New 'living goddess' Aryatara enthroned at Kumarighar

Kathmandu, Sept 30: The newly declared Kumari, Aryatara Shakya, has been enthroned at the Kumarighar in local Basantapur, as per the time-honoured tradition. 

In Nepali culture, Kumari is revered as 'the living goddess' and as per this time-honoured tradition, a pre-pubertal girl is anointed as Kumari, a title that symbolizes the embodiment of the Goddess Tulaja Bhawani.

The new Kumari was enthroned today amidst a special ceremony accompanied with the playing of traditional musical instruments. Kumari is worshipped especially by both Hindus and Buddhists.

With her inauguration as the new Kumari, one and a half years old Aryatara of local Itumbahal from today on will take up her religious and cultural duties. 

Accordingly, she will participate in several religious and cultural rituals as the incarnation of the Goddess Taleju Bhawani.

The then king of Kathmandu, Jaya Prakash Malla is credited with starting the Kumari tradition.

According to Gautam Shakya, coordinator of the Kumarighar Management Committee, the Kumari participates in designated traditional cultural events such as Indra Jatra and Nawaratri, and has a schedule to give public audience at specified times.

At the Kumarighar in Basantapur, it is customary to provide the Kumari with necessary services, food, and accommodation according to regulations. 

On the night of Kojagrat Purnima, it is a tradition for the Head of State to pay a visit to the Kumari. 

Aryatara was chosen as the new Kumari after consultations with the Guthi, the Panchanga (Calendar) Determination Committee, and relevant stakeholders in accordance with the Kumari selection procedures.  

Meanwhile, the outgoing Kumari, Trishna Shakya, was also bid farewell with special ceremonies and worship. (RSS)