Standing Tara
  See it in the Museum
India and Nepal
Orientation 4
Display 6

ABS 041

 Code: ABS 041

  Country: Nepal

  Style: Transitional Period

  Date: 1000 - 1100

  Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 6.4 x 24.2 x 6.4

  Materials: Copper with remains of gilt

Standing Tara

The goddess Tara appears standing, subtly swaying on her slightly parted legs. Her right hand makes the supreme generosity gesture while the left, turned downward, holds the stem of a lotus blooming at her side. Young and beautiful, she appears adorned with the royal attire proper to the divine manifestations: a delicate lower garment ornate with floral pattern and numerous jewelry inlaid with precious stones. This form, most valued in Nepal, is also quite popular among Tibetans.

Tara, “the Liberator” or “Saviouress” is one of the most famous goddesses of Indo-Tibetan Buddhism. She has a constellation of manifestations. As a bodhisattva, she pledged to continuously take birth as a woman until she reaches complete Buddhahood. She appears under multiple aspects among which the Green Tara, the White Tara, and the 21 manifestations are the most popular in Tibet.