Menu

Aryatara Shakya Age, Family, Biography

Quick Info→
Age: 2 Years
Father: Ananta Shakya
Hometown: Kathmandu

Aryatara Shakya

Bio/Wiki
Famous forBeing chosen as Nepal's Living Goddess
Physical Stats
Eye ColourBlack
Hair ColourBlack
Date of BirthYear. 2023
Age (as of 2025)2 Years
BirthplaceKathmandu, Nepal
NationalityNepali
HometownKathmandu
ReligionHinduism
CasteShakya clans of the Newar community
Relationships & More
Marital StatusUnmarried
Family
ParentsFather- Ananta Shakya
Aryatara Shakya with her parents

Aryatara Shakya

Some Lesser Known Facts About Aryatara Shakya

  • Aryatara Shakya was born in Nepal in 2023 into the Shakya family of the Newar Buddhist community in Kathmandu.
  • She belongs to the elite Shakya lineage, from which most Kumaris are traditionally chosen according to religious and cultural practices.
  • On 30 September 2025, at the age of 2 years and 8 months, she was selected as Nepal’s new Kumari. The enthronement ceremony took place at Kumari Ghar in Kathmandu during the Dashain festival, attended by thousands of devotees and priests.
  • She replaced Trishna Shakya, who had served as Kumari since 2017 and stepped down upon reaching puberty at 11 years.
  • Aryatara was chosen after rigorous evaluation by Hindu and Buddhist priests, who tested her horoscope, physical qualities, and spiritual attributes.
  • She fulfilled the required 32 characteristics of perfection, including flawless skin, unblemished teeth, steady courage, and horoscope alignment with goddess Taleju.
  • During the installation, Aryatara was carried in a procession and formally placed inside the Kumari Ghar palace residence.
  • Devotees touched their foreheads to her feet and presented flowers and money, believing she carried the divine spirit of Taleju.
  • As the living goddess, she will remain in the palace, only leaving during specific festivals and religious occasions.
  • She will receive private tuition within the Kumari Ghar, as reforms after 2008 permitted Kumaris to access basic education.
  • Before 2008, Kumaris were denied formal schooling and had very limited opportunities to interact with other children.
  • Child rights activists have criticised the tradition, pointing to isolation, restrictions on movement, and limited family interactions for Kumaris.
  • Supporters defend the practice as a centuries-old tradition and an important part of Nepal’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
  • Aryatara Shakya will serve as Nepal’s living goddess until puberty, after which a new young girl will be selected.