KATHMANDU, NEPAL, May 3, 2015 (Times of India): If there is anything that last week’s earthquake hasn’t changed in the devastated Basantpur Durbar Square, it’s the daily worship of Kumari, Nepal’s living virgin Goddess. Even a week after the devastating 7.9-magnitude quake left much of Nepal in ruins with the toll nearing 7,000, her puja continues as usual at her abode, Kumari Ghar — a three-story architectural marvel which stands unharmed in the midst of the rubble of ancient temples and old palaces.
Every morning, karmacharyas (Newar priests) from Taleju Temple arrive with offerings of flowers, akshata, dhup and samaya baji (typical Newari prasad). Kumari is worshipped as Taleju (Tulja in India), a form of Durga. “Kumari Ghar withstood the devastating earthquake because of Kumari’s powers,” said 48-year-old Gautam Shakya, an 11th generation caretaker of Kumari. At the time of the quake, Kumari was blessing her devotees on the first floor of the wood-and-brick house with intricate Newari carvings.