Nepal names 3-year-old as new 'living goddess' after her predecessor reached puberty

In an act of worshiping young girls, a three-years-old girl has been named as "living goddesses" after her predecessor retired when she reached puberty.

A ceremony will be held on Thursday where the young girl will be anointed as the new “Kumari” where she will be taken from her family home to live in a palace in Kathmandu's ancient Durbar Square and will be cared for by specially appointed caretakers.

Uddhav Man Karmacharya, a Hindu priest who attends to the Kumari, told AFP, “She was selected from among four candidates.”

“She will take her place on the Kumari's throne after we perform prayers and tantric rituals,” Karmacharya said.

The girl will be paraded through Kathmandu in ceremonial dress and elaborate makeup to be worshipped.

Kumari, when outside considered an epitome of the Hindu goddess Taleju is carried because her feet are not allowed to touch the ground.

The selection process of Kumari is tough as it includes a number of specific physical attributes such as an unblemished body, a chest like a lion and thighs like a deer.

After fullfilling physical requirements, the girls also has to pass through a the sight of a sacrificed buffalo for proving their her bravery by not crying.