Shyama Tara – The Green Tara
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India and Nepal
Orientation 3
Display 2

ABS 125

 Code: ABS 125

  Country: India (north-west)

  Style: Kashmir Region

  Date: 1000 - 1100

  Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 5.9 x 14.4 x 3.2

  Materials: Brass

Shyama Tara – The Green Tara

Shyama Tara, “the Green liberator,” is probably the most important female deity of all Buddhism. She is famous for reacting swiftly and efficiently to help sentient beings. Her green emerald colour symbolises awakened activity and active compassion.

Young and beautiful, the goddess sits on a lotus pedestal, her left leg stretched, supported by a smaller flower, as if she was about to stand, always ready to move to help beings. Her right hand forms the mudra of generosity and with her left hand she holds the stem of a blue lily. She is adorned with the royal attire of the divine manifestations.

The physical features of Tara (Drölma in Tibetan), her costume as well as the throne, nimbus, and aureole display strong Kashmiri influence. This statue was probably made by a Kashmiri craftsman working for patrons of the Purang Guge kingdom in Western Tibet. A small effigy of the donor – presumably a Tibetan – kneels beside the pedestal.