Tara
12th century
Asia: India, West Bengal; Asia: Bangladesh
Not on View

Tara is one of the most prominent female divinities in Mahayana Buddhism and is equally venerated in Vajrayana practice. Both of these Buddhist sects include myriad bodhisattvas and gods that help worshippers achieve their spiritual goals. As the female counterpart to the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, Tara embodies kindness and serves as a savior goddess. Seated on a lotus pedestal in the lalitasana pose, a relaxed position with one leg dangling, Tara has her right foot supported by a lotus. She is adorned with a tiara and elaborate jewelry and extends her right hand in a gesture of giving (Varada mudra), while her left hand holds another lotus blossom, symbolizing the gesture of teaching (Dharmachakra mudra). Devotees believe that she aids them in times of sickness and disasters like fires and animal attacks, as well as in their spiritual journeys toward Nirvana.

Details

  • Title: Tara
  • Date: 12th century
  • Medium: Brass
  • Dimensions: 4-5/8 x 3-5/16 in. (11.7 x 8.4 cm)
  • Credit Line: The Norton Simon Foundation
  • Accession Number: F.1972.16.8.S
  • Copyright: © The Norton Simon Foundation

Object Information

  • Pal, Pratapaditya, Asian Art at the Norton Simon Museum, Volume 1: Art from the Indian Subcontinent, 2003, no. 152b p. 196
  • Campbell, Sara, Collector Without Walls: Norton Simon and His Hunt for the Best, 2010, cat. 797 p. 339

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