KATHMANDU, NEPAL, July 19, 2007: Returning home to Kathmandu after a 39-day visit to the U.S., Kumari Sajani Shakya will have to undergo a cleansing ceremony in order to maintain her status as a temple goddess. Temple elders were upset that Sajani had left the country as she should have known that she is forbidden to do so. The news report explains, “Sajani Shakya was one of the three most-revered Kumaris, who are honoured by Hindus and Buddhists alike. She was chosen after undergoing tests at the age of two. Since then she has been expected to bless devotees and attend festivals until she reaches puberty. Living goddesses are selected from the Buddhist Shakya family – the same caste which Buddha came from – and must follow certain rules, such as being kept in a dark room without crying. The young girls live in temples, and return to normal life when they reach puberty. In return, the goddesses get allowances and a monthly pension after retirement. Her 39-day visit was to promote a documentary film in the US. Shakya visited Washington, met Nepalis living in the US, toured a school and met American children. The British makers of the documentary have apologized for any controversy caused. “
British film director Ishbel Whitaker adds, “She is a normal child and a living goddess. She has both lives. It was a lovely opportunity for her. It was a great experience when American children told Sajani about their lives and she told them about her life.”