Living Goddess Kumari

Trishna Shakya is the current royal Kumari of Nepal. She was chosen after Matina Shakya on September 27, 2017. She was three years old when she was declared the Living Goddess Kumari.

The Kumari, also known as the Living Goddess, is an incarnation of the goddess Taleju Bhawani. She is a young girl chosen from the Shakya caste of the Newar people, who are indigenous to the Kathmandu Valley. The Kumari is an influential and revered figure in Nepal, and her presence is considered auspicious. Living Goddess Kumari brings you good luck and prosperity.

Formation of Living Goddess Kumari

Malla kings were devotees of Taleju Bhawani. Goddess Bhawani often visited the Malla Kings and played cards with them. Goddess Taleju was upset with King Jayaprakash Malla and disappeared. The king arranged pujas and prayers for the goddess who appeared in his dream and asked for a young girl so they could worship her. Hence, a young girl from a Buddhist family of Shakya can only be a living goddess. 

Selection Process of Living Goddess Kumari.

The selection process for the Living Goddess Kumari is quite strict and involves several rounds of testing and evaluation. Amongst the group of young Newari girls, a potential candidate for the role can be anyone. Each girl should appear on a series of physical exams and assessments of her demeanor and behavior. These tests are designed to ensure that the girl is physically and mentally fit to assume the role of the Kumari.

The selection process also includes a number of cultural and spiritual tests. For example, the girl may be required to demonstrate her knowledge of Hindu scriptures and rituals and her ability to recite mantras and perform other religious duties. In addition, the girl is evaluated for her poise, grace, and overall demeanor, as these are all considered important qualities for the Kumari to possess. Moreover, Kumari should have Battis Lakshanas or thirty-two perfections.

Ultimately, the final selection of the Kumari is made by a panel of priests and other religious officials, who consider all of the above factors in making their decision. Once selected, the Kumari is consecrated and begins her duties as the Living Goddess.

Once selected, the Kumari is placed in a temple in the Durbar Square area of Kathmandu, where she resides until she reaches puberty and is no longer considered divine. During this time, Kumari is not allowed to leave the temple and must observe strict rules and rituals. She is only allowed to interact with the public during special ceremonies and festivals when she is carried through the streets in a palanquin.

Related: A Brief Guide to Festivals in Nepal

Royal Kumari

King and his family worship the royal kumari at the square. In addition to it, King and his family receive tika, a blessing every year at the auspicious Tika Sahit in Dashain festive. Royal Kumari temple is located right across the historical Gaddi Baithak Hall at Basantapur in Kathmandu whereas the Kumari house is in the southern part of Kathmandu Durbar Square. Moreover, King Jaya Prakash Malla built the Kumari Ghar, or house in 1757.

Interesting Facts about Living Goddess Kumari

• Kumari simply means Virgin but the Sanskrit meaning is the princess
• During Indra Jatra, one of the important ceremonies, Living Goddess Kumari publicly appears in her golden palanquin across the city
• Every area like Patan, Bhaktapur, and Bungamati has there own kumari 
• During Kumari’s public appearance, her actions such as crying or weeping/ rubbing her eyes, trembling, and clapping of hands are considered a bad omen
• Nowadays, Kumaris have access to  their studies in Kumari Ghar

Read more at https://ntb.gov.np/en/living-goddess-kumari 

List of Kumaris

Royal Kumaris – City: Kathmandu

Name	Hometown	Dates as Kumari	City
Hira Maiya Shakya	Wotu	1922–1923	Kathmandu
Chini Shova Shakya*	Lagan	1923–1931	Kathmandu
Chandra Devi Shakya*	Asonchuka	1931–1933	Kathmandu
Dil Kumari Shakya	Lagan	1933–1942	Kathmandu
Nani Shova Shakya	Ombahal	1942–1949	Kathmandu
Kayo Mayju Shakya*	Kwahiti	1949–1955	Kathmandu
Harsha Lakshmi Shakya	Naghal	1955–1961	Kathmandu
Nani Mayju Shakya	Naghal	1961–1969	Kathmandu
Sunina Shakya	Ombahal	1969–1978	Kathmandu
Anita Shakya	Sikamoobahal	1978–1984	Kathmandu
Rashmila Shakya	Kwahiti	1984–1991	Kathmandu
Amita Shakya	Asanbahal	1991–2001	Kathmandu
Preeti Shakya	Itumbahal	2001–2008	Kathmandu
Matina Shakya	Itumbahal	2008–2017	Kathmandu
Trishna Shakya	Ombahal	2017–	Kathmandu

Kumaris – City: Patan

Name	Hometown	Dates as Kumari	City
Sumika Bajracharya	Patan	1994-2001	Patan
Chanira Bajracharya	Patan	2001–2010	Patan
Samita Bajracharya	Patan	2010–2014	Patan
Yumika Bajracharya	Patan	2014–2018	Patan
Nihira Bajracharya	Patan	2018–	Patan

Kumaris – Place: Bungamati

Name	Hometown	Dates as Kumari	City
Ganga Bajracharya	Bungamati	1996–1997	Bungamati
Jamuna Bajracharya	Bungamati	1997–1998	Bungamati
Rashmi Bajracharya	Bungamati	1998–2001	Bungamati
Sophiya Bajracharya	Bungamati	2007–2011	Bungamati
Diya Bajracharya	Bungamati	2011–2014	Bungamati
Smrity Bajracharya	Bungamati	2014–2015	Bungamati
Kinjal Bajracharya	Bungamati	2015–2018	Bungamati
Kripa Bajracharya	Bungamati	2018–2022	Bungamati
Yubika Bajracharya	Bungamati	2022–	Bungamati

The source of Kumaris List is Wiki Kumari_(goddess)

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