Aryatara Shakya

Some Lesser Known Facts About Aryatara Shakya

• Aryatara Shakya was born in Nepal in 2023 into the Shakya family of the Newar Buddhist community in Kathmandu.

• She belongs to the elite Shakya lineage, from which most Kumaris are traditionally chosen according to religious and cultural practices.

• On 30 September 2025, at the age of 2 years and 8 months, she was selected as Nepal’s new Kumari. The enthronement ceremony took place at Kumari Ghar in Kathmandu during the Dashain festival, attended by thousands of devotees and priests.

• She replaced Trishna Shakya, who had served as Kumari since 2017 and stepped down upon reaching puberty at 11 years.

• Aryatara was chosen after rigorous evaluation by Hindu and Buddhist priests, who tested her horoscope, physical qualities, and spiritual attributes.

• She fulfilled the required 32 characteristics of perfection, including flawless skin, unblemished teeth, steady courage, and horoscope alignment with goddess Taleju.

• During the installation, Aryatara was carried in a procession and formally placed inside the Kumari Ghar palace residence.

• Devotees touched their foreheads to her feet and presented flowers and money, believing she carried the divine spirit of Taleju.

• As the living goddess, she will remain in the palace, only leaving during specific festivals and religious occasions.

• She will receive private tuition within the Kumari Ghar, as reforms after 2008 permitted Kumaris to access basic education.

• Before 2008, Kumaris were denied formal schooling and had very limited opportunities to interact with other children.

• Child rights activists have criticised the tradition, pointing to isolation, restrictions on movement, and limited family interactions for Kumaris.

• Supporters defend the practice as a centuries-old tradition and an important part of Nepal’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

• Aryatara Shakya will serve as Nepal’s living goddess until puberty, after which a new young girl will be selected.