Note that the Kumaris are selected from girls of the Newari caste of the Shakyas and a Kumari is supposed to meet 32 specific physical requirements (like the sound of the voice and color of her eyes) and of course her horoscope must also meet some requirements.

Usually a Kumari is between 4 year old and puberty when being installed as living Goddess and stays Kumari until her first period, so she is the living Goddess for a relatively short period of time.

Kumari is the only living goddess of Nepal. Kumari is believed to be the incarnation of Goddess Taleju, one of the forms of Goddess Durga. There is a tradition of worshipping young pre-pubescent girls as manifestations of the divine female energy.

Throughout Nepal, Kumaris reside in most of the cities. There are three kumaris in the capital valley, each in Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. The Royal Kumari of Kathamndu is the most popular Kumari who lives in the Kumari Ghar, a palace in the center of the city, Basantapur Durbar Square. The selection process for her is especially rigorous.

Every September, on Indra Jatra festival, this living Goddess in all her ornamented grandeur is borne in a chariot through the streets of the capital city. This grand procession is attended by a huge crowd who seek her blessings. Following the old tradition, the Kumari also blesses the President, Prime Minister and other Government officials.