'Goddess' Sacked for Visiting US

July 3, 2007

Author: Staff Writer

Source: BBC News

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6264014.stm

A 10-year-old girl who is [worshiped] as a living goddess in Nepal has been stripped of her title for defying tradition and visiting the US.

Sajani Shakya was one of the three most-revered Kumaris, who are honoured by Hindus and Buddhists alike.

Chosen after undergoing tests at the age of two, she had been expected to bless devotees and attend festivals until she reached puberty.

But she provoked the ire of temple elders by [traveling] to the US.