Tara — The Divine Savior Goddess

Tara — The Divine Savior Goddess

Tradition

Buddhist / Vajrayana / Mahayana — 3rd century CE to present

Location

• Originated in India; widely worshipped across Tibet, Nepal, China, Japan, and worldwide

Timeline

Foreign Traveler Quotes

"In the monasteries of northern India, I observed devotion to the goddess Tara. Monks and laypeople alike recite her mantras and make offerings at her shrines. She is called the 'Savior' because those who call upon her are swiftly saved from all dangers and fears." — Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang), Chinese Buddhist pilgrim, Si-Yu-Ki, c. 640 CE

"In the high lands beyond the mountains, I encountered a people who worship a goddess called Tara. They say she appears to those in danger and saves them from harm. Her temples are adorned with images of green, and the people hold her in great reverence." — Ibn Battuta, Moroccan traveler, Rihla, c. 1344 CE

Sacred Narrative

Tara (तारा, 'star' or 'she who saves') is a major goddess in Vajrayana Buddhism, considered the 'savior' goddess who emanates from the compassion of all Buddhas. She is often depicted as the female form of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion.

According to Buddhist tradition, Tara emerged from a tear shed by Avalokiteshvara while meditating on the suffering of beings. She vowed to be reborn as a female deity whenever beings needed salvation. The 21 Forms of Tara are a classic classification including Green Tara (most popular, active compassion), White Tara (purity, healing), Red Tara (transforming anger), and Black Tara (protection).

Tibetan Buddhism particularly emphasizes Tara worship with the famous mantra "Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha." Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang (7th century) and Ibn Battuta (14th century) both observed Tara worship during their travels.

Today Tara is one of the most widely worshipped deities in Tibetan Buddhism and has gained global following through the spread of Tibetan Buddhism in the West.