Nepali Living Goddess Visits U.S.

[Guest guest]

Rare Glimpse of a Goddess

First Nepal Living Goddess Arrives in the U.S. and

Giggles Through Her Tour

 

ABC News

June 14, 2007

 

by Claire Shipman

 

Sajani Shakya, 10, is the first living goddess to visit the

United States from Nepal, where she is worshipped and

believed to inhabit the Hindu goddess Kali, who is

thought to live in girls until they reach puberty.

 

She's not just a goddess. She's also now a film star, on

the East Coast to promote her documentary " Living

Goddess " at Maryland's Silverdocs Film Festival. The

film details the life of a goddess in Nepal amid moves

for modernization and democracy in the country.

 

So what does it really mean to be a goddess? She mixes

her responsibilities with school and time for friends.

 

Among the perks -- Shakya giggled while explaining she

likes it " best " when she is carried around at festivals.

 

" I think she really loves it as any girl would love being a

princess or a fairy in a fairy tale, " said " Living Goddess "

filmmaker Ishbel Whitaker. " It's definitely that kind of

magical, enchanting element to it that really appeals to

the girls. "

 

She was discovered to be a goddess at the tender age of

2, from a specific caste. Only a handful of those

considered ultimately meet the so called " 32

perfections " of the girl who holds the goddess Kali.

They include having the gait of a swan, and teeth and

golden, tender skin so perfect the skin has never even

had a scratch.

 

The distinction appears not to have gone to her head.

Whitaker said Shakya " seems to take it all in her stride "

and " also leads the life of a normal girl. "

 

While she goes to school and visits with friends, she

also spends time with those who seek her blessing.

Shakya admitted her favorite part of those visits are the

cookies and candy that are served.

 

On Vacation, but Back to School

 

For her first U.S. visit and first trip out of Nepal, Shakya

made stops at the White House, the Capitol and a

school.

 

While she's enjoying her time as a goddess, it will run

out soon when she reaches the difficult transition of

puberty, and the goddess is believed to no longer inhabit

her body.

 

" Sajani did say to her mom that she was worried when

she wasn't going to be a goddess anymore, that people

wouldn't see that she's special, " said filmmaker Mark

Hawker

 

She toured Lafayette Elementary School in Washington,

D.C., where a third grade class greeted her with

questions about her life, and she enjoyed learning about

the lives of American kids.

 

But the questions quickly reverted to typical 10-year-old

play as the special visitor was invited to the gym to

watch a volleyball game, where she laughed and asked

questions throughout.

 

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