Tara is a Hindu goddess of compassion, protection, and salvation, revered primarily in Tantric and Buddhist traditions that grew from Indian soil. In Hindu mythology, she appears as the second of the Mahavidyas, the ten goddesses of wisdom, embodying the fierce, protective power of the divine mother.
Who Is Tara in the Hindu Pantheon?
Tara (Sanskrit: तारा, meaning “star” or “savioress”) is one of the Dasha Mahavidyas, the ten forms of the Goddess (Devi) that represent different aspects of cosmic power. She is often depicted as a youthful, blue-skinned goddess with a wild, untamed appearance, wearing a tiger skin and a necklace of severed heads. In her hands she typically holds a sword, a blue lotus, a bowl, and makes gestures of blessing and fearlessness.
In the Hindu tradition, Tara is closely associated with the cremation ground, symbolizing the transcendence of death and the illusion of the material world. She is considered the goddess who guides devotees across the ocean of existence (samsara) to liberation (moksha). Her name itself is derived from the root “tr”, meaning “to cross” or “to save”.
Tara’s Role in the Mahavidyas
The Mahavidyas are a group of ten goddesses that appear in the Shakta tradition, which focuses on the worship of the divine feminine. Each Mahavidya represents a different facet of the Goddess, from gentle and nurturing to fierce and destructive. Tara is the second Mahavidya, following Kali, and is sometimes considered a form of Kali herself.
In the Devi Bhagavata Purana and other Shakta texts, the Mahavidyas are said to have emerged from the goddess Sati when her father Daksha insulted her husband Shiva. Tara, like her sister goddesses, embodies the raw, untamed energy of the cosmos. While Kali represents time and destruction, Tara represents the protective, guiding force that leads devotees through darkness.
Tara is also associated with the planet Jupiter (Brihaspati) in Vedic astrology, and she is sometimes called Ugra-Tara (“Fierce Tara”) or Ekajata (“One-Locked-Hair”). Her worship is particularly prominent in Bengal, Assam, and Nepal, where Tantric practices are still alive today.
Myths and Legends of Tara
One of the most famous myths involving Tara is the story of the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthana). According to the Bhagavata Purana, during the churning of the cosmic ocean, the gods and demons produced a deadly poison called halahala. To save the universe from destruction, Shiva drank the poison, but his throat turned blue. In some regional versions, Tara appeared to help Shiva, or she is identified with the goddess who emerged from the ocean as the personification of the poison’s antidote.
Another legend, found in the Linga Purana, tells of a demon named Danda who threatened the gods. Tara, in her fierce form, vanquished him with her sword, protecting the world from his tyranny. This story highlights her role as a warrior goddess who destroys evil.
In the Kalika Purana, Tara is described as the consort of the sage Vashishtha in a previous birth, but in most traditions she is considered an independent goddess, not tied to any male deity. She is often depicted standing on a corpse, symbolizing the conquest of ego and ignorance.
Tara’s Symbolism and Iconography
Tara’s imagery is rich with symbolic meaning. Her blue skin represents the infinite sky and the all-pervading nature of consciousness. Her wild hair, often tied in a topknot, signifies her untamed, free spirit. The sword she holds cuts through ignorance and delusion, while the blue lotus represents purity and spiritual awakening.
She is often shown with four arms, each holding a different object:
- Sword – cuts through ignorance and ego.
- Blue lotus – symbolizes compassion and purity.
- Bowl – holds nectar or blood, representing the transformative power of the goddess.
- Mudra (hand gesture) – grants boons and dispels fear.
In some depictions, Tara is shown with a third eye, representing her ability to see beyond the material world. She is often accompanied by a dog or a jackal, animals associated with cremation grounds and the rejection of social norms.
Tara in Tantra and Worship
Tara’s worship is deeply rooted in Tantra, a spiritual tradition that uses rituals, mantras, and meditation to achieve liberation. In Tantric practice, Tara is considered a siddhi (spiritual power) goddess who grants devotees supernatural abilities and protection from harm. Her mantra, Om Tare Tuttare Ture Svaha, is widely recited in both Hindu and Buddhist contexts.
In Hindu Tantra, Tara is often worshipped at night in cremation grounds, where the devotee confronts the reality of death. This practice is meant to break the illusion of the material world and awaken the soul to its true nature. The Mahanirvana Tantra and the Tantrasara contain detailed instructions for her worship, including the use of specific yantras (geometric diagrams) and offerings of red flowers, meat, and wine.
Her festivals include Tara Jayanti, celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Vaishakha (May), and Kali Puja, where she is sometimes worshipped alongside Kali. In Bengal, the Tara temple at Tarapith is one of the most important Shakta pilgrimage sites, where devotees seek her blessings for healing and liberation.
Tara in Buddhism vs. Hinduism
While Tara is a major figure in both Hinduism and Buddhism, her roles differ significantly. In Buddhism, Tara is a bodhisattva, an enlightened being who postpones nirvana to help others. She is revered as the mother of all Buddhas and is known for her compassion and swift action. In Tibetan Buddhism, she appears in 21 forms, each with a specific color and attribute.
In Hinduism, Tara is more fierce and tantric, associated with destruction and transformation. She is not a bodhisattva but a goddess who embodies the absolute reality. Despite these differences, both traditions share the core idea of Tara as a protective, guiding force that helps beings cross the ocean of suffering.
The Hindu Tara is sometimes confused with the Buddhist Tara, but they are distinct figures. The Hindu Tara is blue, fierce, and associated with cremation grounds, while the Buddhist Tara is usually green or white, peaceful, and seated in a meditative posture. However, in some syncretic traditions, the two are seen as the same goddess in different forms.
Common Questions and Misconceptions
One common misconception is that Tara is a “minor” goddess. In reality, she is a major deity in Tantric Hinduism, with a dedicated following and a rich mythology. Another misconception is that she is a form of Kali. While the two are closely related, Tara is a distinct goddess with her own iconography and attributes.
Some people also wonder if Tara is the same as the Buddhist Tara. As noted, they share a name and some attributes, but they are separate figures in different religious contexts. The Hindu Tara is more fierce and tantric, while the Buddhist Tara is more compassionate and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tara the goddess of?
Tara is the goddess of compassion, protection, and salvation. She guides devotees across the ocean of existence to liberation, and she is also associated with the planet Jupiter and with wisdom.
How is Tara different from Kali?
Tara and Kali are both fierce forms of the Goddess, but they have different attributes. Kali is associated with time and destruction, while Tara is associated with protection and guidance. Tara is often depicted as blue, while Kali is usually black or dark blue.
Is Tara a Hindu or Buddhist goddess?
Tara appears in both Hinduism and Buddhism. In Hinduism, she is a Mahavidya and a Tantric goddess. In Buddhism, she is a bodhisattva. The two figures share a name and some symbolism, but they are distinct in their roles and iconography.
Where is Tara worshipped?
Tara is primarily worshipped in Bengal, Assam, and Nepal, where Tantric practices are common. The Tarapith temple in West Bengal is a major pilgrimage site. She is also worshipped in some parts of South India and in Buddhist countries like Tibet and Mongolia.
What is Tara’s mantra?
The most common mantra of Tara is Om Tare Tuttare Ture Svaha. In Hindu Tantra, other mantras are also used, often involving her seed syllable “TAM”.
Conclusion
Tara is a powerful and complex goddess whose mythology and worship reflect the depth of Hindu Tantra. She is a protector, a guide, and a fierce destroyer of evil, embodying the transformative power of the divine feminine. Whether in her Hindu or Buddhist form, she continues to inspire devotion and awe in millions of people across the world.
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