Living GoddessThe (PB)

In a small medieval palace on Kathmandus Durbar Square lives Nepals famous Living Goddessa child chosen from the Buddhist caste of goldsmiths whose role is to watch over the country and protect its people. Once she attains puberty another girl takes her place.To Nepalis she is the embodiment of Devi and for centuries the kings of Nepal have sought her blessing to rule. Legends swirl about her. But the facts remain shrouded in secrecy and closely guarded by the Living Goddesss priests and caretakers. Why are Buddhist girls worshipped by Hindu monarchs? Are the initiation rituals as macabre as they are rumoured to be? And what happens to Living Goddesses once they attain puberty?Using myth religion history and her unprecedented access to the priests caretakers and ex-Living Godessess Isabella Tree takes us deep into this hidden world. Through it she draws a vivid portrait of the girl-goddess the beliefs and practices of traditional Nepal and the uneasy journey it now makes towards modernity. Deeply felt and written over many years of travel and research The Living Goddess is a profound compelling and extremely moving book.