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DUKAS_189494236_NUR
New Royal Living Goddess Kumari In Nepal
Newly appointed Royal Living Goddess Kumari Aryatara Shakya appears for the first time in public after her official enthronement at the historic Kumari Ghar in Hanumandhoka, Nepal, on October 1, 2025, before being taken for ritual worship at Taleju Temple. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto) -
DUKAS_189494428_NUR
New Royal Living Goddess Kumari In Nepal
Newly appointed Royal Living Goddess Kumari Aryatara Shakya appears for the first time in public after her official enthronement at the historic Kumari Ghar in Hanumandhoka, before being taken for ritual worship at Taleju Temple in Hanumandhoka, Nepal, on October 1, 2025. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto) -
DUKAS_189494425_NUR
New Royal Living Goddess Kumari In Nepal
Newly appointed Royal Living Goddess Kumari Aryatara Shakya appears for the first time in public after her official enthronement at the historic Kumari Ghar in Hanumandhoka, before being taken for ritual worship at Taleju Temple in Hanumandhoka, Nepal, on October 1, 2025. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto) -
DUKAS_189494422_NUR
New Royal Living Goddess Kumari In Nepal
Newly appointed Royal Living Goddess Kumari Aryatara Shakya appears for the first time in public after her official enthronement at the historic Kumari Ghar in Hanumandhoka, before being taken for ritual worship at Taleju Temple in Hanumandhoka, Nepal, on October 1, 2025. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto) -
DUKAS_189494420_NUR
New Royal Living Goddess Kumari In Nepal
Newly appointed Royal Living Goddess Kumari Aryatara Shakya appears for the first time in public after her official enthronement at the historic Kumari Ghar in Hanumandhoka, before being taken for ritual worship at Taleju Temple in Hanumandhoka, Nepal, on October 1, 2025. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto) -
DUKAS_189430819_NUR
Toddler ‘Aryatara Shakya’ Is Anointed As “Kumari” The Living Goddess After Undergoing Ancient Ritual
Aryatara Shakya, two and a half years old, in red regalia, is carried by her father as she is brought to the Taleju Bhawani Temple in Kathmandu Durbar Square, Nepal, on September 30, 2025, to formally anoint her as the new Royal Kumari, the living goddess of Nepal. Nepal has a unique tradition of worshipping the ''Kumari,'' the living goddess, who is appointed at certain intervals following a strict selection process. A young Newar girl with no blemishes is chosen to represent the Goddess Kumari as an incarnation of Goddess Taleju, the tutelary deity of the Malla dynasty and the Shah dynasty, which inherited the tradition. The young candidates from the Shakya caste among the Newars, many as young as four years old, must go through an extremely strict selection process before one of them is chosen to represent the Goddess. She must remain calm and show no signs of fear even when put through scary tests. Once chosen, she has to live within the Kumari Ghar (Kumari's House), her feet must never touch the ground, and she will leave her residence only during certain festivals. She remains a Living Goddess until any form of bleeding occurs, which is usually when she reaches puberty. The Living Goddess is worshipped with great reverence, and even the Shah Kings follow the tradition of receiving tika and blessings from her. Dating back to the 17th century, the practice is institutionalized by a Malla king. Legend has it that King Jaya Prakash Malla, under the influence of alcohol while playing a game with the visiting Goddess Taleju in the form of a human, starts lusting after her. This offends the goddess, and she orders the king to make an oath that he will select a virgin girl within whom she will always reside. The tradition continues to this day. The Malla dynasty is ousted by King Prithvi Narayan Shah, but the tradition of revering the Goddess Kumari is continued by the conquerors. Until 2008, the Shah King goes to the Kumari to receive tika on his forehead. -
DUKAS_189430818_NUR
Toddler ‘Aryatara Shakya’ Is Anointed As “Kumari” The Living Goddess After Undergoing Ancient Ritual
