Sgrol-ljang traditional painting

Green Tara is featured prominently in the center of the thangka, while two other goddesses are placed in the lower corners.

This measure of this thangka is 109*77 cm (43* 30 inches) and its weight is 0.2 kg (0.44 lbs).

Iconography of Green tara

Green Tara is prominently displayed in the center of the thangka. Her face is portrayed with a compassionate expression and she is seated atop a white moon disk which is connected to an elixir of healing associated with the navel chakra. In Buddhism, the moon symbolizes knowledge and when it is combined with compassion, it leads to the enlightenment of Shakyamuni Buddha. Her right hand is delicately lowered into the Varda mudra, a gesture of granting blessings.

Green Tara is often depicted holding a special lotus known as the blue or ‘night lotus’ in both of her hands. The word Utpala refers to the act of the flower blooming and bursting open. Her left hand holds a stem with an open flower and an unopened bud, while the bent lower part of the stem symbolizes the root.

The open flower symbolizes the current moment and the existing Buddha, while the bud signifies a future journey’s end and a blessed future, as well as Buddhas yet to come. Her right hand is posed in the gesture of offering safety and protection.

The third finger touches the thumb to create a circle representing the union of wisdom and compassion, and the three extended fingers symbolize the Three Jewels of Buddhism which are The Buddha State, The Body of teachings, The Principles of the Universe.

Green Tara is shown in a paradise known as Khadiravani, with her left hand holding the stem of a blue lotus, signifying her willingness to assist. In her right hand, she holds a closed flower, which symbolizes the Buddhas of the past and the past itself.

Khadiravani is described as a great mountain kingdom with many trees, flowers, and animals’ rainbow tails emanating from her outer aureole. The crescent moon and sun symbolize the union of males and females ubiquitous in Tantric art.

Mantra of Green Tara

The mantra of Green Tara is om tare tuttare ture soha.