US EditionNepal Installs 2-Year-Old Aryatara Shakya as New Kumari During Dashain
Aryatara Shakya, aged 2 years and 8 months, was selected through strict criteria as Nepal's Kumari, a revered living goddess believed to bring blessings during major festivals, officials said.
- A two-year-old girl, Aryatara Shakya, has been selected as Nepal's new living goddess, replacing Trishna Shakya, who left her position due to reaching puberty, the threshold for a new Kumari.
- The selection process includes strict physical criteria and astrological assessments overseen by senior Buddhist figures and a royal astrologer, ensuring Aryatara meets the standards.
- Aryatara will live in the historic Ghar Kumari House, away from her family, and is expected to bless devotees during her role as the living goddess.
- Changes in tradition now allow the Kumari to receive education and limited access to media, addressing concerns raised by human rights groups.
131 Articles
131 Articles
Los Angeles Times
Independent EspañolA two-year-old girl chosen as Nepal's new living goddess was taken by her family members from her home in an alley in Kathmandu to a palace temple during the country's longest and most important Hindu festival.
She was only two years old and already Nepal worships her like a goddess. ...
A two-year-old girl was chosen this Tuesday as Nepal's new kumari, the living goddess venerated by Hindus and Buddhists in this Asian country for half a century, marking the beginning of her ceremonial confinement and the divine role she will maintain until reaching puberty.
A thousand-year-old tradition that holds a destiny apart from these little girls.
Two years and eight months old, Aryatara Shakya replaced the previous kumari, who after puberty loses her status as a living goddess and becomes an ordinary mortal.
Kumari is venerated by Buddhists and Hindus, but only until puberty: it is a highly criticized tradition
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