The myths and legends surrounding the Kumari, the living goddess of Nepal, are fascinating. Historical records show that the worship of Kumari as a living goddess has been prevalent since at least the 10th century. Kumari as a female deity is worshipped as the living virgin goddess, the defender of the living beings.

It is a ritual belief followed up in Newar community, tradition of worshipping young, pre-pubescent girls manifestations of the divine female energy or Devi in Hindu religious traditions. The young girl is believed to be the living incarnation of Goddess Taleju (Durga). She has to pass through some of the criteria and tradition of Newar community to be declared as Kumari. This tradition continues to the day until she has her first menstruation and goddess Taleju vacates her body, through illness and loss of blood.