Nepal has new living goddess
Nepal, the world’s only Hindu kingdom, has a new living goddess.
A four-year-old girl from the Shakya clan was chosen as Kumari, or the new Virgin goddess, replacing the previous living deity, who became a mere mortal when she reached puberty.
The new goddess was enthroned in her small palace at the heart of the Nepalese capital in a secret ceremony, an official with the department that looks after the Kumari said.
The palace is just a few metres from the Hanumandhoka Palace, where King Gyanendra was crowned Nepal’s new king last month after the June 1 royal massacre of King Birendra and eight other royals.
