Eyelashes like cow, voice as clear as duck: 7-yr-old worshipped as goddess in Nepal

Kathmandu: A seven-year-old girl in Nepal has been declared a 'living goddess' as she has 'eyelashes like a cow' and her voice is 'as clear as a duck'.

According to a report in the Daily Mail, the declaration of the minor girl named Yunika, also referred to as 'Kumari', as goddess continues the age old tradition of child deities in Nepal who are worshipped by Hindus as well as Buddhists.

During the month of July when a Hindu festival commences, thousands flock to Yunika's house to worship her, including Pushpa Kamal Dahal, the Prime Minister of Nepal.

The child goddess is said to have been spreading good luck and blessing those who bowed down and touched her feet.

Yunika's parents left their jobs after she was pronounced as a goddess. They have now become full time caretakers of their daughter, who is not permitted to leave her home, except on special occasions. She is also not allowed to put her feet on the floor.

In order to become a living deity, minor girls need to be blessed with specific criteria including thighs like a deer, voice as clear as a duck and eye lashes like a cow, among others.

However, these girls are considered goddesses only till they hit puberty. Once they turn older, they are asked to lead a normal life like other girls.

A documentary on Yunika's life is scheduled to be aired in the US on Friday.