Aryatara Shakya, two and a half years old, in red regalia, is carried by her father as she is brought to the Taleju Bhawani Temple in Kathmandu Durbar Square, Nepal, on September 30, 2025, to formally anoint her as the new Royal Kumari, the living goddess of Nepal. Nepal has a unique tradition of worshipping the ''Kumari,'' the living goddess, who is appointed at certain intervals following a strict selection process. A young Newar girl with no blemishes is chosen to represent the Goddess Kumari as an incarnation of Goddess Taleju, the tutelary deity of the Malla dynasty and the Shah dynasty, which inherited the tradition. The young candidates from the Shakya caste among the Newars, many as young as four years old, must go through an extremely strict selection process before one of them is chosen to represent the Goddess. She must remain calm and show no signs of fear even when put through scary tests. Once chosen, she has to live within the Kumari Ghar (Kumari's House), her feet must never touch the ground, and she will leave her residence only during certain festivals. She remains a Living Goddess until any form of bleeding occurs, which is usually when she reaches puberty. The Living Goddess is worshipped with great reverence, and even the Shah Kings follow the tradition of receiving tika and blessings from her. Dating back to the 17th century, the practice is institutionalized by a Malla king. Legend has it that King Jaya Prakash Malla, under the influence of alcohol while playing a game with the visiting Goddess Taleju in the form of a human, starts lusting after her. This offends the goddess, and she orders the king to make an oath that he will select a virgin girl within whom she will always reside. The tradition continues to this day. The Malla dynasty is ousted by King Prithvi Narayan Shah, but the tradition of revering the Goddess Kumari is continued by the conquerors. Until 2008, the Shah King goes to the Kumari to receive tika on his forehead. -
DUKAS_189430817_NUR
Toddler ‘Aryatara Shakya’ Is Anointed As “Kumari” The Living Goddess After Undergoing Ancient Ritual
Trishna Shakya, the retired Royal Kumari of Kathmandu, is carried back to her home in a palanquin amid a ceremony in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 30, 2025. Nepal has a unique tradition of worshipping the ''Kumari,'' the living goddess, who is appointed at certain intervals following a strict selection process. A young Newar girl with no blemishes is chosen to represent the Goddess Kumari as an incarnation of Goddess Taleju, the tutelary deity of the Malla dynasty and the Shah dynasty, which inherits the tradition. The young candidates from the Shakya caste among the Newars, many as young as four years old, must go through an extremely strict selection process before one of them is chosen to represent the Goddess. She must remain calm and show no signs of fear even when put through scary tests. Once chosen, she lives within the Kumari Ghar (Kumari's House), her feet must never touch the ground, and she leaves her residence only during certain festivals. She remains a Living Goddess until any form of bleeding occurs, which is usually when she reaches puberty. The Living Goddess is worshipped with great reverence, and even the Shah Kings follow the tradition of receiving tika and blessings from her. Dating back to the 17th century, the practice is institutionalized by a Malla king. Legend has it that King Jaya Prakash Malla, under the influence of alcohol while playing a game with the visiting Goddess Taleju in the form of a human, starts lusting after her. This offends the goddess, and she orders the king to make an oath that he will select a virgin girl within whom she will always reside. The tradition continues to this day. The Malla dynasty is ousted by King Prithvi Narayan Shah, but the tradition of revering the Goddess Kumari is continued by the conquerors. Until 2008, the Shah King goes to the Kumari to receive tika on his forehead, which symbolizes the empowering of the monarch. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto) -
DUKAS_189430816_NUR
Toddler ‘Aryatara Shakya’ Is Anointed As “Kumari” The Living Goddess After Undergoing Ancient Ritual
Aryatara Shakya, two and a half years old, in red regalia, is carried by her father as she is brought to the Taleju Bhawani Temple in Kathmandu Durbar Square, Nepal, on September 30, 2025, to formally anoint her as the new Royal Kumari, the living goddess of Nepal. Nepal has a unique tradition of worshipping the ''Kumari,'' the living goddess, who is appointed at certain intervals following a strict selection process. A young Newar girl with no blemishes is chosen to represent the Goddess Kumari as an incarnation of Goddess Taleju, the tutelary deity of the Malla dynasty and the Shah dynasty, which inherited the tradition. The young candidates from the Shakya caste among the Newars, many as young as four years old, must go through an extremely strict selection process before one of them is chosen to represent the Goddess. She must remain calm and show no signs of fear even when put through scary tests. Once chosen, she has to live within the Kumari Ghar (Kumari's House), her feet must never touch the ground, and she will leave her residence only during certain festivals. She remains a Living Goddess until any form of bleeding occurs, which is usually when she reaches puberty. The Living Goddess is worshipped with great reverence, and even the Shah Kings follow the tradition of receiving tika and blessings from her. Dating back to the 17th century, the practice is institutionalized by a Malla king. Legend has it that King Jaya Prakash Malla, under the influence of alcohol while playing a game with the visiting Goddess Taleju in the form of a human, starts lusting after her. This offends the goddess, and she orders the king to make an oath that he will select a virgin girl within whom she will always reside. The tradition continues to this day. The Malla dynasty is ousted by King Prithvi Narayan Shah, but the tradition of revering the Goddess Kumari is continued by the conquerors. Until 2008, the Shah King goes to the Kumari to receive tika on his forehead. -
