Bengali Version
Introduction to Maa Tārā
In the divine pantheon of the Dasha Mahāvidyās (Ten Great Wisdom Goddesses), Maa Tārā shines as the Second Mahāvidyā, revered as the embodiment of compassionate saviorhood, liberating wisdom, and primordial maternal force. Her name, "Tārā", derives from the Sanskrit root “tṛ”, meaning “to cross over”, symbolizing Her as the One who ferries souls across the ocean of birth and death, leading them towards liberation (moksha).
Maa Tārā is often visualized as dark-complexioned, ferocious yet nurturing, and adorned with serpents and skulls, standing upon a corpse or lying body, much like Kālī, but representing a more guiding, transformative, and saving power. She is both a fierce protector and the compassionate Mother, holding in Her bosom the secrets of the cosmos and the power to save all beings from samsāra — the endless cycle of life and death.
Scriptural References
Maa Tārā is prominently mentioned in:
-
Tāra Tantra (a key scripture dedicated to Her worship and philosophy),
-
Rudra Yamala Tantra,
-
Brahmānda Purāṇa,
-
Mahānirvāṇa Tantra,
-
Kālī Tantra,
-
Tāntrik Bhāgavata,
-
Tārā Rahasya.
In Shakta texts, especially the Tantras, She is invoked as a deity of wisdom (vidyā), speech (vāk), and supreme saving power.
Mythological Origins and Forms
1. Emergence of Maa Tārā: The Legend of Samudra Manthan
In a lesser-known Tantric narrative, during the Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean), when poison (halāhala) emerged, Lord Shiva consumed it to protect the universe. Overcome by the deadly effect, he fell unconscious. It was Maa Tārā who appeared, took Shiva on Her lap, and nursed Him like a mother, reviving Him through Her divine milk and power. Thus, She is worshipped as “Shiva-Uddhāriṇī” — The One who saved even Shiva.
This tale appears allegorically in Tantric literature, like the Tārā Tantra and Mahānirvāṇa Tantra, highlighting Her role as the supreme savior (Tāriṇī) even among gods.
2. Tārā as the Primordial Power of Speech
In the Mahānirvāṇa Tantra, Maa Tārā is said to embody Vāk Siddhi — the divine power of speech and knowledge. She governs the throat chakra (Viśuddha), enabling true communication, mantra efficacy, and realization of Brahman through sound.
She is called:
-
“Ugratārā” – Fierce Tārā,
-
“Nīlasarasvatī” – the Blue Sarasvatī (a form combining wisdom and fearlessness),
-
“Vāk Siddhi Dāyinī” – Bestower of Speech Empowerment.
Iconography and Symbolism
Maa Tārā is depicted as:
-
Standing upon a corpse (symbolizing the transcendence over ego and materiality),
-
With one leg forward, in an act of dynamic energy,
-
Four arms holding a scimitar, skull-cup, blue lotus, and knife,
-
Wearing a tiger skin or girdle of severed arms,
-
Hair disheveled, symbolizing Her wild, free spirit,
-
Garland of skulls, representing transcendence of time and ego,
-
A third eye on Her forehead, indicating divine vision and omniscience.
Unlike Kālī, who often appears as a destroyer, Tārā is the guide, healer, and rescuer.
Philosophical Significance
1. As the Embodiment of Śabda-Brahman (Sound Absolute)
In Tantric metaphysics, Maa Tārā is regarded as the Śabda-Brahman — the transcendental reality expressed through divine sound. All mantras, shrutis, and sacred vibrations are born of Her. She is the source of divine speech, essential for mantra sādhanā and Brahma-jñāna (knowledge of the Supreme).
2. The Liberator from Fear (Bhaya-Hāriṇī)
Devotees of Maa Tārā call upon Her during times of great fear, death, and hopelessness. Her worship is believed to free one from the fear of death, accidents, black magic, untimely death, and karmic bondage.
Forms of Maa Tārā
There are mainly three traditional forms of Maa Tārā:
-
Ekajaṭā Tārā – Single-plaited hair, the most worshipped form in tantric texts.
-
Nīlasarasvatī Tārā – Blue Sarasvatī, representing divine wisdom and speech.
-
Ugratārā – Fierce Tārā, protector and destroyer of demons.
Worship and Sādhanā
Maa Tārā is especially revered by Tantrikas, Buddhists (Vajrayāna), and Śāktas. Her worship requires initiated mantras, and is often performed during the dark moon (Amāvasyā), in smashānas (cremation grounds), signifying detachment and transcendence.
Her Bīja Mantra is:
"ॐ Tāre Tuttāre Ture Svāhā"
(Common in Buddhist Tantras as well)
Or in Hindu tantra:
"ॐ Hrīṃ Strīṃ Hūṃ Phat"
Temples and Sacred Sites
One of the most sacred shrines of Maa Tārā is:
Tārāpīṭh, West Bengal
-
Located in Birbhum district, this temple is a Śakti Pīṭha, where the third eye of Sati is believed to have fallen.
-
Here, She is worshipped both in fierce form and benevolent motherly form.
-
Bamakhepa, a great tantric saint, practiced here and had divine visions of Maa Tārā.
Maa Tārā in Buddhist Tantra
Interestingly, Maa Tārā also features prominently in Tibetan Vajrayāna Buddhism, where she exists in 21 forms, most notably:
-
Green Tārā (Shyāmā Tārā) – Quick to respond and protect.
-
White Tārā – Compassion and long life.
-
Blue Tārā (Ugratārā) – Fierce and protective.
This cross-religious reverence shows the universality of Tārā's saving grace across traditions.
Conclusion: Tārā – The Light in Darkness
Maa Tārā is the divine mother who hears the cries of Her children, who saves not by destroying, but by guiding, nurturing, and granting transcendental wisdom. Her worship is not just a spiritual practice, but a journey towards inner fearlessness, true speech, and liberation.
In Her presence, the soul learns to surrender, the mind learns to be still, and the heart is filled with divine courage. She is the Ocean of Compassion, the fierce storm and gentle breeze, the darkness that reveals the light.
Key Textual References
-
Tārā Tantra – Complete exposition of Her forms and rituals.
-
Mahānirvāṇa Tantra – Philosophical exposition and mantras.
-
Rudra Yamala Tantra – Narrative of Her rescuing Shiva.
-
Brahmānda Purāṇa – Mentions Her among the Mahāvidyās.
-
Kālī Tantra – Classification among the fierce goddesses.
-
Tāntrik Bhāgavata – Her role in universal creation and salvation.
-
Tārā Rahasya – Mystical esoteric teachings related to Her.
No comments:
Post a Comment