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A
lotus-bearing goddess may represent almost any female deity. The fact that her
left hand is in vitarka mudra with a lotus, and right hand is in varada mudra,
indicates that she is Tara, the great savior and goddess of mercy in the Mahayana
tradition. The legend of Tara is that she was born from the compassionate tears
of Avalokiteshvara. The tear that fell from his left eye became Green Tara the
protective deity; the tear from his right eye became White Tara the Goddess of
Long Life. Tara, the most popular goddess in Nepal and Tibet, stands here in a
restrained tribhanga on a circular lotus base, her pelvis gently thrust forward,
wearing a close-fitting dhoti, foliated arm bands, necklace, earrings and tall
crown. Her garment is decorated with incised floral motifs. The aged bronze has
random patches of green patina scattered over a reddish copper hue. Possibly from
worship and handling through the ages, the statue radiates with a quiet glow that
emanates spiritual essence. |
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