"pre-Inca"

#12812662

30 September 2025

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.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#12812663

30 September 2025

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.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#12812819

30 September 2025

Former Royal Living Goddess Trishna Shakya is carried from the historic Kumari Ghar to her family home in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 29, 2025, after serving as the Royal Kumari. Her ceremonial farewell includes traditional music, rituals, and processions marking the end of her tenure upon reaching puberty. Revered as the living incarnation of Goddess Taleju, she is worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists. Her successor, 2 1/2 -year-old Aryatara Shakya, is formally enthroned as the new Royal Kumari at Kumari Ghar during the Asthami festival.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#12812820

30 September 2025

Former Royal Living Goddess Trishna Shakya is seen inside her palanquin as she is carried from the historic Kumari Ghar to her family home in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 29, 2025. The ceremonial farewell features traditional music, rituals, and processions marking the conclusion of her tenure upon reaching puberty. Revered as the living incarnation of Goddess Taleju, she remains an important figure in centuries-old Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Her successor, Aryatara Shakya, 2 1/2 years old, is formally enthroned at Kumari Ghar on the auspicious day of Asthami.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#12812821

30 September 2025

Former Royal Living Goddess Trishna Shakya is seen inside her palanquin as she is carried from the historic Kumari Ghar to her family home in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 29, 2025. The ceremonial farewell features traditional music, rituals, and processions marking the conclusion of her tenure upon reaching puberty. Revered as the living incarnation of Goddess Taleju, she remains an important figure in centuries-old Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Her successor, Aryatara Shakya, 2 1/2 years old, is formally enthroned at Kumari Ghar on the auspicious day of Asthami.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#12812822

30 September 2025

Former Royal Living Goddess Trishna Shakya is seen inside her palanquin as she is carried from the historic Kumari Ghar to her family home in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 29, 2025. The ceremonial farewell features traditional music, rituals, and processions marking the conclusion of her tenure upon reaching puberty. Revered as the living incarnation of Goddess Taleju, she remains an important figure in centuries-old Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Her successor, Aryatara Shakya, 2 1/2 years old, is formally enthroned at Kumari Ghar on the auspicious day of Asthami.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#12812823

30 September 2025

Former Royal Living Goddess Trishna Shakya is welcomed with rituals by her family at her private house in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 30, 2025, following her ceremonial retirement. She is carried from the historic Kumari Ghar with music, rituals, and processions after completing her tenure upon reaching puberty. Celebrated as the living incarnation of Goddess Taleju, she continues to be honored in the centuries-old tradition observed by Hindus and Buddhists alike. Her successor, Aryatara Shakya, 2 1/2 years old, is formally enthroned as the new Royal Kumari at Kumari Ghar on Asthami.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#12812824

30 September 2025

Former Royal Living Goddess Trishna Shakya is welcomed with rituals by her family at her private house in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 30, 2025, following her ceremonial retirement. She is carried from the historic Kumari Ghar with music, rituals, and processions after completing her tenure upon reaching puberty. Celebrated as the living incarnation of Goddess Taleju, she continues to be honored in the centuries-old tradition observed by Hindus and Buddhists alike. Her successor, Aryatara Shakya, 2 1/2 years old, is formally enthroned as the new Royal Kumari at Kumari Ghar on Asthami.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#12813101

30 September 2025

Former Royal Living Goddess Trishna Shakya is seen inside her palanquin as she is carried from the historic Kumari Ghar to her family home in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 29, 2025. The ceremonial farewell features traditional music, rituals, and processions marking the conclusion of her tenure upon reaching puberty. Revered as the living incarnation of Goddess Taleju, she remains an important figure in centuries-old Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Her successor, Aryatara Shakya, 2 1/2 years old, is formally enthroned at Kumari Ghar on the auspicious day of Asthami.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#12813116

30 September 2025

The 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.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#12813117

30 September 2025

The 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.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#12718199

5 September 2025

A Nepali girl dressed as the Living Goddess Kumari poses for a photo in Kathmandu Durbar Square during the Kumari Pooja held in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 5, 2025. Pre-pubescent girls dressed as the living goddess Kumari are worshipped every year right before the main day of Indra Jatra in the courtyard of the Kathmandu Durbar Square, which is believed to ward off bad luck and diseases. Girls below the age of 12 years, donned in regalia like the living goddess Kumari, perform rituals to please Taleju Bhawani, the Hindu Goddess. Locally called ''Kumari Pooja,'' Newari girls hold rituals annually in front of the Taleju Bhawani Temple, who is known for her earthly incarnations of divine feminine energy manifestations. ''Kanyas,'' or girls taking part in this annual procession, are taken to the Taleju Bhawani Temple for worship, one of the Shaktipith of Nepal, which opens its doors only for a day during Dashain. As a part of the ritual, the participating girls are taken around the temple of Taleju Bhawani, a Hindu deity whose face is not displayed to the public and has remained hidden for centuries. The procession of worshipping the girls undergoes three methods: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Tantrism. It is believed that girls taking part in the procession do not have any health problems.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#12718200

