Goddess Tara with Hand in Gesture of Reassurance

Q: Where can I see it?

At the Art Institute of Chicago. Over 4 feet tall in painted wood.

This large painted wooden sculpture from the 15th-century Kathmandu Valley stands over four feet tall, depicting Tara with her right hand raised in the abhayamudra (gesture of fearlessness and reassurance). The palm faces outward with fingers pointing upward. Tara is known as the "mother of liberation" in Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism, helping to remove obstacles from both the physical world and the mind.

According to Buddhist tradition, this gesture was first used by the Buddha himself to calm a charging elephant sent by his jealous cousin Devadatta. Nepalese Buddhist sculptures from this period often featured elaborate polychrome (multi-color) decoration, and traces of pigment remain on this figure. The piece is at the Art Institute of Chicago.

The gesture of fearlessness and reassurance: right hand raised to shoulder height, palm facing outward, fingers pointing up. It symbolizes protection, peace, and the dispelling of fear. It was first used by the Buddha to calm a charging elephant.

The "mother of liberation" in Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism. She removes obstacles from the physical world and the mind. She's one of the most beloved Buddhist deities, especially in Tibetan and Nepalese traditions.

Wood allowed for large sculptures (this is over 4 feet tall) that would be difficult in bronze. The Kathmandu Valley had strong polychrome traditions, and traces of original pigment remain on the surface, showing it was once brightly colored.

At the Art Institute of Chicago. Over 4 feet tall in painted wood.

Goddess Tara with Hand in Gesture of Reassurance (Abhayamudra)

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Where to See It

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