In the heart of Kathmandu, Nepal, a centuries-old tradition has ushered in its newest living goddess. On September 30, 2025, two-year-old Aryatara Shakya was carried by her father through the winding alleys of the capital to the revered Taleju Bhawani Temple in Kathmandu Durbar Square, marking her enthronement as the country’s new Kumari. The event, steeped in ritual and pageantry, drew thousands of devotees and signaled the start of a new chapter in one of the world’s most unique spiritual customs.
The selection of Aryatara as the Kumari—meaning "virgin goddess"—occurred during the vibrant Indra Jatra festival, a week-long celebration that heralds a season of major religious observances in Nepal. According to CNN, the Kumari tradition is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists, with the living goddess believed to embody the goddess Taleju (Durga). Aryatara, now 2 years and 8 months old, replaces Trishna Shakya, who served as Kumari from 2017 until her recent retirement at the age of 11.
The Kumari is chosen from the Shakya clan of the Newar community, indigenous to the Kathmandu Valley. The selection process is rigorous and steeped in both Hindu and Buddhist rituals. As reported by BollywoodShaadis and confirmed by multiple outlets, Aryatara underwent a series of examinations conducted by Buddhist Vajracharya priests and Hindu priests. Candidates must be between the ages of 2 and 4, possess flawless skin, hair, eyes, and teeth, and show no fear of the dark. Their horoscopes must align with the goddess Taleju, and they must exhibit what tradition calls the "32 attributes of perfection." Courage and clan lineage are also essential.
The living goddess is instantly recognizable: she wears bright red attire, her hair is tied into a bun or topknot, and a symbolic "third eye" is painted on her forehead. During the festival, Aryatara was paraded through the streets, accompanied by family, friends, and a sea of devotees. According to the Associated Press, devotees lined up to touch her feet with their foreheads—a gesture that signifies the highest respect among Hindus in the Himalayan region. They offered her flowers and money, seeking blessings not only for themselves but also for the nation. The new Kumari is scheduled to bless devotees, including the president of Nepal, on October 2, 2025.
For Aryatara’s family, the transformation was profound. Her father, Ananta Shakya, expressed his awe at the shift in their lives: "She was just my daughter yesterday, but today she is a goddess." He also recalled a dream his wife had during pregnancy, in which she envisioned their daughter as a goddess—a sign, he believes, that Aryatara was destined for something extraordinary. "We knew she was going to be someone very special," he told the Associated Press.
The Kumari’s role is not only spiritual but also deeply woven into Nepal’s social fabric. The tradition of worshipping a prepubescent girl as a living goddess is believed to date back more than 2,300 years, with its modern practice rooted in the Malla Dynasty of the 13th century. The Kumari’s divine status is believed to end with the onset of menstruation, at which point the spirit of Taleju is said to depart her body. The dethroned Kumari then returns to "mortal" life, often facing significant challenges in adapting to ordinary routines, learning household tasks, and attending regular schools.
On the day of Aryatara’s enthronement, former Kumari Trishna Shakya was carried out of the palace by her family and supporters, leaving through a back entrance in a palanquin—a ceremonial farewell marking the end of her tenure. According to CNN, families from the Shakya clan compete for the honor of having their daughter chosen, as the position brings elevated social standing within both the clan and the broader community.
Yet, life as a Kumari is far from ordinary. The living goddess leads a highly sequestered existence, with a limited circle of playmates and outings restricted to major festivals. Child rights activists have long criticized this isolation, arguing that it deprives Kumaris of a normal childhood and can impact their mental health. As highlighted by BollywoodShaadis, activists have also pointed out that Kumaris are not allowed to touch the ground and are transported in palanquins during public appearances. Even family visits are formalized, adding to the sense of detachment from everyday life.
These concerns prompted significant changes in recent years. Before 2008, Kumaris were denied formal education, but public pressure and advocacy led to the introduction of private tutors within the temple palace. Today, Kumaris can even watch television, and the government provides a modest monthly pension—about $110—for former goddesses, a sum slightly above the minimum wage for civil servants in Nepal. These reforms aim to preserve the essence of the tradition while making it more compatible with the rights and well-being of the child.
Despite the criticism, many Nepalis fiercely defend the Kumari tradition as a vital part of their cultural heritage. The spectacle of the enthronement ceremony, the devotion of the crowds, and the pride of the Shakya clan all testify to the enduring power of this ritual. Social media has amplified the conversation, with images and videos of Aryatara’s procession circulating widely and sparking curiosity about the deeper meaning behind the practice.
Belief in the Kumari’s divine powers remains strong. While there’s no scientific evidence to support claims that her blessings bring good fortune, faith in her spiritual significance endures. As one devotee told CNN, just seeing or touching the Kumari is believed to bring luck and protection—a sentiment echoed by thousands who lined up during the festival.
The Kumari’s enthronement coincided with the eighth day of Dashain, Nepal’s most important 15-day festival celebrating the victory of good over evil. Offices and schools across the country were closed, and families gathered to mark the occasion. The week-long Indra Jatra festival, followed by Dashain and Tihar (Diwali), forms a trio of celebrations that define Nepal’s religious calendar each October.
For Aryatara Shakya, the journey from an ordinary toddler to living goddess marks the beginning of a remarkable, if challenging, chapter. For Nepal, her selection reaffirms the country’s commitment to its spiritual legacy—even as it adapts to the demands and sensibilities of the modern world. As the nation watches its new Kumari bless devotees and participate in age-old rituals, the delicate balance between tradition and change continues to shape the story of Nepal’s living goddess.
