3-year-old girl anointed as 'living goddess' and will live away from her family until she's 13

- Three-year-old Trishna Shakya has been anointed as "living goddess" in Nepal

- She is considered the embodiment of the Hindu goddess Taleju

- She has been separated from her family and will live in a temple until she's 13

A three-year-old girl has been anointed as "living goddess," or Kumari, by Hindu priests in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Kumari is considered the embodiment of the Hindu goddess Taleju.

Little Trishna Shakya has therefore been separated from her family and taken to a temple palace where she will live until the age of 13.

Little Trishna being taken away to the temple. Photo: Getty Images

The ceremony took place on the eighth day of the Dasain Festival, which is the main religious festival in Nepal and lasts two weeks.

In an interview, Trishna's father said: "I have mixed feelings. My daughter has become the Kumari and it is a good thing. But there is also sadness because she will be separated from us."

Trishna poses with her grandparents. Photo: Getty Images

Trishna's twin brother Krishna was particularly affected by her departure and ended up crying.

The tradition blends Hinduism and Buddhism. It has continued despite the end of Nepal's Hindu monarchy in 2008.

Trishna with her twin brother Krishna, who cried when she left. Photo: Getty Images