DUKAS_189430815_NUR
Toddler ‘Aryatara Shakya’ Is Anointed As “Kumari” The Living Goddess After Undergoing Ancient Ritual
Two-and-a-half-year-old Aryatara Shakya, in red regalia, is escorted to the Taleju Bhawani Temple in Kathmandu Durbar Square, Nepal, on September 30, 2025, to formally anoint her as the new Royal Kumari, the living goddess of Nepal. Nepal has a unique tradition of worshipping the ''Kumari,'' the living goddess, who is appointed at certain intervals following a strict selection process. A young Newar girl with no blemishes is chosen to represent the Goddess Kumari as an incarnation of Goddess Taleju, the tutelary deity of the Malla dynasty and the Shah dynasty, which inherited the tradition. The young candidates from the Shakya caste among the Newars, many as young as four years old, must go through an extremely strict selection process before one of them is chosen to represent the Goddess. She must remain calm and show no signs of fear even when put through scary tests. Once chosen, she has to live within the Kumari Ghar (Kumari's House), her feet must never touch the ground, and she leaves her residence only during certain festivals. She remains a Living Goddess until any form of bleeding occurs, which is usually when she reaches puberty. The Living Goddess is worshipped with great reverence, and even the Shah Kings follow the tradition of receiving tika and blessings from her. Dating back to the 17th century, the practice is institutionalized by a Malla king. Legend has it that King Jaya Prakash Malla, under the influence of alcohol while playing a game with the visiting Goddess Taleju in the form of a human, starts lusting after her. This offends the goddess, and she orders the king to make an oath that he will select a virgin girl within whom she will always reside. The tradition continues to this day. The Malla dynasty is ousted by King Prithvi Narayan Shah, but the tradition of revering the Goddess Kumari is continued by the conquerors. Until 2008, the Shah King goes to the Kumari to receive tika on his forehead, which symbolizes the empowering. (Photo by STR/ -
DUKAS_189430814_NUR
Toddler ‘Aryatara Shakya’ Is Anointed As “Kumari” The Living Goddess After Undergoing Ancient Ritual
Trishna Shakya, the retired Royal Kumari of Kathmandu, is carried back to her home in a palanquin amid a ceremony in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 30, 2025. Nepal has a unique tradition of worshipping the ''Kumari,'' the living goddess, who is appointed at certain intervals following a strict selection process. A young Newar girl with no blemishes is chosen to represent the Goddess Kumari as an incarnation of Goddess Taleju, the tutelary deity of the Malla dynasty and the Shah dynasty, which inherits the tradition. The young candidates from the Shakya caste among the Newars, many as young as four years old, must go through an extremely strict selection process before one of them is chosen to represent the Goddess. She must remain calm and show no signs of fear even when put through scary tests. Once chosen, she lives within the Kumari Ghar (Kumari's House), her feet must never touch the ground, and she leaves her residence only during certain festivals. She remains a Living Goddess until any form of bleeding occurs, which is usually when she reaches puberty. The Living Goddess is worshipped with great reverence, and even the Shah Kings follow the tradition of receiving tika and blessings from her. Dating back to the 17th century, the practice is institutionalized by a Malla king. Legend has it that King Jaya Prakash Malla, under the influence of alcohol while playing a game with the visiting Goddess Taleju in the form of a human, starts lusting after her. This offends the goddess, and she orders the king to make an oath that he will select a virgin girl within whom she will always reside. The tradition continues to this day. The Malla dynasty is ousted by King Prithvi Narayan Shah, but the tradition of revering the Goddess Kumari is continued by the conquerors. Until 2008, the Shah King goes to the Kumari to receive tika on his forehead, which symbolizes the empowering of the monarch. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto) -
DUKAS_189430813_NUR
Toddler ‘Aryatara Shakya’ Is Anointed As “Kumari” The Living Goddess After Undergoing Ancient Ritual
