A two years and eight months old Aryatara Shakya is Nepal’s new “Virgin Goddess” aka Kumari. Continuing a centuries-old tradition, Shakya was crowned as Nepal’s new living goddess.
But who is a Kumari?
Both Hindus and Buddhists in Nepal hold the “Kumari” in high regard. A “Virgin Goddess” is regarded as a mortal after reaching puberty, and hence, is replaced. The living goddess is a representation of divinity and purity and is chosen from the Shakya clan of the Newar community, which is native to the Kathmandu Valley.
How is a living goddess chosen?
Well, the selection process is laborious with candidates aged two to four chosen for flawless features and fearlessness, even in darkness—qualities seen as signs of physical and spiritual perfection, making the Kumari worthy to be worshipped.
The month of October in Nepal symbolises the month of faith. Why? The enthronement occurs in October, which is a joyous month in the country, which begins with the colourful rain god festival known as Indra Jatra.
Trishna Shakya, the departing Kumari, was paraded through the streets in a chariot drawn by her supporters as part of the festivities. A painted third eye on her forehead, signifying spiritual wisdom, a red dress, and hair tied in a topknot are characteristics that identify a Kumari.
While offices and schools remained closed, people flocked to the streets on the eve of Dashain, Nepal's largest festival commemorating the triumph of good over evil. In addition to presenting flowers and cash, they honoured the young goddess by touching her feet to their foreheads, which is the highest honour in Nepalese Hinduism.
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