White Tara – The Divine Mother
White Tara Ritual Statue: White Tara’s compassion for living beings and her desire to save them from suffering is said to be even stronger than a mother’s love for her children. As the personification of enlightened maternal compassion, she has infinite sympathy for those facing the challenges of worldly existence. She is the female aspect of the universe and the source of all life; thus, she lovingly engenders, nourishes, and smiles at the vitality of creation. Meditation on the goddess grants health, long life, fearlessness, patience, and peace; and she is especially cherished for her swiftness in responding to the prayers of those who call upon her. Her color white symbolizes her radiant purity, but white also expresses her fundamental nature, which is the ultimate Truth, complete and undifferentiated.
Gestures and Attributes
White Tara is depicted in a posture of graceful contemplative ease with both legs raised and crossed, displaying a regal elegance and serenity. Her right hand is extended downward, palm open, with thumb and index finger touching (like shown in this White Tara Ritual Statue). This hand position is known as Varada Mudra, or the gesture of granting wishes and protection. Her left hand, raised to shoulder height with fingers extended and palm turned outward, is in the gesture of granting refuge and freeing from fears (Abhaya Mudra). Each of her hands also holds the stem of a beautiful lotus flower that floats above her shoulder as a symbol of her radiant purity and power. A distinctive characteristic of White Tara, shown in this representation, is her seven eyes. She has the two usual eyes plus one in the center of her forehead and one in each of her hands and feet. These eyes indicate that she sees all the suffering and cries for help in the universe, and symbolize her divine omniscience.
About this White Tara Ritual Statue
This sculpture is a captivating depiction of White Tara Dholkar, expertly crafted from copper alloy through the intricate lost wax method. Gilded with 24-karat gold and adorned with a hand-painted face, the statue emanates a luxurious and enchanting finish. The meticulous hand carvings, highlighted by the golden touch, impart a strikingly beautiful and lifelike quality to the sculpture. White Tara Dholkar’s divine figure is gracefully poised, her hands forming sacred mudras that symbolize profound spiritual meanings. Adorned with a finely carved crown and intricately detailed ornaments befitting a Bodhisattva, the sculpture embodies the essence of enlightened maternal compassion and the vow to work tirelessly for the well-being of sentient beings.
Individually handcrafted in Patan, Nepal, by the master artisans of the esteemed Shakya clan, renowned globally for their exceptional craftsmanship, this sculpture stands as a testament to their unparalleled skill. As the contemporary custodians of a centuries-old tradition, these craftsmen continue to honor the legacy of creating sacred art for temples and monasteries. The fine metalworking techniques, intricately passed down through generations since ancient times, ensure that each piece not only stands as a remarkable work of art but also serves as a profound connection to cultural heritage and spiritual devotion.