Aryatara Shakya, two and a half years old, in red regalia, is carried by her father as she is brought to the Taleju Bhawani Temple in Kathmandu Durbar Square, Nepal, on September 30, 2025, to formally anoint her as the new Royal Kumari, the living goddess of Nepal. Nepal has a unique tradition of worshipping the ''Kumari,'' the living goddess, who is appointed at certain intervals following a strict selection process. A young Newar girl with no blemishes is chosen to represent the Goddess Kumari as an incarnation of Goddess Taleju, the tutelary deity of the Malla dynasty and the Shah dynasty, which inherited the tradition. The young candidates from the Shakya caste among the Newars, many as young as four years old, must go through an extremely strict selection process before one of them is chosen to represent the Goddess. She must remain calm and show no signs of fear even when put through scary tests. Once chosen, she has to live within the Kumari Ghar (Kumari's House), her feet must never touch the ground, and she will leave her residence only during certain festivals. She remains a Living Goddess until any form of bleeding occurs, which is usually when she reaches puberty. The Living Goddess is worshipped with great reverence, and even the Shah Kings follow the tradition of receiving tika and blessings from her. Dating back to the 17th century, the practice is institutionalized by a Malla king. Legend has it that King Jaya Prakash Malla, under the influence of alcohol while playing a game with the visiting Goddess Taleju in the form of a human, starts lusting after her. This offends the goddess, and she orders the king to make an oath that he will select a virgin girl within whom she will always reside. The tradition continues to this day. The Malla dynasty is ousted by King Prithvi Narayan Shah, but the tradition of revering the Goddess Kumari is continued by the conquerors. Until 2008, the Shah King goes to the Kumari to receive tika on his forehead. -
DUKAS_189430811_NUR
Toddler ‘Aryatara Shakya’ Is Anointed As “Kumari” The Living Goddess After Undergoing Ancient Ritual
Aryatara Shakya, two and a half years old, in red regalia, is carried by her father as she is brought to the Taleju Bhawani Temple in Kathmandu Durbar Square, Nepal, on September 30, 2025, to formally anoint her as the new Royal Kumari, the living goddess of Nepal. Nepal has a unique tradition of worshipping the ''Kumari,'' the living goddess, who is appointed at certain intervals following a strict selection process. A young Newar girl with no blemishes is chosen to represent the Goddess Kumari as an incarnation of Goddess Taleju, the tutelary deity of the Malla dynasty and the Shah dynasty, which inherited the tradition. The young candidates from the Shakya caste among the Newars, many as young as four years old, must go through an extremely strict selection process before one of them is chosen to represent the Goddess. She must remain calm and show no signs of fear even when put through scary tests. Once chosen, she has to live within the Kumari Ghar (Kumari's House), her feet must never touch the ground, and she will leave her residence only during certain festivals. She remains a Living Goddess until any form of bleeding occurs, which is usually when she reaches puberty. The Living Goddess is worshipped with great reverence, and even the Shah Kings follow the tradition of receiving tika and blessings from her. Dating back to the 17th century, the practice is institutionalized by a Malla king. Legend has it that King Jaya Prakash Malla, under the influence of alcohol while playing a game with the visiting Goddess Taleju in the form of a human, starts lusting after her. This offends the goddess, and she orders the king to make an oath that he will select a virgin girl within whom she will always reside. The tradition continues to this day. The Malla dynasty is ousted by King Prithvi Narayan Shah, but the tradition of revering the Goddess Kumari is continued by the conquerors. Until 2008, the Shah King goes to the Kumari to receive tika on his forehead. -
DUKAS_189430810_NUR
Toddler ‘Aryatara Shakya’ Is Anointed As “Kumari” The Living Goddess After Undergoing Ancient Ritual
