Kumari Ghar
कुमारी घर
The residence of the living goddess on the south side of Kathmandu Durbar Square, where you may catch a glimpse of the young Kumari, revered as a manifestation of the goddess, at a wooden window.
The Kumari Ghar was built in 1757. It is a three-story Newar-style brick and timber courtyard building, with window lattices and door lintels covered in fine wood carvings. The 'Royal Kumari' lives here. She is chosen from Shakya girls and is regarded as an incarnation of the goddess Taleju. She gives up her role at puberty. Visitors can enter the inner courtyard (Kumari Chowk). The goddess occasionally appears briefly at a third-floor window. Photographing the goddess herself is strictly prohibited, but photos of the courtyard are allowed. Entry is through the Durbar Square ticket (about 1,000 rupees for foreign visitors), and the inner courtyard is free. The building is near the Basantapur entrance to Durbar Square and can be visited together with the square.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–18:00 (goddess appearance times vary)
Nearby sights
- Kathmandu Durbar Square
- Dharahara
- Asan Tole & Indra Chowk
- Thamel
- Garden of Dreams
- Narayanhiti Palace Museum
- Swayambhunath
- Patan Durbar Square