White Tara; Sitatara; The Mother of Long Life
Description: White Tara (Sitatara) is one of the most beloved female deities in Himalayan Buddhist tradition, embodying long life, healing, and serene compassion. She is known as the "Mother of Long Life" and is often invoked for health, longevity, and protection from illness. Her white complexion symbolizes purity, transcendence, and the union of all colors of light—representing the complete spectrum of enlightened wisdom. Seven eyes are depicted on her body—one on her forehead, two on her palms, and two on the soles of her feet—symbolizing her awakened awareness that sees all suffering throughout the three worlds and responds with compassionate activity.
· Height: 33 cm
· Material: Pure copper with traditional gilt (gold-plated) finish and hand-painted mineral pigments
· Style: White Tara (Sitatara) in lalitasana posture with seven eyes
· Origin: Museum-quality masterwork hand-carved in Nepal
· Ideal for: Meditation space, home altar centerpiece, spiritual art collection, healing practice, contemplative environment
This museum-quality 33cm White Tara statue represents the pinnacle of Nepalese master craftsmanship—a pure copper hand-carved masterwork featuring traditional gold-gilding and hand-painted details that bring this healing deity to life with exceptional artistry.
White Tara appears here in her classic form, seated in lalitasana—the posture of royal ease—with her right leg slightly extended, symbolizing her readiness to arise and respond to those who call upon her for healing and protection. Her right hand rests on her knee in varada mudra (the gesture of supreme giving), bestowing blessings of long life and freedom from illness. Her left hand, held gracefully at her heart, cradles the stem of an utpala lotus that blossoms at her shoulder, its three flowers representing the past, present, and future Buddhas.
The seven eyes that distinguish White Tara from other forms are rendered with exceptional precision:
· The wisdom eye on her forehead perceives all realms with enlightened awareness
· The eyes on her palms see the suffering of beings and extend compassion through every gesture
· The eyes on the soles of her feet witness the cries of beings wherever she steps
Every element of this masterwork reflects the extraordinary skill of a master artisan. Her serene expression embodies the perfect peace of enlightened compassion—downcast eyes that gaze upon all beings with unconditional love, a subtle smile radiating the healing energy of boundless loving-kindness. The elaborate five-jewel crown adorns her head, representing the five wisdoms. Long earrings graze her shoulders, symbolizing her balanced awareness of all realms.
She wears the full regalia of a celestial bodhisattva—elaborate jewelry, necklaces, armlets, bracelets, anklets, and flowing celestial silks—all rendered with museum-quality precision. The utpala lotus at her shoulder is carved with gracefully curling stems, its blossoms opening in perfect symmetry, each petal individually shaped by the master artisan's hand.
The traditional gilt (gold-plated) finish adds radiant luminosity to the entire sculpture, honoring the precious nature of enlightened compassion. Multiple layers of 24k gold are carefully applied, creating a warm, glowing surface that catches light and draws the eye to Tara's serene presence. The gold-gilding follows classical Himalayan techniques preserved for generations, ensuring a finish of museum-quality brilliance.
The hand-painted details bring the deity to life with traditional mineral pigments. Her white body is applied in layers to create exceptional depth and luminosity, following classical iconographic conventions. The seven eyes are rendered with particular care—each one painted with fine brushwork, the pupils perfectly centered, creating the effect of awakened awareness gazing compassionately from every direction. The ornaments are highlighted with precision, the lotus petals painted in soft pinks and blues, and the face rendered to achieve the requested serene expression.
According to traditional sources, White Tara holds a uniquely important position in Himalayan Buddhist practice. She is considered an emanation of Avalokiteshvara's compassion, manifesting specifically to promote long life and healing . Her mantra—"Om Tare Tuttare Ture Mama Ayuh Punya Jnana Pustime Svaha"—is recited for longevity, recovery from illness, and protection from untimely death . Together with Green Tara, she forms the principal Tara dyad—Green Tara for swift compassionate activity, White Tara for long life and healing .
This 33cm White Tara masterwork serves as an inspired focal point for meditation spaces, home altars, and healing practice environments. Her presence creates a sacred atmosphere that nurtures health, calms the mind, and reminds us of the healing energy always available to those who call upon her. The combination of the serene expression, radiant gold-gilding, master-level carving, and the precisely rendered seven eyes makes this not only a sacred object but a museum-quality work of Himalayan art.
Each piece is individually hand-carved and finished as a unique masterwork by master artisans of Nepal, with subtle variations that reflect its authentic handmade origin and artistic heritage from the Kathmandu Valley. The combination of pure copper construction, traditional gold-gilding, hand-painted mineral pigments, master-level carving, and the exceptionally rendered seven eyes and serene expression represents the finest in Himalayan sacred art—a transmission of living artistic tradition and the timeless, healing presence of the Mother of Long Life.
