[caption id="attachment_46290" align="alignleft" width="335"] When chosen at age three, the Kumari has to prove her divinity though perfect composure under stress. She is cast down in a dark dungeon filled with the severed heads of animals and ghoulish noises. That she shows no fear is considered evidence that her body is inhabited by a superior soul. In other respects, the selection process is not unlike a Western beauty pageant, in which the winning girl combines poise with beauty; keeping her cool under hot lights, cameras, and the stares of the audience hiding all emotions behind a rigid smile. Seen here, Kumari of Kathmandu.[/caption]