Nepal chooses 2-year-old girl as new living goddess

A two-year-old girl chosen as Nepal's new living goddess was carried by family members from their home in an alley in Kathmandu to a temple palace Tuesday during the country’s longest and most significant Hindu festival.

- ASSOCIATED PRESS

Aryatara Shakya, at 2 years and 8 months, was chosen as the new Kumari or "virgin goddess," replacing the incumbent who is considered by tradition to become a mere mortal upon reaching puberty.

Living goddesses are worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists. The girls are selected between the ages of 2 and 4 and are required to have unblemished skin, hair, eyes and teeth, They should not be afraid of the dark.

During religious festivals the living goddess is wheeled around on a chariot pulled by devotees. They always wear red, pin up their hair in topknots and a "third eye" is painted on their forehead.