"Virgin Goddess"… an interesting page to go through. Its not just myth or past story, virgin goddess is Nepali tradition practiced since 17th century during Malla rullers in valley. We have heard and read about "Virgin Goddess Kumari", the mysterious and unique feature of Nepali tradition. Rigorous process to admit her as goddess Taleju's incarnation and her tenure to Kumari Bahal and finally her retirement. All these phases have connection to the King.

Since, King's fate lead him out of the power, Goddess Kumari who supposed to protect the King and his monarchy, does still hold such divinity to bless King and his family? In fact, a girl from Shakya caste of Newar community is selected after ensuring her horoscope complementary to King's. All the selection procedure and the belief drag Goddess to King, in this sense the Goddess is meant for King's favor and his Kingdom. But, by now New Nepal is decisive enough to get rid of King. Moreover Maoist party seems to be halting this ritual or possibly would modify the ritual which keeps King in the center.

Every year in the festival Indra Jatra, King used to receive blessings form Virgin Goddess whether they were Malla Kings or Shah Kings who got victory over Mallas. This tradition failed to protect ruler Kings then and now as well. This time Prime Minister as a head of the state went to receive blessings form Goddess Kumari. While King also stepped there after PM. This clarifies that relation between King and Virgin Goddess has not understood as it used to be. And still there are controversies on this historical tradition. Either form perspectives of human rights violation or child rights violation. We are aware of cases filed in judiciary, one to reform and the other to preserve the Kumari tradition, have set the stage for a classic battle between tradition and modern rights notions.

It is not the debate to prove the presence of God neither Virgin Kumari holding such divine power. It is the debate about continuation of such centuries long tradition. This issue has come in political caught as state owned Trust Corporation is seeking for new Kumari by this Dashin festival replacing Preeti Shakya, who is right now serving nation. She is near about to get retirement because she has crossed her 11th birthday. Quest seems much rigorous this time because political change has flipped Kings fate and Goddess Kumari linked most to King and his monarchy.

Whatever the polemic are, Kumari, tradition of worshipping virgin girl is Nepal's long run and served heritage. Now serious concern from government is regarded to make right decision over national identity that can even serve in national economy as key force to motivate tourists too.

Send it to your Friend