Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Nepal Appoints New Living Goddess

Story Highlights:

3-year-old girl Matani Shakya appointed the new "kumari" or living goddess

She will live in Katmandu temple, until she reaches puberty, loses her divine status

She will be worshipped by Hindus and Buddhists as incarnation of Hindu deity Taleju

Critics say the tradition violates both international and Nepalese laws on child rights

More...