Nepalese ‘goddess’ to regain title after ‘cleansing’

BHAKTAPUR, Nepal — The 10-year-old Nepalese girl whose status as a Hindu “living goddess” was revoked after she visited the United States will now reportedly have her title reinstated.

Temple authorities at Sajani Shakya’s hometown of Bhaktapur said she will retain her title because she is willing to undergo a “cleansing” ceremony, according to the British Broadcasting Corporation.

In June, Shakya became the first “kumari,” or living goddess, to visit the United States, a trip that provoked the ire of Nepalese religious officials, who said her purity had been tainted.

The tradition of kumaris dates back more than 300 years. Around the age of 2 or 3, a young girl is selected based on a list of 32 “perfect characteristics,” including flawless skin, hair, eyes and teeth.

Hindus believe these girls are possessed by the goddess Taleju, and they revere kumaris by bowing to them and bringing requests to their feet.

Once the girl-goddess reaches puberty, Hindus believe Taleju leaves her body and temple officials begin the search for another girl.