Living Goddess

Living Goddess, directed by Ishbel Whitaker and released in 2008, is an intriguing and poignant documentary that sheds light on a unique and deeply-rooted cultural tradition of Nepal - worshiping young girls, known as Kumari. The film successfully grants viewers a rare and insightful gaze into an ancient world shrouded in mystique, where little girls are discovered, venerated, and even displaced from their ordinary lives to play a godly role that is centuries old. The main focus of Living Goddess is on three remarkable young girls: Sajani Shakya, Champa Bajracharya, and Chanira Kumari Bajracharya, who offer distinct perspectives on a venerated system steeped in culture, religion, controversy, and paradox.

Living Goddess pulls back the veil of the centuries-old tradition of Kumari, or "Living Goddesses", in Nepal. The age-old tradition involves the appointment of young prepubescent girls as the human incarnations of the divine feminine energy or "Devi" in Hindu religion. These young girls are selected through an intricate process and are thereafter venerated until they reach puberty, after which they are returned to their regular civilian lives. The documentary provides an unbiased examination of this tradition, bringing to light questions about spirituality, divinity, superstition, and the many challenges and debates related to human rights in the process.

The narrative of Living Goddess unfolds through the eyes of Sajani Shakya, from Bhaktapur, who is believed to be one of the most powerful Kumaris, and Patan-based Kumaris, Champa Bajracharya, and Chanira Kumari Bajracharya. At the core of the film is the story of Sajani who, at the young age of ten, is faced with the challenges and responsibilities associated with being deified while, at the same time, reconciling with her life as an ordinary little girl. Her story then dovetails with those of Chanira and Champa, as they navigate through the complexities of their situated divinity and ordinary being.

The documentary, an artful blend of religious anthropology and human interest narrative, weaves a delicate tapestry depicting the tales of these three girls. Director Ishbel Whitaker displays a careful balance of respect and curious observation, gently probing into the intricate web of age-old customs, traditions, and religious beliefs without berating or ridiculing the subjects. The viewers get to partake in the intimate moments of these young goddesses, observing their day-to-day routine, their schooling, their interaction with their families, and their participation in the various religious ceremonies and rituals as the embodiment of the divine.

While showcasing these fascinating aspects of a distinct culture, Living Goddess also underscores the looming dichotomy - the Kumaris are somewhere caught between the dual identities of the goddess and the girl. This paradox presents fascinating and, at times, wrenching insights into the challenges they face - being adored as goddesses on one hand while coping with the loss of individual freedom and the imposition of a set of strict traditional protocols on the other.

Furthermore, the film brings to light the intense debate around the potential human rights implications in the context of the Kumari tradition. Various perspectives are sampled, to emphasize an objective dialogue about the age-old practice without demonizing the belief system it stems from.

The cinematic brilliance of Living Goddess captivates audiences not only with its mesmerizing storytelling but also with rich visuals. The breathtaking views of Nepal, its streets, temples, and colorful festivals are splendidly captured, transporting viewers to the heart of the Himalayas and lending the film a sensory depth.

In the end, Living Goddess is about much more than a process of selection and deification. It is a journey of self-discovery, understanding, and adaptability for these young girls. It is a commentary on faith and tradition in a modern world, providing a contemplative perspective on how faith can manifest in a myriad of forms and how tradition adapts to the inevitable winds of change. Through the evocative narrative of Sajani, Champa, and Chanira, the documentary prompts viewers to contemplate the complex interplay between devotion, tradition, and identity.

By delicately exposing the inner workings of a secluded belief system, Living Goddess profoundly explores the human side of divine representation, making it an exhilarating and thought-provoking watch. It's an aesthetically and emotionally rich documentary that deftly amalgamates the human stories within an exceptional cultural backdrop into a thought-provoking cinematic experience.