Two-and-a-half-year-old Aryatara Shakya, in red regalia, is escorted to the Taleju Bhawani Temple in Kathmandu Durbar Square, Nepal, on September 30, 2025, to formally anoint her as the new Royal Kumari, the living goddess of Nepal. Nepal has a unique tradition of worshipping the ''Kumari,'' the living goddess, who is appointed at certain intervals following a strict selection process. A young Newar girl with no blemishes is chosen to represent the Goddess Kumari as an incarnation of Goddess Taleju, the tutelary deity of the Malla dynasty and the Shah dynasty, which inherited the tradition. The young candidates from the Shakya caste among the Newars, many as young as four years old, must go through an extremely strict selection process before one of them is chosen to represent the Goddess. She must remain calm and show no signs of fear even when put through scary tests. Once chosen, she has to live within the Kumari Ghar (Kumari's House), her feet must never touch the ground, and she leaves her residence only during certain festivals. She remains a Living Goddess until any form of bleeding occurs, which is usually when she reaches puberty. The Living Goddess is worshipped with great reverence, and even the Shah Kings follow the tradition of receiving tika and blessings from her. Dating back to the 17th century, the practice is institutionalized by a Malla king. Legend has it that King Jaya Prakash Malla, under the influence of alcohol while playing a game with the visiting Goddess Taleju in the form of a human, starts lusting after her. This offends the goddess, and she orders the king to make an oath that he will select a virgin girl within whom she will always reside. The tradition continues to this day. The Malla dynasty is ousted by King Prithvi Narayan Shah, but the tradition of revering the Goddess Kumari is continued by the conquerors. Until 2008, the Shah King goes to the Kumari to receive tika on his forehead, which symbolizes the empowering. (Photo by STR/ -
DUKAS_189430809_NUR
Toddler ‘Aryatara Shakya’ Is Anointed As “Kumari” The Living Goddess After Undergoing Ancient Ritual
Trishna Shakya, the retired Royal Kumari of Kathmandu, is carried back to her home in a palanquin amid a ceremony in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 30, 2025. Nepal has a unique tradition of worshipping the ''Kumari,'' the living goddess, who is appointed at certain intervals following a strict selection process. A young Newar girl with no blemishes is chosen to represent the Goddess Kumari as an incarnation of Goddess Taleju, the tutelary deity of the Malla dynasty and the Shah dynasty, which inherits the tradition. The young candidates from the Shakya caste among the Newars, many as young as four years old, must go through an extremely strict selection process before one of them is chosen to represent the Goddess. She must remain calm and show no signs of fear even when put through scary tests. Once chosen, she lives within the Kumari Ghar (Kumari's House), her feet must never touch the ground, and she leaves her residence only during certain festivals. She remains a Living Goddess until any form of bleeding occurs, which is usually when she reaches puberty. The Living Goddess is worshipped with great reverence, and even the Shah Kings follow the tradition of receiving tika and blessings from her. Dating back to the 17th century, the practice is institutionalized by a Malla king. Legend has it that King Jaya Prakash Malla, under the influence of alcohol while playing a game with the visiting Goddess Taleju in the form of a human, starts lusting after her. This offends the goddess, and she orders the king to make an oath that he will select a virgin girl within whom she will always reside. The tradition continues to this day. The Malla dynasty is ousted by King Prithvi Narayan Shah, but the tradition of revering the Goddess Kumari is continued by the conquerors. Until 2008, the Shah King goes to the Kumari to receive tika on his forehead, which symbolizes the empowering of the monarch. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto) -
DUKAS_189430808_NUR
Toddler ‘Aryatara Shakya’ Is Anointed As “Kumari” The Living Goddess After Undergoing Ancient Ritual
Trishna Shakya, the retired Royal Kumari of Kathmandu, is carried back to her home in a palanquin amid a ceremony in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 30, 2025. Nepal has a unique tradition of worshipping the ''Kumari,'' the living goddess, who is appointed at certain intervals following a strict selection process. A young Newar girl with no blemishes is chosen to represent the Goddess Kumari as an incarnation of Goddess Taleju, the tutelary deity of the Malla dynasty and the Shah dynasty, which inherits the tradition. The young candidates from the Shakya caste among the Newars, many as young as four years old, must go through an extremely strict selection process before one of them is chosen to represent the Goddess. She must remain calm and show no signs of fear even when put through scary tests. Once chosen, she lives within the Kumari Ghar (Kumari's House), her feet must never touch the ground, and she leaves her residence only during certain festivals. She remains a Living Goddess until any form of bleeding occurs, which is usually when she reaches puberty. The Living Goddess is worshipped with great reverence, and even the Shah Kings follow the tradition of receiving tika and blessings from her. Dating back to the 17th century, the practice is institutionalized by a Malla king. Legend has it that King Jaya Prakash Malla, under the influence of alcohol while playing a game with the visiting Goddess Taleju in the form of a human, starts lusting after her. This offends the goddess, and she orders the king to make an oath that he will select a virgin girl within whom she will always reside. The tradition continues to this day. The Malla dynasty is ousted by King Prithvi Narayan Shah, but the tradition of revering the Goddess Kumari is continued by the conquerors. Until 2008, the Shah King goes to the Kumari to receive tika on his forehead, which symbolizes the empowering of the monarch. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto) -
