Aryatara Shakya Appointed as New Living Goddess Kumari
Aryatara Shakya has been appointed as Nepal’s Living Goddess Kumari and will be installed at the Basantapur Kumari Ghar on Tuesday, Ashoj 14, 2082, coinciding with Dashain Maha Ashtami.
This marks the first change of the Living Goddess in Kathmandu after eight years. The Kumari is revered as a living goddess in Nepal. The current Kumari, Trishna Shakya, has completed the average age for serving in this role. She entered the Kumari Ghar in 2074 and has now reached 12 years of age, leading to the appointment of a new Kumari on the auspicious day of Maha Ashtami, according to the Guthi Sansthan central office.
Aryatara Shakya, daughter of Ananta Shakya and Pratishtha Shakya of Kathmandu Metropolitan City-17, was appointed as the new Kumari as per the decision of the Guthi Sansthan on Ashoj 9, 2082.
Administrator Shailesh Raj Kunwar of the Guthi Sansthan informed that the responsibility has already been ceremonially handed over following traditional rituals and all concerned authorities have been officially notified.
In Nepal, the Kumari tradition regards the chosen girl as the living embodiment of Goddess Taleju Bhawani. The Kumari residing in Kathmandu’s Basantapur Durbar area is considered the Royal Kumari. Her presence is significant during major festivals like Dashain and Indra Jatra.
According to Kunwar, the selection process follows strict traditional criteria. Factors such as age, health, family background, and special physical and spiritual qualities are considered in the selection, which involves participation from the Guthi Sansthan and representatives of the concerned community.
The newly appointed Living Goddess Aryatara Shakya will now reside in the Basantapur Kumari Ghar. As per tradition, she will attend religious ceremonies, rituals, and major state festivals. Gautam Shakya, representative of the Kumari Ghar and chairperson of the Indra Jatra Conservation Committee, stated that Trishna Shakya will be given a ceremonial farewell with music and replaced by Aryatara Shakya.
