A centuries-old tradition in Nepal of worshipping a virgin girl-child in a palace as a "living goddess" has been deemed outdated by the country's supreme court, which has ruled that the supposed deity must go to school.
The court ruled against the rights of the Kumari being "be violated in the name of culture".
"There should be no bar on the Kumaris from going to school and enjoying health-related rights as there are no historical and religious documents restricting Kumaris from enjoying child rights," the court said.
Some analysts said the court was simply responding to the new political atmosphere in the Himalayan nation under former rebel Maoists, who are determined to end "feudal" practices.
Kumaris, revered until they menstruate, preside over many key Hindu festivals in Nepal, drawing thousands of tourists every year. The tradition began in the 16th century by Kathmandu's royal ruling class, who believed the goddess would protect them.
Her attributes are said to include a voice "as soft and clear as a duck's, the body of a Banyan tree and the chest of a lion".