Who Is the New Kumari of Nepal
The Kumari is the living goddess of Nepal, selected from the Shakya clan of the Newar Buddhist community. The current Kumari, Trishna Shakya, was installed as the Kumari of Kathmandu in 2017. She is the latest in a lineage of young girls believed to be the embodiment of the goddess Taleju, a form of Durga. The selection process is rigorous and based on ancient astrological and physical criteria. Learn more about the Kumari tradition here.
The role of the Kumari is both religious and cultural, making her one of the most significant figures in Nepalese society. She resides in the Kumari Ghar, a palace in the center of Kathmandu's Durbar Square. Her daily life is highly structured, and she is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. The Kumari is believed to bring good fortune and protection to the nation. Her installation is a major event, attended by high-ranking officials and religious leaders.
Selection Process and Criteria for the Kumari
The selection of a new Kumari involves a complex and secretive process conducted by Buddhist priests and senior Newar community members. The candidate must be a young girl from the Shakya caste, typically between the ages of two and four. She must have 32 specific physical attributes, known as the "Battis Lakshanas," including a voice like a duck, a neck like a conch shell, and a body like a banyan tree. Read the BBC's detailed report on the Kumari selection process.
Before the final selection, the candidate's horoscope is matched with that of the king, and she must be tested for her courage and purity. The most critical test involves spending a night in a room with the severed heads of buffalo and goats, illuminated by candles and masks of deities. The girl must remain fearless throughout the night. Once chosen, her family must agree to let her serve as the living goddess until she reaches puberty, at which point she is replaced by a new Kumari.
Life and Duties of the Current Kumari
As the living goddess, the Kumari's daily routine is strictly governed by tradition. She wakes early for prayers and rituals and makes public appearances on special occasions like Indra Jatra and Dashain. She is carried in a golden palanquin during festivals and blesses devotees who come to pay their respects. Her feet are never supposed to touch the ground, and she wears a specific set of red and gold ornaments and a hairless body until her tenure ends. The Guardian covers the life and challenges of the Kumari.
The Kumari's role is not without controversy and modern challenges. Critics have raised concerns about the isolation and education of the young goddesses. After her tenure ends, the former Kumari often struggles to reintegrate into normal society, as she is considered to have been "spent" by the goddess. The Nepalese government and cultural bodies continue to debate reforms to protect the rights and well-being of the Kumari while preserving this ancient tradition. The position remains a powerful symbol of Nepal's unique syncretic culture.