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Nepal JyotishTraditional Science
Goddess Names

Kumari and Lakhey

The story of how, at her mother's command, Kumari killed her lover Lakhey and took a lifelong vow to remain a Kumari.

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Kumari and Lakhey

A deep love grew between a fearsome flesh-eating demon named Lakhey, who lived in Manjupattan, and Kumari, the beautiful daughter of Shwetakali. They would always meet in secret.

When her mother Shwetakali learned of this, she became extremely angry and said: "That ugly, man-eating demon is not worthy of you. If you choose him, I will give up my life."

Before her mother's love and duty, Kumari was helpless. To kill Lakhey, her mother placed a divine sword in Kumari's hand.

The next time Lakhey came to meet Kumari lovingly, Kumari, shedding tears, struck the sword into Lakhey's chest to fulfil her duty and took his life.

Having slain her lover with her own hand, Kumari sank into deep remorse and lamentation. Handing the blood-soaked sword to her mother, she vowed: "I have betrayed my lover and taken his life. Now I shall never marry anyone and shall remain a Kumari for life."

Thus, the maiden who took a vow to remain unmarried all her life in separation from her lover is worshipped today as the living goddess 'Kumari', and in the Lakhey dance, Lakhey still dances searching for Kumari.

Note: These are traditional Nepali folk tales (kimbadanti), passed down orally through generations. They may or may not reflect actual historical events, but they are told and believed as part of Nepal's cultural heritage.

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