DUKAS_189430793_NUR
Toddler ‘Aryatara Shakya’ Is Anointed As “Kumari” The Living Goddess After Undergoing Ancient Ritual
Aryatara Shakya, two and a half years old, in red regalia, is carried by her father as she is brought to the Taleju Bhawani Temple in Kathmandu Durbar Square, Nepal, on September 30, 2025, to formally anoint her as the new Royal Kumari, the living goddess of Nepal. Nepal has a unique tradition of worshipping the ''Kumari,'' the living goddess, who is appointed at certain intervals following a strict selection process. A young Newar girl with no blemishes is chosen to represent the Goddess Kumari as an incarnation of Goddess Taleju, the tutelary deity of the Malla dynasty and the Shah dynasty, which inherited the tradition. The young candidates from the Shakya caste among the Newars, many as young as four years old, must go through an extremely strict selection process before one of them is chosen to represent the Goddess. She must remain calm and show no signs of fear even when put through scary tests. Once chosen, she has to live within the Kumari Ghar (Kumari's House), her feet must never touch the ground, and she will leave her residence only during certain festivals. She remains a Living Goddess until any form of bleeding occurs, which is usually when she reaches puberty. The Living Goddess is worshipped with great reverence, and even the Shah Kings follow the tradition of receiving tika and blessings from her. Dating back to the 17th century, the practice is institutionalized by a Malla king. Legend has it that King Jaya Prakash Malla, under the influence of alcohol while playing a game with the visiting Goddess Taleju in the form of a human, starts lusting after her. This offends the goddess, and she orders the king to make an oath that he will select a virgin girl within whom she will always reside. The tradition continues to this day. The Malla dynasty is ousted by King Prithvi Narayan Shah, but the tradition of revering the Goddess Kumari is continued by the conquerors. Until 2008, the Shah King goes to the Kumari to receive tika on his forehead. -
DUKAS_189430792_NUR
Toddler ‘Aryatara Shakya’ Is Anointed As “Kumari” The Living Goddess After Undergoing Ancient Ritual
Aryatara Shakya, two and a half years old, in red regalia, is carried by her father as she is brought to the Taleju Bhawani Temple in Kathmandu Durbar Square, Nepal, on September 30, 2025, to formally anoint her as the new Royal Kumari, the living goddess of Nepal. Nepal has a unique tradition of worshipping the ''Kumari,'' the living goddess, who is appointed at certain intervals following a strict selection process. A young Newar girl with no blemishes is chosen to represent the Goddess Kumari as an incarnation of Goddess Taleju, the tutelary deity of the Malla dynasty and the Shah dynasty, which inherited the tradition. The young candidates from the Shakya caste among the Newars, many as young as four years old, must go through an extremely strict selection process before one of them is chosen to represent the Goddess. She must remain calm and show no signs of fear even when put through scary tests. Once chosen, she has to live within the Kumari Ghar (Kumari's House), her feet must never touch the ground, and she will leave her residence only during certain festivals. She remains a Living Goddess until any form of bleeding occurs, which is usually when she reaches puberty. The Living Goddess is worshipped with great reverence, and even the Shah Kings follow the tradition of receiving tika and blessings from her. Dating back to the 17th century, the practice is institutionalized by a Malla king. Legend has it that King Jaya Prakash Malla, under the influence of alcohol while playing a game with the visiting Goddess Taleju in the form of a human, starts lusting after her. This offends the goddess, and she orders the king to make an oath that he will select a virgin girl within whom she will always reside. The tradition continues to this day. The Malla dynasty is ousted by King Prithvi Narayan Shah, but the tradition of revering the Goddess Kumari is continued by the conquerors. Until 2008, the Shah King goes to the Kumari to receive tika on his forehead. -
DUKAS_189430362_NUR
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) -
DUKAS_189430510_NUR
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) -
