Mahavidya 2 of 10
Tara
तारा
The Saviouress / Star Goddess
Color
Sapphire blue
Element
Jala (water)
Direction
West
Consort
Akshobhya (unshakeable Shiva)
Cosmic function
Crosses devotees over the ocean of samsara. Goddess of speech and salvation.
Origin story
When Shiva drank the poison Halahala that emerged from the cosmic ocean churning, he fell unconscious. Tara appeared as the saviour-mother, nursed him back to consciousness. Hence she is the rescuer in moments of greatest crisis. Worshipped equally by Hindus, Buddhists (Green/White Tara), and Jains.
Iconography
Four-armed, blue complexion, standing in pratyalidha posture on a corpse. Hands hold: sword, severed head, scissors, lotus. Garland of skulls, tiger-skin skirt. Tongue out, three eyes, fierce yet maternal.
Worship mantra
ॐ ह्रीं स्त्रीं हुं फट्
Om Hrim Strim Hum Phat
Beej mantra
स्त्रीं (Strim)
Worship day
Chaitra Shukla Navami; Tara Jayanti (April-May)
Mool mantra (advanced — initiation recommended)
ॐ ह्रीं स्त्रीं हूं फट् स्वाहा
Sadhana goal
Rescue from sudden crisis, mastery of speech (vak siddhi), eloquence, success in writing/teaching/research/translation/inter-religious work.
She grants
- ✓ Saves from sudden catastrophe — accident, illness, financial crash
- ✓ Eloquence and mastery of language
- ✓ Knowledge across religions and traditions
- ✓ Special protection on dangerous journeys
Cautions
- ⚠ Sadhana traditionally done at cremation grounds — householders restrict to mantra japa
- ⚠ Tantric initiation needed for kavacha and yantra
Famous shrines
Tradition connection
Buddhist Tara (Green Tara, White Tara) is the same archetype across traditions.
Want Tara sadhana guided by a qualified pandit?
A traditional pandit can guide your worship — right mantra count, lineage-correct procedure, and indication of whether initiation (diksha) is appropriate for your spiritual goal.