Kumari, a nine year old living goddess residing in Kathmandu, Nepal, survived the 7.9 magnitude earthquake that devastated the country last April 25, according to Asia One.

The goddess was about to receive her devotees in her home at the heart of Kathmandu's Durbar Square when the earthquake struck. The ancient temples and statues that surrounded the square were reduced to rubble but the Kumari's house was left unscathed.

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The extent of damage of the home of the living god was only a few cracks as compared to the neighboring structures that were extremely damaged.

"She protected us. Even inside nothing has fallen down, everything is fine," said Durga Shakya, the assigned caretaker of the Kumari house. Shakya hails from the Newar tribe, an indigenous group hailing from Kathmandu Valley.

The 55 year old caretaker confirmed that the Kumari home was left intact. There is a little crack in the opposite side and no one was harmed in the house.

The Kumari, a Newar girl of prepubescent age, lives in solitude in her own palace. She will only make her public appearance on feast days and she will roam around Kathmandu wearing a ceremonial dress.

Kumari, derived from the Sanskrit word Kaumarya, literally means 'virgin' and the devotees will begin their search for new Kumari once the girl menstruates. A menstruation means that the goddess Durga has already vacate the Kumari's body.

This popular tradition combines the elements of Hindu religion and Buddhism. The criteria for selecting an ideal Kumari is strict in terms of required appearance.

The Kumari must possess the legs of a deer, unblemished body, chest like a lion, neck like a conch shell and voice as clear as a duck.

After the physical requirements are met, the potential Kumari's bravery is tested by not crying when a buffalo is killed in front of her.

Tagskumari, Kathmandu, living goddess, survives, Nepal Earthquake