The search is on in Nepal for the next Kumari, the virginal “living goddess.”

Religious authorities and astrologers are consulting candidates’ horoscopes to find out who should succeed the current Kumari, according to Reuters. They are looking for a Buddhist who has perfect eyes, teeth, and hair; who has no scratches on her skin; and who could be as young as 3.

Who is the Kumari?

The Kumari is a girl selected from an ethnic family of Buddhists in Nepal (see below).

She becomes the “living goddess,” and many Hindus and Buddhists in Nepal believe she is the reincarnation of the famous Hindu goddess Kali.

The Kumari lives in a wooden temple in Kathmandu where she is revered and sought after (for her blessing)  until she menstruates. At that time, a new Kumari is chosen.

The current Kumari is 11 years old, and authorities in Nepal seek to replace her before she menstruates. She is set to retire at the Daisan Hindu festival in October.

Who is Kali?

In Hinduism, there are many gods. However, they are all seen as manifestations of the One, the Ultimate Brahman. Kali is one of the most followed Hindu gods. She is the goddess who encompasses both good and evil, life and death, creation and destruction.

At times, Kali is worshipped as a sweet mother. At other times, she is worshipped as an angry feminist — bloodthirsty and enraged at masculine power.

Who are the Shakyas?

The Kumari will be chosen from a Buddhist Newar family. Newar Buddhists are an ethnic group of Buddhists from Nepal.

The Kumari will specifically be chosen from the Buddhist Shakya, the highest caste of Newar Buddhists found mostly in Kathmandu. The Buddha (Shakyamuni or Guatama Buddha) is originally from this line. Thus, the chosen Kumari should be in the line of the Buddha.

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