Handpicked from birth, these pre-pubescent girls are known as
Kumaris and are believed to be incarnations of the Hindu Goddess
of Power, Kali - reported the DailyMail.
From the moment they are chosen for their role, and pass a
rigorous 32-stage test, these living goddesses are propelled to
immortal-like status, deemed to be protectors from evil by
thousands of adoring Hindus and Buddhists.
But for these girls, it is not just a name and status that they are
given - their whole life changes.
Kumaris - which means virgin in Nepalese - are forced to leave
their homes and are hidden away in temples as a living deity, only
able to leave when they are required at festivals and processions as
the subject of worship.
These Kumaris are even considered too special to walk, instead
being carried in chariots, thrones and other people's arms -
sometimes meaning they do not learn to walk until they retire.
And the girls are banned from going to school or taking part in day-
to-day society, only appearing outside their homes or temples up to
13 times a year.
But once they reach puberty, everything changes for these
Kumaris. After menstruation starts, the girls are put through a 12-
day 'Gufa' ritual, after which their life as a Kumari ends - and they
return to an ordinary life that they have never known.
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