In this video, I will tell you about a unique and fascinating tradition from Nepal, located in the highest peaks of the Himalayas. I will be filming a documentary about the Kumari, known as the Living Goddesses in the mystical world of Nepal. In the Kumari documentary, we will truly try to witness them. Kumari means "young girl" in Sanskrit.
In Nepal, the Kumari goddesses are known as "living goddesses" and are young girls who are part of a special religious belief. This tradition dates back centuries and represents a mixture of Hindu and Buddhist beliefs. Here are some basic facts about the Kumari goddesses:
General Information
Kumari Goddess: The Kumari in Nepal is a figure selected from among young girls and considered the incarnation of the goddess Taleju (a form of the Hindu goddess Durga). The most well-known Kumari in the Kathmandu Valley lives in a palace called "Kumari Ghar" in the center of Kathmandu.
Selection Process: The girl chosen to be Kumari must belong to the Shakya or Bajracharya caste system. The girl must possess various physical and spiritual qualities. The selection process is extremely meticulous, and the girl must have specific characteristics known as the "32 perfections." This process considers astrological signs, character, physical health, and other criteria.
Term of Service: Once a girl is chosen as Kumari, she remains in this role until her first menstrual cycle. After her first menstruation, it is believed that the spirit of the goddess Taleju leaves her, and a new Kumari is selected.
Lifestyle: After being selected, the Kumari usually leaves her home and lives in the Kumari Ghar. She rarely goes out except for public ceremonies. She appears before the public during many festivals and religious ceremonies to give blessings.
Festivals and Rituals: The most famous festival in which the Kumari plays a significant role is Indra Jatra. During this festival, the Kumari is paraded through the city in a chariot carried by the people and distributes blessings.
Modern Era
In the modern era, the Kumari tradition continues in Nepal, but it has also faced some criticisms. Critics argue that this practice prevents girls from having a normal childhood and isolates them. However, Kumaris continue to be seen as an important part of Nepal's culture and religious heritage.
The Nepalese government and various non-governmental organizations are working to improve the access of Kumaris to education and healthcare services. These efforts aim to ensure that Kumaris, while being accepted as goddesses, have living conditions that respect human rights.
Video Content:
00:00 Intro
00:50 What is a Kumari?
02:47 Where Does the Kumari Goddess Live?
03:40 Crossing the Kumari's Bridge
04:18 How Are the Kumari Goddesses Selected?
05:17 Living Goddess Kumari Djomaji
06:10 Bungamati Kumari - Bungamati Village
10:40 Interview with the Living Goddess of Bungamati
15:47 Third Kumari of Bhaktapur
17:30 Being Blessed by the Kumari
19:15 Talking with a Former Kumari Goddess
Fatih Koparan in Nepal, sponsored by Just English Language Schools (www.justenglishtr.com)!
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27 июл 2024
