Man, I am learning some stuff this month!!! This bit of information falls under the heading of things which pass my cultural understanding, and upon which I have no right to pass judgement. I present it as simply an example of one of the world's rich and colorful traditions, to be appreciated as such. This is a sketchbook painting of Matina Shakya. She was born in 2005 in Kathmandu, Nepal. On July 10, 2008, when she was three, she was selected from the eligible girls within her community by a council of Buddhist and Hindu priests to leave her family and be taken to the great palace Kumari Bahai in Kathmandu. After passing a rigorous screening process, she was enthroned as the Living Goddess Kumari Devi, cared for and living in the palace in semi seclusion, only appearing outside the temple for special festivals and ceremonies.
A Kumari's reign as Living Goddess lasts until she reaches puberty, when she is returned to her home and family and the search for a new goddess begins. There are several Kumaris throughout the country of Nepal. It is a position of highest honor, both for her and her family, and for the community. Matina was the Kumari of Kathmandu until 2014.
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