Kumari Ghar (House of Living Goddess Kumari), Kathmandu

Kumari Ghar, also known as Kumari Bahal, stands prominently in the heart of Kathmandu, adjacent to Durbar Square. This historic palace was constructed in 1757 by King Jaya Prakash Malla, driven by guilt after he offended the Royal Kumari. The building serves as the residence for the Royal Kumari, a young girl selected as the living incarnation of the Hindu goddess Taleju, a form of Durga, and revered by Buddhists as the tantric goddess Vajradevi.

Kumari Ghar is a splendid three-storied structure celebrated for its elaborate wood carvings and traditional Nepalese architecture. This palace not only embodies significant cultural and religious importance but also attracts numerous visitors daily, ranging from worshipers to tourists, all eager to catch a glimpse of the Kumari from the balcony of her residence.

The selection of the Kumari is a profound and rigorous process. Chosen from the Newar Buddhist Sakhya caste, traditionally of goldsmiths and silversmiths, candidates undergo intense tests including spending time in a darkened room with freshly severed buffalo heads and men in demon masks. This daunting test aims to identify a girl who remains unafraid as an indication of divine qualities. The chosen Kumari then resides in Kumari Ghar, leading a life where her feet never touch the ground outside her palace until her public appearances during specific festivals.

The role of the Kumari is temporary, lasting only until she reaches puberty. The onset of a serious illness or a significant injury are condition under which the goddess is believed to vacate her body, thereby returning her to mortal status. This transition initiates the selection process anew, perpetuating this unique and sacred tradition deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of Nepal. The palace itself, renovated in 1966, continues to stand as a testament to this centuries-old tradition, preserving the cultural heritage and religious practices of Nepalese society.