Tenth International Conference on Religion & Spirituality in Society

Abstract

This study explores the myth associated with the worshipping of living Goddess Kumari and her representation in Nepalese society. The virgin girl is venerated as Goddess Kumari by both religion Buddhism and Hinduism through arduous selection system. My paper emphasizes the phenomenon of observing virgin girl as Goddess Kumari by Nepalese and her interpretation from the socio-cultural aspect. A Hindu Goddess kumari cult from ancient vedic religion resembles with the arechetypal image depicted in different religions practised in different part of the world is unique yet alike. The idea of universal mother, primal creative principle underlying the cosmos and the manifestation of Sakti is garnered in Kumari belief system, thus signifies the distinctive stature of female deity in nepalese culture. The subjective experience and objective interpretation of myth is explained from the Goddess tradition point of view. Started from tantrik practice to attain spiritual transcendence this ritual honors the position of Goddess that transgress the man-made boundaries of sect, discrimination and racism based on faith and belief system.