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Mahavidya · Second Mahavidya / Goddess of Protection and Compassion

Tara

तारा
Also known as: Tārā, Ugra Tārā, Ekajaṭā, Nīlasarasvatī

About

Second of the ten Mahavidyas. The goddess who saves (tara) devotees from dangers. Associated with compassion, protection, and the crossing of life's ocean. Also worshipped in Tibetan Buddhism. Represents the guiding light and the sound of AUM.

Attributes

ProtectionCompassionSalvationGuiding lightWisdom

Symbols

Blue complexionSwordScissorsLotusSkull bowl
Consort
Shiva

Associated Mantras

Om Tāre Tuttāre Ture Svāhā
Om Tārāyai Namaḥ
Tārā Stotram

Festivals

Tara Puja

Scriptures

Tārā TantraTārā UpanishadDevī Bhāgavata Purāṇa

Regions Worshipped

West BengalAssamBiharTibet (Buddhist)Nepal

Iconography

Blue or green complexion. Four arms: holds sword, scissors, lotus, and skull bowl. Often depicted with a fierce or compassionate expression. Sometimes shown with a tiger skin. Associated with the syllable 'Tum'.