Tara
Description
This figure represents the Goddess Tara who is the female counterpart as well as spouse of Avalokiteshvara who is an embodiment of compassion and is characterized as the ‘Saviour of the World.’ Like him, she is also a saviour deity and an embodiment of compassion. She is one of the important deities in the Buddhist pantheon.
In her simplest form as seen here, Tara is sitting on a full-blown lotus in the Vajraparyanka Asana or posture. She is bedecked with tiaras and richly inlaid jewellery. The Torana behind is studded with turquoises. Her right hand extends beyond the knee in the varada mudra (gesture of charity). The left hand originally must have held a flower. The third eye on the forehead is another important iconographic feature of the deity. The prabhavali or the elaborately decorated arching halo shows the presence of five Dhyani or meditative Buddhas. The arch is supported by two elaborate columns, capped by an umbrella. The base is not gilded and shows roaring lions with a bouquet of vegetal motifs overhanging the frontal projection.
Karl and Meherbai Khandalavala Collection
Collection
Himalayan Art
Object Type
Sculpture
Material
Gilded copper alloy with gem inlay
Schools/Culture/Period
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Technique
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Date
18th century CE
Location
Nepal
Dimension
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