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New Royal Living Goddess Kumari In Nepal

Newly appointed Royal Living Goddess Aryatara Shakya, 2 1/2 years old, is carried from her private house towards the historic Kumari Ghar at Hanumandhoka Durbar Square in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 30, 2025. She succeeds Trishna Shakya, who retires upon reaching puberty and is bid farewell with traditional music and rituals. The Royal Kumari, regarded as the living incarnation of Goddess Taleju, is selected exclusively from the Shakya clan of Kathmandu's 16 bahals through an elaborate process involving the Panchang Committee, Taleju's chief priest, astrologers, and Guthi representatives. A Kumari must embody 32 physical and spiritual perfections, show fearlessness, and bear no bodily marks or flaws. Once enthroned, she lives a highly restricted and sacred life--no longer attending school or playing outside, as such acts are considered ritually impure. Worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists, the Royal Kumari embodies Nepal's centuries-old tradition, symbolizing divine purity, cultural heritage, and continuity of ancient rituals. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto)

Photo Details

Photo ID	#12812651
Date Taken	30 September 2025
Location	N/A
Photographer	Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto
Category	Religion and Belief
Copyright	© 2025 NurPhoto - Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto

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