The Buddhist deity Vajra Tara

The Buddhist deity Vajra Tara (Diamond Tara or Thunderbolt Tara) is known as a provider of magical protection. Her devotees are adherents of a branch of Buddhism that made use of mandalas, special diagrams for meditational purposes. (You can learn more about this branch of Buddhism in the Himalayan gallery.) This image of Vajra Tara and her attendants is, in fact, a sculptural mandala. The organization of its figures adheres to Buddhist texts that speak of her being seated amid a group of ten goddesses. The diagram here shows their placement along with a presiding Buddha at the sculpture’s apex.

The eight arms of Vajra Tara, indicators of her divine nature, carry symbolic implements (such as noose, elephant prod, and lotus) that are also described in Buddhist literature.

The late date of this sculpture is suggested by its elaborate working of all available surfaces and the great depth of its carving.