01/02/2018
Exhibited in Kassel, Germany, 2008, Galerie Ulrike Petschelt, Silver Gelatine print still available...
Kumari Puja ( Child Godness ) from Patan and Katmandu, Nepal
She said:
Oh Goddess, savior of all who seek refuge with you, mother, source and governor of the whole universe, grant us your grace, protect all things.
Devimahatmya 11,2
About:
In both Patan and Katmandu, Nepal, an ancient tradition of Hindu and Buddhist ta**ra still exists in which a young girl of ca. 5-6 years of age (Kumari, “the Virgin”) is selected to represent the supreme goddess (Devi) through special rights and duties. Her virginity symbolizes ritual purity. At the same time her ritual of prayer and worship (puja) keeps alive the memory of the myth of the divine child. The Kumari’s devotees worship her in processions. After her special ritual status has come to an end, at the onset of her first menstruation (a Kumari must not shed any blood, and must also be protected from receiving any wounds or scratches during her time of office) the Kumari returns to normal life.
#210
Eyes of Wisdom by RALF TOOTEN #2001