Mukut Crown
The mukut is the jewel-set crown of the royal traditions of Nepal, worn by the Malla kings of the Kathmandu valley and later the Shah kings at state and religious ceremonies, and linked by tradition to the goddess Taleju, protector of the ruling dynasties. The crowns are worked in gold and silver with gemstones, pearls and brocade by the Newar goldsmiths of Kathmandu, and the king's crown was held to draw its right to rule from the favour of Taleju, whose temples stood beside the royal palaces. The living goddess tradition also places a crown on the young Kumari during festivals, echoing the b