Kathmandu The Eternal Kumari – Narayan P. Shrestha

Who is this Eternal Kumari? She is more than a living goddess. She is the mystical Valley of Kathmandu, representing the Mother Earth herself. Her identity is reflected in the Peacock Crown she wears, as well as the Peacock Window which adorns her palace as shown above. The peacock is the symbol of beauty and diversity of life on earth.
Nepalese people honour and worship Kumari, and expect their King to dutifully guard her integrity. Everyday, as the sun journeys on his seven-horse chariot through the sky, pictured above, Kumari is made fecund by his radiant beams. Thus the sun, the sky, and the clouds all act together for Shiva the Creator, who is Kumari’s spouse.
Additionally Kumari symbolizes the Female Principle, which plays a central role in Tantric philosophy.
The author elaborates these and many other ideas as he invites the reader on a journey through the main cultural centres of Kathmandu.
Kathmandu The Eternal Kumari – Narayan P. Shrestha