Tara, the Buddhist Savior

Nepal (Kathmandu Valley)

Not on view

Tara is the supreme savior and goddess of mercy in Vajrayana Buddhism, best understood as a female counterpart to a bodhisattva. She stands gracefully, extending her open hand is a gesture of granting boons (varada mudra) to devotees. The lotus in full bloom and her golden face suggest she is understood as Sitatara, (“White Tara”), a female form of Avalokiteshvara Padmapani.

Tara, the Buddhist Savior, Gilt-copper alloy with color and gold paint, Nepal (Kathmandu Valley)

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