These living goddesses, known as Kumaris, are chosen when they are infants and are revered by Hindus and Buddhists until they reach puberty. Handpicked after a 32-stage test, these pre-pubescent girls are believed to be incarnations of the Hindu Goddess of Power, Kali. From the moment they are chosen, these living goddesses are propelled to immortal-like status, deemed to be protectors from evil. These girls are usually forced to leave their homes and are hidden away in temples as a living deity, only able to leave when they are required as the subject of worship, pictured. But once they reach puberty, these Kumaris - which means virgin in Nepalese - are put through a 12-day 'Gufa' ritual, shown top left, after which they return to an ordinary life they have never known.
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