From the BBC:
"A 10-year-old girl who is worshipped as a living goddess in Nepal has been stripped of her title for defying tradition and visiting the US."Apparently 10-year-old Sajani Shakya was one of the three most-revered Kumaris, who are honoured by Hindus and Buddhists alike. Duties included blessing devotees, attending festivals until she reached puberty, and only leaving her palace three or four times a year.
"Elders said the visit had tainted her purity, adding that they would now begin the search for a successor. "It must be very handy to be able to fire one of your gods if you consider them not up to scratch. I would have said it kinda detracts from the "god" bit of being a god, but then, what do I know, child of the Judeo-Christian monotheist tradition that I am.
Plus, it seems a bit harsh on the US. I have my issues with the current administration but by and large it's a lovely continent with lovely people. My god mixed with all types of people, including foreigners, and died on a rubbish heap. Never did him any harm and I believe he still holds the position.
This presumably creates a vacancy to fill, which is easier said than done.
"Tradition holds that she must hold 32 attributes, including thighs like those of a deer and a neck like a conch shell."Lack of a passport also an advantage.
More seriously, there's a montage of pictures of little Sajani's home life available on the same BBC page, and smiles - quite common, unusually, among 10-year-old girls - are conspicuously absent. Nepal's Supreme Court has ordered an inquiry into whether the Kumari tradition has led to the exploitation of girls. Retired goddesses find it hard to find a husband as they are associated with bad luck. It stops being funny.
But, sheesh, they say we'll believe anything ...
husband might be tricky. buy 'ex-god' has got to look good on a cv.
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