Kumari Ghar

Kumari Ghar is a three-story brick building richly decorated with wood-carved reliefs of gods and symbols situated on Kathmandu Durbar Square in Kathmandu valley which houses the living goddess. The Kumari (living goddess) is actually a young girl who is believed to be the incarnation of the Hindu goddess Durga (demon-slaying). The sacred house was built in 1757 by King Jaya Prakash Malla. It is said that the King was the patient of paranoia and weakness and offended and disrespect Kumari in some way and finally feel guilt about his doings. So to overcome his guilt, he built a house for her as a type of payment. The temple (house) was renovated in late 1966 and is mainly known for its magnificent carvings as well as its divine inhabitant.

In the premises of the house, there are more beautiful reliefs over the doors, on the pillars and around the windows, where its visitors are allowed to take photograph and roam around, but it is strictly forbidden (prohibited) to take photographs of the Kumari. It is said that the Living Goddess (Kumari) sometimes appears in one of the first-floor windows if her handlers are paid well enough and she is more likely appear in the morning time and in the late afternoon. It is also said that she answer devotees’ questions with the expressions on her face.

Moreover, the most important festival celebrated here in this temple is Indra Jatra which falls in August or September, which receives thousands of devotees.  On the third day of this festival, the Kumari Devi (living goddess) is carried around Durbar Square in a chariot, which is kept next door to the Kumari Ghar.