Maa Tara – The Fierce yet Compassionate Mother

_Shokesh _
Sep 4
3 min read

Introduction

In the vast pantheon of Hindu deities, Maa Tara holds a powerful and unique place. She is revered as one of the ten Mahavidyas (great wisdom goddesses) and is considered a fierce yet deeply compassionate form of Adi Shakti. Her very name Tara means “the one who guides” or “the savior,” symbolizing her role as the divine mother who rescues her devotees from the ocean of worldly suffering, ignorance, and fear.

She is worshipped in both Hinduism and Buddhism—in Hindu tradition as a Mahavidya and in Vajrayana Buddhism as the goddess of liberation and compassion.

Origin and Mythology of Maa Tara

The origin of Maa Tara is connected to many Puranic stories:

Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean):

During the churning of the cosmic ocean, a deadly poison, Halahala, emerged which threatened to destroy the world. Lord Shiva consumed the poison, but he fainted due to its intensity. At this moment, Maa Tara appeared, placed Shiva on her lap like a mother, and breastfed him, neutralizing the poison. Thus, she is often called Neel Saraswati or the savior.
As Mahavidya Tara:

In the Mahavidya tradition, she represents supreme knowledge and fierce protection. She is shown as both terrifying to demons and compassionate to her devotees, symbolizing the union of fearlessness and motherly care.

Iconography of Maa Tara

Maa Tara’s form is awe-inspiring and deeply symbolic:

Complexion: Blue like the limitless sky.
Eyes: Three, symbolizing past, present, and future.
Posture: Standing over a corpse or seated on a lotus, representing victory over death and illusion.
Weapons: Scissors, sword, dagger, and a skull cup, symbolizing cutting away ignorance, ego, and worldly attachments.
Garland of skulls and tiger skin attire: Represent destruction of fear and cycle of rebirth.
Tongue protruding: Signifying her ferocious nature against evil.

Yet despite her terrifying form, her smile radiates compassion, reminding devotees of her dual role as protector and nurturer.

Worship and Sadhana of Maa Tara

Worship of Maa Tara is both Tantric and devotional.

Mantra:

The most common mantra is –

“ॐ ह्रीं स्त्रीं हूं फट्”

This mantra invokes her divine energy to remove fear, grant wisdom, and provide protection.
Day of Worship:

Tuesdays and Ashtami (eighth lunar day) are considered auspicious for Maa Tara puja.
Offerings:

Flowers (especially blue lotus), sweets, and red hibiscus are commonly offered. In Tantric practices, liquor and meat are also symbolically offered, though many devotees replace them with fruits and grains.
Temples of Maa Tara:
- Tara Tarini Temple, Odisha – one of the four Adi Shakti Peethas.
- Tara Ma Mandir, West Bengal – a prominent center of Shakti worship.
- She is also revered in many Buddhist monasteries across Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan.

Significance of Maa Tara

Savior from Fear: She protects devotees from dangers, enemies, and obstacles.
Grantor of Wisdom: As a Mahavidya, she represents ultimate knowledge and liberation.
Destroyer of Ego: Her fierce form removes pride, greed, and attachment.
Compassionate Mother: Despite her terrifying iconography, she is deeply nurturing and rescues her children from difficulties.
Liberation (Moksha): She is considered the guiding star leading her devotees toward enlightenment.

Maa Tara in Buddhism

In Vajrayana Buddhism, Tara is revered as the “Mother of Liberation.” She appears in many forms, the most famous being:

Green Tara: Protector from fear and dangers.
White Tara: Goddess of healing and long life.
Blue Tara (similar to Hindu Tara): Fierce protector against spiritual obstacles.

Thus, Maa Tara unites traditions, bridging Hindu and Buddhist practices, and emphasizing her universal role as the divine savior.

Conclusion

Maa Tara is the embodiment of fierce compassion. She reminds us that the path to wisdom is not always gentle—it often requires destruction of ignorance, illusions, and fears. Devotees who surrender to her receive not only protection from worldly troubles but also guidance on the spiritual path.

In today’s times of uncertainty, worshipping Maa Tara can instill fearlessness, courage, and inner strength. She is the eternal guiding star, leading humanity from darkness toward the light of truth and liberation.