Ashoj 28 ,The tradition of presenting the 'Kumari' (Living Goddess) for public viewing (*darshan*) is set to be revived in Madhyapur Thimi, Bhaktapur. Aditya Bajracharya, a cultural enthusiast, stated that this cultural tradition—dating back to the Malla era—is being resumed through the initiative of local Shakya and Bajracharya communities, along with other concerned stakeholders.
Ayushi Bajracharya, a four-year-old from Chapachw, Madhyapur Thimi, has been appointed as the Kumari for this year. Plans are underway to present her for public viewing at the Thimi Layaku (palace) complex on the day of Vijaya Dashami—part of the Bada Dashain festival (known locally as 'Mohani Nakhah Chalan').
Discussions have taken place among the Layaku Pa:ma: (palace caretakers), Karmacharyas, and Bajracharyas regarding the revival of this Kumari *darshan* tradition. It is expected that this initiative will contribute to the preservation and promotion of the historical, religious, and cultural heritage of Madhyapur Thimi.
The tradition of having a 'Kumari'—a living goddess serving as a manifestation of Tulaja Bhawani—is historically associated with sites that housed Malla-era palaces. According to historical accounts, Tulaja Bhawani was brought to the Nepal Mandala region by King Harisimhadeva of Simraungadh. Subsequently, she became the revered patron deity (*aradhya devi*) of the Malla kings.
It appears that a tradition developed to establish a 'Taleju' temple within the Malla palace complexes for the worship of Tulaja Bhawani. There is a long-standing religious belief that the 'Kumari Maju' (the Kumari) should be worshipped and revered as a living manifestation of Taleju Bhawani. It is said that the tradition of the 'Living Goddess' (Kumari) exists in Madhyapur Thimi because the town houses a palace dating back to the Malla era.
Currently, four-year-old Ayushi Bajracharya serves as the Living Goddess (Kumari) in Madhyapur Thimi. Prior to this, six-year-old Abrina Bajracharya—from Yachin Baha at Hattimahankal in Madhyapur Thimi-5—had been appointed as the 'Thimi Kumari'.
According to the established tradition for appointing the Thimi Kumari, the selection is made from the Prashannashil Mahavihar in Bhaktapur city, following the fulfillment of specific criteria. It is believed that this initiative—aimed at reviving the tradition of presenting the Living Goddess (Kumari) for public viewing—will help introduce the indigenous culture and historical identity of Madhyapur Thimi to the new generation.
