Living Goddess of Nepal
Printed From: History Community ~ All Empires
Category: General History
Forum Name: Women's History
Forum Discription: Discuss women in history and other historical topics from a feminine perspective !
URL: http://www.allempires.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=20606
Printed Date: 27-Apr-2024 at 20:14
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.56a - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Living Goddess of Nepal
Posted By: morticia
Subject: Living Goddess of Nepal
Date Posted: 05-Jul-2007 at 11:21
|
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 shouldn’s have any scars or wounds and shouldn’t 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. That’s 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  ------------- "Morty Trust in God: She will provide." -- Emmeline Pankhurst |
Replies:
Posted By: morticia
Date Posted: 09-Jul-2007 at 15:57
|
In the western world, this would be called "child abuse". Isolating a girl that young to have her idolized until her she reaches the age of menstruation (anywhere up to age 13)and then retiring her with the hopelessness of never being able to get married is not something I would wish for my daughter. Are the parents of these young girls given anything for subjecting their daughters to this? Does anyone know?
------------- "Morty Trust in God: She will provide." -- Emmeline Pankhurst |
Posted By: JanusRook
Date Posted: 13-Jul-2007 at 23:40
I am certain that the parent's receive compensation for their daughters, much like in formerly independent Tibet, when the Dalai Lama's family would receive a fief. However, subjecting their daughters to this I doubt is as horrific as it sounds. In many third world countries like Nepal many children don't even live till the age of menstruation, and yet these girls are given food, shelter and are worshiped. Whereas their peers are in the streets, laboring on farms, or possibly sold into child prostitution. In a western society this would be horrible, but all in all this I believe could bring greater well being to a woman in a third-world country. ------------- Economic Communist, Political Progressive, Social Conservative. Unless otherwise noted source is wiki. |