Tara is a female Bodhisattva who was believed to have been formed from the tears shed by Avalokitesvara. She is arguably the most popular goddess in the Buddhist pantheon. There are twenty-one forms of Tara but it is the Green Tara and White Tara that are the most popular. She is especially popular in Tibet, Nepal and Mongolia. She is the goddess of universal compassion. Tara represents virtuous and enlightened action. It is said that her compassion for living beings is stronger than a mother’s love for her children. She also brings about longevity, protects earthly travel, and guards her followers on their spiritual journey to enlightenment.On this stele, Tara stands in a hip-shot posture with her right hand held in a boon-bestowing charity gesture, her left hand holds a lotus blossom. Her body is voluptuous. She wears a long dhoti, she is adorned in jewellery including a crown, earrings, necklace and armbands. - (OF.257)

Antiquities
Ancient Unknown