DUKAS_189430508_NUR
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) -
DUKAS_189430506_NUR
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) -
DUKAS_189430504_NUR
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) -
DUKAS_189430502_NUR
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) -
DUKAS_189430500_NUR
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) -
DUKAS_189430498_NUR
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) -
DUKAS_189429439_NUR
New Royal Living Goddess Kumari In Nepal
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. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto) -
DUKAS_189429420_NUR
New Royal Living Goddess Kumari In Nepal
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. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto) -
DUKAS_189390727_NUR
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) -
DUKAS_189390701_NUR
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) -
DUKAS_189390698_NUR
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) -
DUKAS_189390695_NUR
Newly Appointed Royal Living Goddess Kumari In Nepal
ARYA TARA SHAKYA, 2 1/2 years old, Nepal's newly appointed Royal Living Goddess Kumari from Itumbahal, is seen at her home with her father and mother 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 sees the Living Goddess revered by both Hindus and Buddhists as an embodiment of the goddess Taleju. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto) -
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Preparations For Indra Jatra 2025 In Kathmandu, Nepal
A Khwapa (mask) of Majipa Lakhey, one of the principal dances of the Indra Jatra festival, is seen in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 2, 2025, ahead of the festival. Majipa Lakhey, also called Shanta Bhairab, is a guardian deity in Newar culture and features prominently in traditional performances during the celebrations. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto) -
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Preparations For Indra Jatra 2025 In Kathmandu, Nepal
The chariot of the Living Goddess Kumari is seen during the preparations ahead of the Indra Jatra festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 2, 2025. Revered as a central figure, the Kumari is carried in this chariot during the annual procession, which is a key highlight of the celebrations. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto) -
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Preparations For Indra Jatra 2025 In Kathmandu, Nepal
The chariot of the Living God Bhairab is seen during the preparations ahead of the Indra Jatra festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 2, 2025. Bhairab, a powerful deity in Newar culture, symbolizes protection and strength, and his procession is one of the festival's main highlights. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto) -
DUKAS_188372456_NUR
Preparations For Indra Jatra 2025 In Kathmandu, Nepal
The chariot of the Living God Ganesh is seen during the preparations ahead of the Indra Jatra festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 2, 2025. Ganesh is revered as one of the principal deities whose presence brings blessings and protection during the celebrations. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto) -
DUKAS_188372455_NUR
Preparations For Indra Jatra 2025 In Kathmandu, Nepal
The chariot of the Living Goddess Kumari is seen during the preparations ahead of the Indra Jatra festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 2, 2025. Revered as a central figure, the Kumari is carried in this chariot during the annual procession, which is a key highlight of the celebrations. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto) -
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Preparations For Indra Jatra 2025 In Kathmandu, Nepal
The chariot of the Living God Ganesh is seen during the preparations ahead of the Indra Jatra festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 2, 2025. Ganesh is revered as one of the principal deities whose presence brings blessings and protection during the celebrations. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto) -
DUKAS_188372441_NUR
Preparations For Indra Jatra 2025 In Kathmandu, Nepal
A Khwapa (mask) of Majipa Lakhey, one of the principal dances of the Indra Jatra festival, is seen in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 2, 2025, ahead of the festival. Majipa Lakhey, also called Shanta Bhairab, is a guardian deity in Newar culture and features prominently in traditional performances during the celebrations. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto) -
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Preparations For Indra Jatra 2025 In Kathmandu, Nepal