5 September 2025

A Nepali girl dressed as the Living Goddess Kumari poses for a photo in front of the Swet Bhairab statue in Kathmandu Durbar Square during the Kumari Pooja on September 5, 2025. Pre-pubescent girls dressed as the living goddess Kumari are worshipped every year right before the main day of Indra Jatra in the courtyard of the Kathmandu Durbar Square, which is believed to ward off bad luck and diseases. Girls below the age of 12 years, donned in regalia like the living goddess Kumari, perform rituals to please Taleju Bhawani, the Hindu Goddess. Locally called ''Kumari Pooja,'' Newari girls hold rituals annually in front of the Taleju Bhawani Temple, known for her earthly incarnations of divine feminine energy and manifestations. ''Kanyas,'' or girls taking part in this annual procession, are taken to the Taleju Bhawani Temple for worship, one of the Shaktipith of Nepal, which opens its doors only for a day during Dashain. As part of the ritual, the participating girls are taken around the temple of Taleju Bhawani, a Hindu deity whose face is not displayed to the public and has remained hidden for centuries. The procession of worshipping the girls undergoes three methods: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Tantrism. It is believed that girls taking part in the procession do not have any health problems.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#12718201

5 September 2025

A Nepali girl receives the final touch of make-up as she prepares for the Kumari Pooja at Kathmandu Durbar Square in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 5, 2025. Pre-pubescent girls dressed as the living goddess Kumari are worshipped every year right before the main day of Indra Jatra in the courtyard of the Kathmandu Durbar Square, which is believed to ward off bad luck and diseases. Girls below the age of 12 years, donned in regalia like the living goddess Kumari, perform rituals to please Taleju Bhawani, the Hindu Goddess. Locally called ''Kumari Pooja,'' Newari girls hold rituals annually in front of the Taleju Bhawani Temple, known for her earthly incarnations of divine feminine energy and manifestations. ''Kanyas,'' or girls taking part in this annual procession, are taken to the Taleju Bhawani Temple for worship, one of the Shaktipith of Nepal, which opens its doors only for a day during Dashain. As part of the ritual, the participating girls are taken around the temple of Taleju Bhawani, a Hindu deity whose face is not displayed to the public and has remained hidden for centuries. The procession of worshipping the girls undergoes three methods: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Tantrism. It is believed that girls taking part in the procession do not have any health problems.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#12718202

5 September 2025

A Nepali girl dressed as the Living Goddess Kumari poses for a photo in front of the Swet Bhairab statue in Kathmandu Durbar Square during the Kumari Pooja on September 5, 2025. Pre-pubescent girls dressed as the living goddess Kumari are worshipped every year right before the main day of Indra Jatra in the courtyard of the Kathmandu Durbar Square, which is believed to ward off bad luck and diseases. Girls below the age of 12 years, donned in regalia like the living goddess Kumari, perform rituals to please Taleju Bhawani, the Hindu Goddess. Locally called ''Kumari Pooja,'' Newari girls hold rituals annually in front of the Taleju Bhawani Temple, known for her earthly incarnations of divine feminine energy and manifestations. ''Kanyas,'' or girls taking part in this annual procession, are taken to the Taleju Bhawani Temple for worship, one of the Shaktipith of Nepal, which opens its doors only for a day during Dashain. As part of the ritual, the participating girls are taken around the temple of Taleju Bhawani, a Hindu deity whose face is not displayed to the public and has remained hidden for centuries. The procession of worshipping the girls undergoes three methods: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Tantrism. It is believed that girls taking part in the procession do not have any health problems.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#12718203

5 September 2025

Nepali girls dressed as the Living Goddess Kumari pose for a photo in front of the Swet Bhairab statue in Kathmandu Durbar Square during the Kumari Pooja in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 5, 2025. Pre-pubescent girls dressed as the living goddess Kumari are worshipped every year right before the main day of Indra Jatra in the courtyard of the Kathmandu Durbar Square, which is believed to ward off bad luck and diseases. Girls below the age of 12 years, donned in regalia like the living goddess Kumari, perform rituals to please Taleju Bhawani, the Hindu Goddess. Locally called ''Kumari Pooja,'' Newari girls hold rituals annually in front of the Taleju Bhawani Temple, known for her earthly incarnations of divine feminine energy and manifestations. ''Kanyas,'' or girls taking part in this annual procession, are taken to the Taleju Bhawani Temple for worship, one of the Shaktipith of Nepal, which opens its doors only for a day during Dashain. As part of the ritual, the participating girls are taken around the temple of Taleju Bhawani, a Hindu deity whose face is not displayed to the public and has remained hidden for centuries. The procession of worshipping the girls undergoes three methods: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Tantrism. It is believed that girls taking part in the procession do not have any health problems.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.