Kimari: living goddess

I read this article earlier today and I have zero understanding for this type of tradition as I am American. This seems so far out to me and especially in 2008. I wish someone her could explain to me the purpose of the tradition and also why would a parent in todays time even in a foreign place opt for their child to live this life. It seems that todays goddess will live a torment life. Maybe someone here can help me understand.

hi. i was hoping that someone can explain this too. i have like a lot of comments about it (mostly negating the one i read). am curious if in their religion and tradition, must a living soul be appointed as a goddess? this girl is just a child who is not even given the right to choose for her own. it may be a compliment that the little girl is treated as such, however, why would a parent let her live in isolation no matter how much the regard is. and what's kinda sad is, tradition is tradition. it's hard to bend or change it overnight.

i guess her life was already plotted by other hands, huh? she will be worshipped and that will be instilled in her mind and psyche. when she goes back to the real world, who will teach her how do detach from that lifestyle? she might even be deemed or hated for being self-centered. and how will she adjust when the foundation of everything is during pre-adolescent stage? and the consolation she gets is mere recognition. first, she will be isolated (detached from life itself). then thrown back to the real world (which is very dangerous for someone who didn't live it). and lastly, will never be permitted to get married. i guess it's a nice world for the little girl, ei. and good news is, same thing will happen to other girls after her. wow. hopefully, parents' love would change the direction of the tradition. (no offense meant. just stating our reactions)