Ten- year- old Sajani Shakya, known as a Living Goddess of Nepal has lost her status as a Kumari or Living Goddess because she traveled to the U.S. (and other countries) to promote a British documentary about living goddesses. However, the Nepalese embassy arranged her trip to the U.S. These girls [Kumaris] are selected between the ages of 2 and 4 and are worshipped by Hindus and Buddhists. They [the Kumaris] must have perfect hair, skin, eyes and teeth, and they shouldns have any scars or wounds and shouldnt be afraid of the dark. They are highly restricted in that they live a sequestered life, have few friends and are allowed to go outside only a few times a year for festivities. They keep their title until their first menstruation, at which time they retire and are given a monthly pension. However, they often remain unmarried because folklore in Nepal holds that men who marry a former Kumari will die young. Thats akin to a cold shower for a virile, young man! The quest is now on for a Kumari replacement!
Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070703/ap_on_re_as/nepal_living_goddess