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How many Tara goddess are there?

Published in Buddhist Deities 2 mins read

The Tara goddess is known to appear in as many as 21 forms, particularly within Himalayan representations. While there is a principal understanding of Tara, her manifestations vary, reflecting different aspects of her compassionate and protective nature.

Understanding the Forms of Tara

The diverse forms of Tara serve to address various needs and challenges faced by practitioners, embodying different facets of enlightened activity.

The Twenty-One Taras

In the rich tapestry of Himalayan Buddhist art and spiritual practice, Tara is most famously recognized in her twenty-one distinct manifestations. Each of these forms represents a specific emanation of her boundless compassion, wisdom, and power, offering protection and guidance to those who invoke her. These forms collectively address a wide spectrum of obstacles and provide diverse blessings, from overcoming fears to granting prosperity and spiritual insight.

Color Symbolism in Depiction

Beyond the specific 21 forms, Tara is also depicted in five different colors in painting and intricate pieced-silk images. These color associations are often likened to those of the Five Dhyani-Buddhas, each color symbolizing a particular wisdom or quality:

Aspect of Depiction Description
Number of Forms As many as 21 forms (Himalayan representations)
Color Depictions 5 different colors (in painting and pieced-silk images)

Most Common Manifestations

Among the numerous forms and color variations, two manifestations of Tara are particularly prominent and widely revered:

  • Green Tara: Often associated with swift action and enlightened activity, Green Tara is a highly popular form. Legend holds that she originated from the tears of Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Compassion. She is notably linked to a Chinese princess in a Buddhist legend, symbolizing immediate help and the overcoming of obstacles.
  • White Tara: Embodying purity, serenity, and longevity, White Tara is another deeply cherished form. She is renowned for her seven eyes (three on her face, two on her palms, and two on the soles of her feet), symbolizing her ability to see the suffering of all beings. Her legend is connected to a Nepalese princess, emphasizing healing, long life, and wisdom.

These varied forms and depictions underscore Tara's versatility and her profound significance as a powerful feminine force in Buddhist traditions.