Hinduism, with its rich tapestry of deities, presents multiple forms of the Divine Feminine, each representing various aspects of life, the cosmos, and spiritual wisdom. Among these, Goddess Tara and Goddess Bhuvaneshwari stand out as significant figures in the Shakta tradition. While both belong to the Dasha Mahavidya, the ten great wisdom goddesses, they embody different energies and aspects of the cosmos.
Goddess Tara
- Iconography and Symbolism: Tara is often depicted as a fierce goddess, with a blue or dark complexion, resembling Kali in many aspects. She is shown standing or seated on a corpse, holding a pair of scissors, a sword, a blue lotus, and a skull cup. Her fierce demeanor symbolizes the removal of ignorance and the protection of her devotees from dangers.
- Spiritual Significance: Tara is considered a goddess of compassion, protection, and guidance. She is the embodiment of shakti (divine energy) that saves and liberates. Tara is also worshipped as a savior and protector in times of peril, offering her devotees spiritual and material assistance.
- Similar Stories: Tara's mythology is rich with stories of her coming to the aid of her devotees in times of crisis. One such story parallels that of Buddhist Tara, where she helps cross the ocean of samsara (the cycle of life, death, and rebirth).
- Lesser-Known Facts: Tara is also revered in Tibetan Buddhism as a bodhisattva of compassion. In Hinduism, she is sometimes called Neel Saraswati, blending attributes of Saraswati and Kali.
- Modern Relevance: Tara's worship has gained popularity in contemporary times, especially among those who seek her aid in overcoming obstacles and for spiritual liberation. Her mantras and rituals are commonly used for protection and guidance.
- Puja Rituals: Tara is worshipped with offerings of blue flowers, red cloth, and liquor in some traditions. Her mantra, "Om Tare Tuttare Ture Swaha," is chanted for protection and liberation.
Goddess Bhuvaneshwari
- Iconography and Symbolism: Bhuvaneshwari is depicted as a beautiful, serene goddess, radiating the calm and nurturing aspects of the divine mother. She is often shown seated on a throne, with a full moon behind her, symbolizing her cosmic aspect as the Queen of the Universe. She holds a noose (pasha) and a goad (ankusha), symbolizing her control over the cosmos and her ability to remove obstacles.
- Spiritual Significance: Bhuvaneshwari is the goddess of space, the embodiment of the universe itself. She represents the concept of the universe as a manifestation of the divine feminine and is believed to control the earth, water, fire, air, and ether.
- Similar Stories: In various texts, Bhuvaneshwari is described as the mother of all creation. She is associated with the creation of the cosmos, much like Shakti in her many forms. Her stories often depict her as the creator and sustainer of the universe.
- Lesser-Known Facts: Bhuvaneshwari is sometimes considered as an aspect of Parvati or Durga. She is less known compared to other goddesses like Kali or Lakshmi, but her worship is significant in certain tantric traditions.
- Modern Relevance: In the modern era, Bhuvaneshwari's worship has become associated with the desire for material success and control over one's surroundings. She is revered for her power to bring harmony and balance in the lives of her devotees.
- Puja Rituals: The worship of Bhuvaneshwari involves offerings of fruits, flowers, and sweets. Her mantra, "Om Hreem Bhuvaneshwaryai Namah," is chanted for attaining material and spiritual prosperity.
Key Differences
- Nature and Temperament: Tara is often associated with fierce compassion and protection, while Bhuvaneshwari embodies a more nurturing, motherly aspect of the divine.
- Role in the Cosmos: Tara is seen as a savior, guiding devotees through life's difficulties, whereas Bhuvaneshwari is the queen of the universe, symbolizing the entire cosmos and its creation.
- Worship and Practices: Tara's worship is often linked with protection and overcoming obstacles, while Bhuvaneshwari's rituals focus on gaining material and spiritual success and harmony in life.
Key Similarities
- Divine Feminine Aspect: Both goddesses represent the Shakti or the feminine energy that is essential in the creation and sustenance of the universe.
- Dasha Mahavidya: Tara and Bhuvaneshwari are part of the Dasha Mahavidya, a group of ten goddesses each representing a different aspect of divine wisdom.
- Tantric Worship: Both goddesses are worshipped in tantric practices, where their mantras and rituals are used for attaining specific spiritual and material goals.
Modern Relevance and Worship Practices
In contemporary times, both goddesses are worshipped across India, especially in tantric and shakta traditions. Their mantras are chanted for various purposes, and their puja rituals are performed to seek their blessings in different aspects of life. While Tara is often invoked in situations requiring immediate protection or aid, Bhuvaneshwari is worshipped for general well-being, prosperity, and the overall harmony of the universe.
Goddesses Tara and Bhuvaneshwari, though distinct in their forms and attributes, both play crucial roles in the spiritual lives of their devotees. Tara offers fierce protection and guidance, while Bhuvaneshwari embodies the nurturing and sustaining force of the universe. Their stories, rituals, and the reverence they inspire continue to be significant in both traditional and modern Hindu practice, reflecting the timeless nature of the Divine Feminine in Hinduism.