Tibetan Buddhist Copper Alloy with Gold Gilded, Hand Painted Face 20.5" White Tara Statue

White Tara / Dholkar Statue

 White Tara – The Divine Mother

White Tara's compassion for living beings and her desire to save them from suffering is said to be even stronger than a mother's love for her children. As the personification of enlightened maternal compassion, she has infinite sympathy for those facing the challenges of worldly existence. She is the female aspect of the universe and the source of all life; thus, she lovingly engenders, nourishes, and smiles at the vitality of creation. Meditation on the goddess grants health, long life, fearlessness, patience, and peace; and she is especially cherished for her swiftness in responding to the prayers of those who call upon her. Her color white symbolizes her radiant purity, but white also expresses her fundamental nature, which is the ultimate Truth, complete and undifferentiated.

Gestures and Attributes

White Tara is depicted in a posture of graceful contemplative ease with both legs raised and crossed, displaying a regal elegance and serenity. Her right hand is extended downward, palm open, with thumb and index finger touching. This hand position is known as Varada Mudra, or the gesture of granting wishes and protection. Her left hand, raised to shoulder height with fingers extended and palm turned outward, is in the gesture of granting refuge and freeing from fears (Abhaya Mudra). Each of her hands also holds the stem of a beautiful lotus flower that floats above her shoulder as a symbol of her radiant purity and power. A distinctive characteristic of White Tara, shown in this representation, is her seven eyes. She has the two usual eyes plus one in the center of her forehead and one in each of her hands and feet. These eyes indicate that she sees all the suffering and cries for help in the universe, and symbolize her divine omniscience.

About this Sculpture

This exquisite statue of White Tara, also known as Dholkar, beautifully captures the essence of compassion and serenity. Sculpted with masterful precision from copper alloy using the ancient Lost Wax Method, it is gilded with 24-karat gold, radiating a luminous and divine aura. The face, meticulously hand-painted, exudes grace and tranquility, offering a powerful sense of spiritual connection.

Adorned with original turquoise, coral, shell, and lapis stones, the statue achieves a rich and sensuous finish that enhances its visual appeal. The intricate and detailed hand carvings, further accentuated by gold gilding and stone inlays, bring the figure to life, showcasing the extraordinary skill and dedication of its creators.

Handcrafted in Patan, Nepal, by the master artisans of the Shakya clan, this statue is a testament to an enduring legacy of sacred art. Renowned for their unparalleled expertise, these craftsmen are considered among the finest in the world. Their artistry reflects a centuries-old tradition of metalworking techniques passed down through generations, preserving the cultural and spiritual heritage of Nepal.

Each sculpture is a labor of devotion, created for use in temples and monasteries as a symbol of faith and reverence. This White Tara statue is not just an exquisite work of art but also a timeless representation of Nepal’s rich artistic legacy and the enduring beauty of sacred craftsmanship.