The chariots of the Living Gods Ganesh (L) and Bhairab are seen during the preparations ahead of the Indra Jatra festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 2, 2025. Ganesh represents blessings, while Bhairab embodies protection and strength, and their processions through the city are central highlights of the celebrations. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto) -
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Preparations For Indra Jatra 2025 In Kathmandu, Nepal
A Khwapa (mask) of Majipa Lakhey, one of the principal dances of the Indra Jatra festival, is seen in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 2, 2025, ahead of the festival. Majipa Lakhey, also called Shanta Bhairab, is a guardian deity in Newar culture and features prominently in traditional performances during the celebrations. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto) -
DUKAS_188372434_NUR
Preparations For Indra Jatra 2025 In Kathmandu, Nepal
A Khwapa (mask) of Majipa Lakhey, one of the principal dances of the Indra Jatra festival, is seen in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 2, 2025, ahead of the festival. Majipa Lakhey, also called Shanta Bhairab, is a guardian deity in Newar culture and features prominently in traditional performances during the celebrations. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto) -
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Preparations For Indra Jatra 2025 In Kathmandu, Nepal
A Khwapa (mask) of Majipa Lakhey, one of the principal dances of the Indra Jatra festival, is seen in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 2, 2025, ahead of the festival. Majipa Lakhey, also called Shanta Bhairab, is a guardian deity in Newar culture and features prominently in traditional performances during the celebrations. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto) -
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Preparations For Indra Jatra 2025 In Kathmandu, Nepal
A person poses in front of the chariot of the Living Goddess Kumari in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 2, 2025, ahead of the Indra Jatra festival. The Kumari's chariot is prepared for the annual celebrations, and the procession through Kathmandu's streets is a central highlight of the festival. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto) -
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Preparations For Indra Jatra 2025 In Kathmandu, Nepal
Workers replace the red sacred cloth decorations on a temple at Basantapur Durbar Square in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 2, 2025, as part of the traditional preparations for the Indra Jatra festival. The annual celebrations feature processions, rituals, and cultural performances. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto) -
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Preparations For Indra Jatra 2025 In Kathmandu, Nepal
A Khwapa (mask) of Majipa Lakhey, one of the principal dances of the Indra Jatra festival, is seen in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 2, 2025, ahead of the festival. Majipa Lakhey, also called Shanta Bhairab, is a guardian deity in Newar culture and features prominently in traditional performances during the celebrations. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto) -
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Preparations For Indra Jatra 2025 At Kathmandu Durbar Square
A worker renovates the Kumari Ghar, the residence of the Living Goddess Kumari, in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 1, 2025, ahead of the upcoming Indra Jatra festival. The Kumari is regarded as one of the central deities of the festival celebrations. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto) -
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Preparations For Indra Jatra 2025 At Kathmandu Durbar Square
A worker paints the historic Gaddi Baithak at Basantapur Durbar Square in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 1, 2025, ahead of the upcoming Indra Jatra festival. The Gaddi Baithak is traditionally where the country's President, Prime Minister, and other dignitaries observe the Indra Jatra celebrations. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto) -
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Preparations For Indra Jatra 2025 At Kathmandu Durbar Square
Workers change the red sacred cloth decorations on temples at Basantapur Durbar Square in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 1, 2025, as part of preparations for the upcoming Indra Jatra festival. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto) -
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Preparations For Indra Jatra 2025 At Kathmandu Durbar Square
Workers change the red sacred cloth decorations on temples at Basantapur Durbar Square in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 1, 2025, as part of preparations for the upcoming Indra Jatra festival. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto) -
