Three-year-old Trishna Shakya of Dallu has taken charge as the new Living Goddess Kumari after her predecessor Matina Shakya retired.  As part of an ancient tradition, Kumari is worshipped as "living goddesses" both by Hindus and Buddhists.

Outgoing Kumari Matina Shakya, now 12-year-old, returned home on Thursday after assuming the role of Living Goddess for nine years. Matina was picked for the role at the age of four in 2008.

Matina Shakya was bidden farewell and newly anointed Trishna Shakya was carried inside the Kumari house, a temple palace, amid a religious ceremony in Kathmandu at around 12 pm today. She will live until just before puberty. The ceremony is observed on the eighth-day of Dashain festival when Goddess Taleju is worshipped. 

With Trishna’s arrival at Kumarighar, her predecessor Matina Shakya left from a rear entrance on a palanquin carried by her family and devotees.

Trishna Shakya will take part in a Puja to be organised in the Taleju Temple tonight.

The living goddess, who is believed to be an incarnation of goddess Taleju, the clan goddess of the Malla kings, who ruled Nepal between 12th and 18th centuries, will hold her status until she reaches puberty. The word Kumari is derived from Sanskrit’s Kaumarya, meaning “the princess”. 

The girl must have perfect eyes, teeth, must be free of scars and should be patient to be Kumari.

Trishna was born to Bijaya Ratna and Shrijina Shakya at Aawas Chhetra in Dallu.  

Photos: Sanjog Manandhar and Hemanta Shrestha

Outgoing Kumari Matina Shakya was bidden farewell amid a religious function in the Capital on Thursday.