Temple banner, white Tara. 1360h x 790w.
This thangka is executed in silk appliqué. It was made in the 18th or 19th century, possibly in Bhutan. The deity depicted is White Tara (Sitatara in Sanskrit or Drolma Kharpo in Tibetan). Here she is represented with seven eyes, which symbolize her vigilance and ability to see all the suffering in the world. She is seated on a lotus throne in the lotus position, with the soles of her feet pointed upward. Her right hand makes the boon-granting gesture whilst her left hand forms the protective mudra. In her left hand, she holds an elaborate lotus flower that contains three blooms. The White Tara depicted on this thangka could have been used to focus a practitioner’s meditation. Important attributes of White Tara include healing, serenity and the propagation of compassion. By meditating on these attributes a practitioner works to erode the obstacles to enlightenment.
