Source: Religion News Service
KATHMANDU, NEPAL, February 15, 2001: Honored by both Hindus and Buddhists alike, a new Goddess is being sought to serve in an ancient temple in Kathmandu. Selected from the Buddhist Shakya family, the new young Kumari would be assigned duties including several daily appearances to bless devotees. Many parents are avoiding the process as they want to educate their daughters for the work force, the life of the young Goddess is very isolated, and many Kumaris remain unmarried when their service ends. Tradition dictates retirement after puberty and until recently the money received was meagre. Retired Kumaris now receive about $40 a month from the government.