deity.
Even though we are not Hindus we met with and received a blessing from the Kumari (one cannot have too many blessings.) After meeting with the current Kumari we met with and had an interesting discussion with a past Kumari. She is now a university student. It was interesting to hear of her opinions and experiences of her time being a Kumari.
► 03 Living Goddess ► 04 Ex-Living Goddess
Day 3 Mount Everest Flight • Bhaktapur City Tour Nov 20, 2018
At dawn, with sleep on our mind we awoke for a scenic flight to Mt Everest. This mountain is known in Tibet as Chomolungma, which means “Mother of the Universe” or “Goddess Mother of the Earth.” The Nepali name is Sagarmatha, or “Goddess of the Sky.” Avid climbers call this mountain “the ultimate climb,” and with its astounding summit height of 29,029 feet above sea level, Mount Everest earns the title of the tallest peak on Earth. Rising out of the Himalayan range, its snowy peak and intricate geography offer breathtaking views from the air.
After our wonderful flight we embarked on a tour of Bhaktapur (Bhagdaon). The “City of Devotees,” Bhaktapur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning four square miles. The city was the crown jewel of the Malla Empire 700 years ago, and today features its historic Durbar Square, ancient courtyards, holy temples, and twisting streets where artisans still practice age-old traditions.
► 01 Flight to Everest ► 03B Bhaktapur ► 05B Bhhaktapur Durbar Square
► 02 Saibaba Temple ► 04 Pashupatinath Temple ► 05C Bhhaktapur Durbar Square
► 03 Bhaktapur ► 05A Bhhaktapur Durbar Square ► 05D Bhhaktapur Durbar Square