Kumari The Virgin Goddess

Kumari Puja or virgin worship is an ancient feature of Asia religions dating back to at least the late Vedic period. Archaeological evidence indicates that mother goddesses have always occupied a very significant position even in the religions of such ancient civilizations as Mohenjo-daro and Harappa.

In Nepal, The Living Goddess Kumari is regarded as a supreme Tantric goddess-a common deity worshiped by both Hindus and Buddhists. While Hindu Tantriks worship her as Durga Bhawani or Taleju, Buddhist Tantriks worship her as Vajradevi. According to a popular belief, Kumari possesses unlimited spiritual powers and protects people from demons and evil spirits.

Newars of Nepal devote a great deal of their devotion and ritual activity to the worship of the female divine force in her multifarious forms, but the most notable and unique feature of their religion is the worship of Kumari, the living virgin goddess.

This handy, concise book presents the mysterious phenomenon of the Living Goddess.

Contents:

Preface

Chapter One
  Kumari: The Supreme Goddess
  Reasons for Expressing the Goddess in Code
  Agam Deo: The Living Goddess Kumari in Code
  The Living Goddess Kumari is Goddess Taleju
  Goddess Kumari is Chandeswori
  Goddess Kumari is the Manifestation of Ten Deities, and is Mahalaxmi
  The Living Goddess is also Khadga

Chapter Two
  Tantric Tradition of Worshipping a Female Deity
  Selection of a Girl for the Position of The Living Goddess 
  Ornaments of The Living Goddess

Chapter Three
  Goddess Kumari Possesses Sovereignty
  Disintegration of Ye (Kathmandu) and Proliferation of Goddess Kumari
  Unification of Principalities
  
Chapter Four
  Tradition of the Chariot Pulling Festival
  Kumari-House
  Advent of Shah King
  Thi-majiu Platform
  Facts about the Lunatic
  Kumari Chowk
 
Chapter Five
  Outings of The Living Goddess Kumari
  Tantrik Offering
  Attendants to The Living Goddess Kumari