Hindu living goddess stripped of title for leaving country

A 10-year-old Nepalese girl has lost her title as a Hindu living goddess because she left the country to promote a film.

Sajani Shakya was the first living goddess – or “kumari” – ever to leave the country, to visit Washington, D.C., last month on a publicity tour for a British documentary about the kumari tradition.

Officials from Sajani’s temple in the town of Bhaktapur announced that they would revoke her title and replace her upon her return to Nepal, according to the state-run National News Agency.

The tradition of kumaris dates back more than 300 years. Around the age of 2 or 3, a young girl is selected based on a list of 32 “perfect characteristics,” including skin, hair, eyes and teeth.

Hindus believe these girls are possessed by the goddess Taleju, but that Taleju leaves their body once they reach puberty.

While Hindus – including her own family – worship her, Sajani lives a relatively normal life and attends school. Her schedule also includes time for blessing villagers and attending ceremonial events.