Despite Nepal being a Maoist republic after the monarchy was unseated in May, the centuries-old tradition of worshipping a young virgin as the living embodiment of a powerful Hindu goddess has survived.

'Matine Shakya was chosen after consultation with Buddhist priests, community leaders and officials who will look after her,' said Mr Achyut Pokharel, a member of the government-run trust that maintains the tradition.

'She became Royal Kumari after a series of pujas (religious ceremonies) on Tuesday at the auspicious time of 11:39 am,' Mr Pokharel said, referring to the moment chosen by astrolgers as the luckiest for the Kumari succession.

Three towns in the Kathmandu valley follow the centuries-old custom, but the Royal Kumari in the capital is considered the most powerful, and has the closest links to Nepal's deposed monarch.

Former monarch Gyanenendra and his ancestors would seek annual blessings - and tacit spiritual approval of their reign - from the girl selected from the Buddhist Shakya caste.

Today, Gyanenendra is a commoner living as a virtual recluse on the outskirts of Kathmandu, but the Nepalese president now receives blessings from the girl.

Nepal became the world's newest republic after former rebel Maoists ended their civil war in 2006, and won landmark polls in Apr. -- AFP