A ten-year-old Nepalese girl is to be reinstated as a living goddess, after having been stripped of her title.
Sajani Shakya had been chosen as a goddess when she was just two years old, but had angered elders in her town of Bhaktapur by visiting the US, which allegedly undermined her purity.
However, the after-effects of the trip - during which she visited Washington DC and met US-based Nepalese people - will be dealt with in a 'cleansing ceremony'.
Her controversial visit to the US had been designed to promote a documentary film, for which Isabel Whitaker, the director, has apologised.
Talking to Reuters, Ms Whitaker said: "She is a normal child and a living goddess. She has both lives."
She continued: It was a lovely opportunity for her. It was a great experience when American children told Sajani about their lives and she told them about her life."
Sajani was one of the most revered Kumaris (living goddesses) who are selected at childhood and bless temples and devotees until they reach puberty.
The goddesses get allowances and a monthly pension once they retire from their divine duties.
