Three-year-old Trishna Shakya has taken charge as the new Living Goddess Kumari after her predecessor Matina Shakya retired, in Nepal.
As part of an ancient tradition, Kumari is worshipped as "living goddess" both by Hindus and Buddhists in the country.
Newly-anointed Trishna Shakya was carried inside the Kumari house, amid a religious ceremony in Kathmandu. This ceremony is observed on the eighth-day of Dashain festival when Goddess Taleju is worshipped.
The living goddess, who is believed to be an incarnation of goddess Taleju, the clan goddess of the Malla kings, will hold her status until she reaches puberty.
Outgoing Kumari Matina Shakya, now a 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.
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