A fresh era begins in Nepal with the selection of Aryatara Shakya as the new Kumari Devi, a revered position celebrating young goddesses in their innocence. At just 2 years and 8 months old, Aryatara becomes the living embodiment of divinity, as young girls are ceremoniously chosen for this sacred role until they reach puberty, ensuring purity and spiritual influence throughout Nepal. The child's moods and expressions are observed for omens, reflecting widespread belief in their divine aura.
The Irreplaceable Grace: Ensuring she remains unblemished and unharmed, the Kumari is always accompanied in public and is traditionally carried rather than walked. Her blessings are cherished nationwide, and she plays a pivotal role in cultural traditions.
The selection process and the spiritual bonds with Indian Shakti traditions make this cultural phenomenon intriguing. Senior journalist Chandrabhooshan elaborates on these practices in his book, drawing connections to Indian goddess traditions.
Symbolizing 'Tulja Bhawani' and deeply integrated with Indian religious traditions, the Kumari Devi reflects a rich tapestry of South Asian belief systems. This divine connection extends to various regions, intertwining cultural and spiritual narratives.
Source: aajtak
Legend tells of a deity born into royalty, who manifested to protect her mother from demonic harm, earning the name 'Tulja'—venerated for her swift divine intervention. The Kumari ritual seen in Nepal unveils a spiritual journey, especially for girls aged 2 to 9, who emerge resilient through these transformative experiences.
Selection's Commencement: Should the presence of goddess Taleju be sensed as departing from a current Kumari, a fervent search for a successor begins. In historic times, this sacred search involved Buddhist priests and royal astrologers, pinpointing candidates known for their sanctity.
From the Sakya clan, worthy girls must exhibit perfect health, remaining untouched by any form of blemish or ailment. Extensive checks for 32 distinct markings further affirm their divine worthiness, aligning with profound spiritual characteristics.
Key Attributes Include:
- A neck like a conch - A body akin to a banyan tree - Eyelashes as graceful as a cow's - Thighs reminiscent of a deer - A chest like a lioness - A voice tender and clear like a duck
This divine checklist underscores the reverence and mystical aura surrounding the Kumari. The candidate must also embody a stoic calm during challenging situations, with their family displaying devotion and loyalty to royal and spiritual duties.
The chosen Kumari undergoes rigorous additional evaluations, proving their personification of the goddess Taleju. During Navratri, a significant trial involves standing amidst sacrificial imagery, testing their courage in the face of fearsome spectacles.
Endorsing Spiritual Authenticity: If a girl remains unflinching through this ordeal, she becomes an unchallenged proxy of living divinity, mirroring the Dalai Lama's selection method—requiring recognition of past spiritual leaders' belongings.
Final sanctification rituals purify the chosen Kumari, transforming her into a vessel of Taleju. Donned in sacred attire, she embarks from the Taleju temple to her residence, her divine presence illuminating community faith.
Their laughter or tears act as omens, their societal influence shaping perceptions of fortune or adversity, as chronicled by the New York Times' piece on Patan’s Kumari, Chanira Bajracharya, whose overwhelming sadness preceded a tragic royal news.
