Worship of the Kumari started back in Malla Dynasty and worshipped by the country's Hindus, Nepalese Newari community. Almost all of the newari community follows the tantric rituals of hindusim in contrast to Mantrik rituals. It is sort of confusion for non newari community to accept the tradition. These days even Katmandu newars do not know for sure why do they worship the goddess. They just do it because its their culture.
Goddess Kumari is one of the Nava Durga which is also known as “Kaumari†a Mother Goddess in Hindu mythology, and mentioned in epic and Puranic literature. The Shakti of Skanda (Kaumara) who in later Hinduism became to be regarded as one of the group of seven mataras (mothers) of evil intent. She also was one of a group of eight Astamatara. She embodies the lack of envy or, alternatively, delusion.
There are lots of arguments and questions raised regarding this tradition and the you can find in every religion in this universe. In newari community, Godess Kumari is worshipped as compared to Lord Ganesh. Till today as per the rituals every girl born in the family until she menstruates, is considered as Godess Kumari and worshipped especially in Dashain, while performing the Nawami Puja during the sacrifice of a bird or an animal.
The point is it’s our culture and sometimes we question our self why we do believe in this and that but we still do follow the tradition at the end. Anyone can argue regarding this tradition and can write a book or preach every other person he or she meets, but this tradition will go on and people will worship her as goddess as long as they live. This is a culture and if you don’t know please try to understand, or just let it go.
Facts: Former Kumaris (source: Kathmandu post)
Name Hometown Dates as Kumari Marital Status
Hira Maiya Shakya Wotu 1922-1923 married, 0 children
Chini Shova Shakya* Lagan 1923-1931 married, 2 daughters
Chandra Devi Shakya* Asonchuka 1931-1933 married, 2 daughters
Dil Kumari Shakya agan 1933-1942 married, 3 sons, 1 daughter
Nani Shova Shakya Ombahal 1942-1949 married, 4 sons, 2 daughters
Kayo Mayju Shakya* Kwahiti 1949-1955 married, 1 son, 1 daughter
Harsha Laxmi Shakya Naghal 1955-1961 married, 2 sons
Nani Mayju Shakya Naghal 1961-1969 married, 1 son, 2 daughters
Sunina Shakya Ombahal 1969-1978 married, 1 son, 1 daughter
Anita Shakya Sikamoobahal 1978-1984 unmarried
Rashmila Shakya Kwahiti 1984-1991 unmarried
Amita Shakya Asanbahal 1991-2001 unmarried
Preeti Shakya Itumbahal 2001- unmarried