Aryatara Shakya

Aryatara Shakya, a two-and-a-half-year-old girl from Kathmandu, Nepal, has recently been named a 'Kumari', or living goddess, embodying the Hindu goddess Taleju. As a Kumari, she will be revered and isolated, carried by her devotees, and will only leave her home for special rituals and festivals. This role is significant in Nepalese culture, as the Kumari is considered a powerful figure, both by Hindus and Buddhists. Aryatara succeeds the previous Kumari, Trishna Shakya, who had to relinquish her title upon reaching puberty.