Nepal: The Kumari or 'Living Goddess', Patan, Kathmandu Valley (1998)

Kumari - Literally 'virgin', a young girl who is regarded as the incarnation of the Hindu goddess Taleju; remains only in her divine state until she has lost the first drop of blood, either by a wound or her first menstruation; at any given time there are several Kumaris in the cities of the Kathmandu Valley. The Kumari is chosen from the Shakya caste of the Nepalese Newari community.

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

Chaweewan Chuchuay

Credit:

Pictures From Asia