Hinduism, the world's oldest religion, is replete with a pantheon of deities, each embodying different aspects of the divine. Among these, goddesses Tara and Tripura Sundari hold significant places, especially within the Shakta tradition, which emphasizes the worship of the Divine Feminine or Shakti. Though both are revered as powerful embodiments of Shakti, Tara and Tripura Sundari have distinct attributes, symbolism, and roles within Hindu religion and practice.
Key Differences
1. Iconography and Symbolism
Tara: Tara is often depicted as a fierce and protective goddess, associated with the color blue, representing infinite compassion and the sky's vastness. She is usually shown seated on a lotus, with her right hand in the gesture of granting boons (varada mudra) and the left holding a bowl made of a skull (kapala), symbolizing her role as a protector and provider. In some depictions, she has multiple heads and arms, holding various weapons, which signifies her power to overcome obstacles and enemies.
Tripura Sundari: Also known as Lalita or Shodashi, Tripura Sundari is depicted as a young, beautiful goddess of red or golden complexion, symbolizing the dawn and pure consciousness. She is often shown seated on a throne or on the chest of Shiva, who lies at her feet, illustrating her supreme power and the subjugation of even the greatest of gods. She holds a noose, a goad, sugarcane bow, and flower arrows, symbolizing control over the mind and desires.
2. Philosophical Significance
Tara: Tara is considered a savior goddess, often invoked in times of distress. She is associated with the concept of crossing over, whether it be crossing over troubled waters, life’s difficulties, or even the cycle of birth and death. In the Tantric tradition, Tara is linked with the primal sound and is seen as the mother of all Buddhas in Tibetan Buddhism, highlighting her transcendental nature.
Tripura Sundari: Tripura Sundari represents the highest form of beauty and consciousness. Philosophically, she embodies the concept of non-duality (Advaita), where she is seen as the one who pervades all three worlds—physical, astral, and causal—hence the name "Tripura," meaning "three cities" or "three worlds." She is often identified with the ultimate reality, Brahman, and represents the union of beauty, truth, and bliss.
3. Ritual Practices
Tara: Worship of Tara is prevalent in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions. In Hinduism, her worship is more common in Eastern India, particularly in West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam. The rituals often involve offerings of red flowers, sweets, and sometimes animal sacrifice. She is also invoked in tantric rituals for protection, wisdom, and guidance.
Tripura Sundari: Tripura Sundari is worshiped primarily in South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, where she is revered as Rajarajeshwari or the Queen of Queens. The Sri Vidya tradition, which is devoted to her worship, involves elaborate rituals, including the chanting of the Lalita Sahasranama (a thousand names of Lalita) and the performance of homas (fire rituals). Her worship is considered highly auspicious for attaining spiritual enlightenment and worldly success.
Similarities
1. Embodiments of Shakti
Both Tara and Tripura Sundari are manifestations of Shakti, the feminine divine power that is the source of all creation, sustenance, and destruction in the universe. They are revered as mother goddesses who protect, nurture, and guide their devotees.
2. Associations with Tantra
Both goddesses are central figures in the Tantric tradition. They are worshiped using secretive and esoteric rituals that often involve the use of mantras, yantras (mystical diagrams), and meditation practices aimed at awakening the Kundalini energy and achieving spiritual liberation.
3. Roles as Protectors
Despite their different aspects, both Tara and Tripura Sundari are seen as protectors who can grant boons, remove obstacles, and provide guidance to their devotees. Tara, with her fierce aspect, and Tripura Sundari, with her benevolent beauty, both symbolize the protective and nurturing qualities of the Divine Mother.
Importance and Worship
1. Tara’s Role in Hinduism and Buddhism
Tara is unique in that she is venerated in both Hinduism and Buddhism. In Hinduism, she is one of the ten Mahavidyas, a group of ten wisdom goddesses, each representing a different aspect of the divine feminine. In Buddhism, particularly Tibetan Buddhism, she is one of the most revered deities, seen as a compassionate savior who aids in overcoming obstacles and achieving enlightenment. Her dual presence in these religions highlights her universal appeal as a deity of compassion and protection.
2. Tripura Sundari’s Supreme Status
Tripura Sundari is often considered the ultimate form of the goddess, embodying the essence of all other deities. In the Sri Vidya tradition, she is seen as the ultimate reality and is worshiped as the supreme goddess who presides over the entire universe. Her worship is considered the pinnacle of Shakti worship, and she is often invoked for both spiritual and material benefits.
Similar Stories and Myths
1. Creation Myths
Both goddesses are associated with powerful creation myths. Tara is sometimes identified with the primordial sound "Om," which is considered the source of all creation. Similarly, Tripura Sundari is seen as the embodiment of the cosmic energy that manifests the universe. In some myths, she is depicted as the one who creates, sustains, and destroys the three worlds, emphasizing her role as the supreme deity.
2. Legends of Protection
Many stories depict both Tara and Tripura Sundari as protectors who save their devotees from peril. In one tale, Tara rescues the sage Vasishta from being swallowed by a demon, while in another, she saves a devotee from drowning in a river. Tripura Sundari, on the other hand, is often invoked in times of crisis, such as during battles or when seeking protection from enemies, where she is said to grant victory and peace.
Lesser-Known Facts
Tara: Tara is not only worshiped as a goddess in Hinduism but also holds a significant place in Tibetan Buddhism, where she is known as a Bodhisattva of compassion. The Green Tara is especially revered in this tradition as a deity who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas.
Tripura Sundari: The Sri Chakra or Sri Yantra, a mystical diagram representing the universe, is intimately associated with Tripura Sundari. It is considered one of the most powerful yantras and is used in her worship to invoke her divine presence and blessings.
Modern Relevance and Current Puja Rituals
1. Tara:
In modern times, Tara is often worshiped by those seeking protection, wisdom, and guidance. Her temples, particularly in Eastern India, continue to attract devotees, especially during the Tara Jayanti festival. Modern rituals often include offerings of flowers, sweets, and chanting of her mantras. Her worship has also gained popularity in the West, particularly within New Age and neo-pagan movements.
2. Tripura Sundari:
Tripura Sundari’s worship remains deeply rooted in the Sri Vidya tradition, with many adherents performing daily rituals and recitations of the Lalita Sahasranama. In contemporary times, she is also revered for her blessings in achieving material success, harmony in relationships, and spiritual growth. Temples dedicated to her, like the Kamakshi Amman Temple in Kanchipuram, continue to be major pilgrimage sites.
Both Tara and Tripura Sundari are revered goddesses within Hinduism, representing different aspects of the Divine Feminine. While Tara embodies the fierce, protective, and guiding aspect of Shakti, Tripura Sundari represents beauty, supreme consciousness, and the ultimate reality. Despite their differences, they share many similarities, including their roles in Tantra and their significance as mother goddesses. Their worship continues to be relevant in modern times, offering spiritual guidance and protection to their devotees