Quick Info→
Age: 2 Years
Father: Ananta Shakya
Hometown: Kathmandu
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.