Tara (Tārā) is one of the Ten Mahāvidyās, the great goddesses of Hindu Tantra. Her name is related to the idea of “crossing” or being carried across danger, giving rise to interpretations of Tārā as the savioress, the goddess who guides beings through fear, limitation, and the ocean of worldly existence.
Hindu Tārā may appear fierce, dark, and closely related in iconography and theology to Kālī. Tantric traditions nevertheless emphasize a strongly maternal dimension: the terrifying goddess is simultaneously the one who protects, nourishes, instructs, and rescues. Some traditions associate her particularly with powerful forms of sacred speech and liberating knowledge.
Hindu Tārā should be distinguished from, while historically acknowledging connections with, the enormously important Buddhist traditions of Tārā.
Her central symbolism is protection through wisdom. Tārā does not necessarily eliminate every dangerous passage; she represents the power to cross it without spiritual destruction.
