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Synopsis Kumari Puja or virgin worship is an ancient feature of Asia religions dating back to at least the late Vedic period. Archaeological evidence indicates that mother goddesses have always occupied a very significant position even in the religions of such ancient civilizations as Mohenjo-daro and Harappa. In Nepal, The Living Goddess Kumari is regarded as a supreme Tantric goddess-a common deity worshiped by both Hindus and Buddhists. While Hindu Tantriks worship her as Durga Bhawani or Taleju, Buddhist Tantriks worship her as Vajradevi. According to a popular belief, Kumari possesses unlimited spiritual powers and protects people from demons and evil spirits. Newars of Nepal devote a great deal of their devotion and ritual activity to the worship of the female divine force in her multifarious forms, but the most notable and unique feature of their religion is the worship of Kumari, the living virgin goddess. This handy, concise book presents the mysterious phenomenon of the Living Goddess.