Nepal 'Goddess' quits at age 11

One of Nepal’s ’living goddesses’, who sparked controversy by breaking tradition and travelling overseas, has retired at the age of 11.

Sajani Shakya travelled to the United States last year to promote a documentary about the centuries-old tradition of Nepal’s ’living goddesses’ and was first removed and then reinstated to her revered position.

Jaiprasad Regmi, chief of the government trust that manages the affairs of the ’living goddesses’, said it was part of the tradition that she would be replaced as she had “come of age,” but he refused to elaborate.

Though officials had stripped her of her status while she was travelling, popular support for Sajani has apparently forced officials to review the case.

Living goddesses are worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists. The girls are selected between the ages of 2 and 4 after going through several tests.

They are required to have perfect skin, hair, eyes and teeth, should not have scars and should not be afraid of the dark.

Devotees touch the girls' feet with their foreheads, the highest sign of respect among Hindus in Nepal. During religious festivals the girls are wheeled around on a chariot pulled by devotees.