New Living Goddess Aryatara Shakya Enthroned as Kumari

Kathmandu– Aryatara Shakya has been formally enthroned as the new Royal Kumari of Kathmandu, assuming the sacred seat at the Kumari Ghar in Basantapur on Tuesday afternoon.

The enthronement ceremony took place at 12:05 PM, the auspicious time determined for the ritual. Two-and-a-half-year-old Aryatara, a daughter of the prestigious Shakya lineage from Keshchandra Parawarta Mahavihar, Itumbahal, was selected to serve as the living goddess-a revered tradition observed by both Hindus and Buddhists.

With the formal assumption of her responsibilities, Aryatara now takes on the symbolic role of Taleju Bhawani, participating in various religious and cultural ceremonies. The tradition of the Royal Kumari dates back to the Malla era and is believed to have been established by King Jayaprakash Malla.

According to Gautam Shakya, coordinator of the Kumari House Management Committee, the new Kumari will participate in major festivals such as Indra Jatra and Navaratri, and will offer public blessings during designated times.

The Kumari resides at the historic Kumari Ghar in Basantapur, where she is provided with accommodation, food, and care as per tradition. On the day of Kojagrat Purnima, Nepal’s head of state traditionally visits the Kumari for blessings-a ritual that continues even after the monarchy was abolished.

Aryatara was selected through the traditional Kumari selection process, which involves consultations with the Guthi Sansthan, the Panchang Decision Committee, and other cultural authorities.

Meanwhile, former Kumari Trishna Shakya was ceremoniously retired in a special farewell ritual after serving her tenure as the living goddess.