Editorial photo #12809297 Religion and Belief

Newly Appointed Royal Living Goddess Kumari In Nepal

ARYA TARA SHAKYA, 2 1/2 years old, is Nepal's newly appointed Royal Living Goddess Kumari from Itumbahal. She is seen at her home ahead of being formally worshipped at the historic Kumari Ghar in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 29, 2025. She is formally worshipped as Royal Kumari on September 30, 2025, succeeding TRISHNA SHAKYA, who serves until reaching puberty, around age 12. The centuries-old tradition reveres the Living Goddess as an embodiment of the Hindu goddess Taleju, worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto)

Photo details

Photo ID: #12809297
Date taken: 29 September 2025
Location: —
Photographer: Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto
Category: Religion and Belief

Related keywords

2½ years old Age 12 Arya Tara Shakya Buddhist Centuries-old Child Goddess Dashain Devotional Female Deity Hindu Historic Home Icon Indo-Nepal Kathmandu Kumari Kumari Ghar Living Goddess Nepal Nepalese Ceremony Nepalese Culture Nepalese Heritage Nepalese Religion Nepalese tradition Predecessor Puberty RESIDENCE Revered Royal Kumari Safal Safal P Shrestha Safal Photos Safal Prakash Shrestha Safal Shrestha Selection Succession Taleju Trishna Shakya celebration ceremony child cultural heritage divine festival heritage portrait religious tradition ritual sacred spiritual tradition traditional ritual worship