Chanira Bajracharya – Former “Living Goddess” from Nepal

Chanira Bajracharya is currently creating a support network to help other “living goddesses” from Nepal transition into day-to-day life. She was chosen as a “living goddess” back when she was 5-years-old. As only certain girls are revered for their pure heart, perfections, and soul until they get their period.

As a Kumari, Bajracharya lived within a temple and was carried about on top of a chariot throughout many festivals. She was worshiped by thousands of Buddhists and Hindus but is now just a mere mortal again.

Bajracharya was only 15 when she was dethroned and it was a very challenging transition. After she retired, she could not walk properly, as she had been carried around all the time, and the unfamiliar world was a scary place.

After some reforms, Nepal’s Supreme Court found that Kumari's should have a formal education and time to develop social skills. In fact, she was the first Kumari to receive the school-leaving certificate exam. Now at the age of 21-years-old, Bajracharya is now a business student at Kathmandu University and wants to become a banker.

In the past, Kumaris were not allowed to get married, but society has changed and now some ex-Kumaris are getting married. Bajracharya was recognized for being worshiped in a male-dominated society by many. BBC named her one of the 100 most influential women in the world in 2016.

The meaning of the feminine name Chanira is unknown. It is rare in Nepal and around the world and not many notable people have the name.