In Buddhism , a saviour-goddess with numerous forms.
Her worship is widely popular in Nepal, Tibet, and Mongolia. She is the feminine counterpart of Avalokitesvara . She came into existence when his tear fell to the ground and formed a lake; out of its waters rose a lotus, which, on opening, revealed the goddess. She is the protector of navigation and earthly travel, as well as of spiritual travel along the path to enlightenment. In art she typically holds a lotus and has a third eye. She is represented in various colours, signifying different aspects of her powers.
White Tara, gilt copper repoussé statue from Nepal, 18th century; in the Asian Art Museum of ...
By courtesy of the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, The Avery Brundage Collection; photograph, Martin Grayson