Padmasana White Tara In A Beige Robe

Dolma Karpo or White Tara is one of the twenty-one forms of Devi Tara, each of which is distinguished by a colour of complexion and a virtue. ‘Karpo’ is the Tibetan word for white, Dolma the Tibetan name for Tara. The murti that you see on this page is of the pristine Devi Tara, turned to by devotees in the quest of a long life and accompanying well-being.

Given the compassion of Her personality, Devi Tara is arguably the most popular and devoutly sought after Bodhisattva of the Mahayana pantheon. Her stance is in keeping with this side of Her personality - the shoulders gently curved, half-shut eyes and a subtle tilt of the neck as if She is leaning in to listen to the fervent call of Her devotees in ihaloka (earthly realm). Indeed, She is born from the compassionate tears of Lord Avalokiteshvara and, as the deity Chenrezig, is His wife.

Devi Tara is in a flowing robe of gracious beige colour. From the vines clad around Her flawless limbs rises a flower on either side of Her, flanking Her bust. Glimmering karnakundalas rest upon Her clavicles as they dangle from Her wizened ears, and a cascade of traditional style necklaces grace Her uppser torso. Her legs are in padmasana, as is the norm with Buddhist iconography, and a crown of multiple spires and luxuriant engraving sits on Her brow.