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Green Tara Dispensing Boons to Ecstatic Devotees... (Perfection of Wisdom), early 12th century
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Green Tara Dispensing Boons to Ecstatic Devotees... (Perfection of Wisdom), early 12th century
Green Tara Dispensing Boons to Ecstatic Devotees: Folio from a Manuscript of the Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita (Perfection of Wisdom), early 12th century. Tara, a bodhisattva of compassion and protection, is shown dispensing boons to the surrounding devotees, as indicated by her lower hand held in varada mudra. From the tips of her fingers she drips nectar into the mouth of the hungry ghost (preta) who sits below, his belly swollen because of starvation. Unlike the male bodhisattvas in palm-leaf illuminations, she is presented in a dynamic twisting posture that emphasizes the volumes of her body and shows clear connections with the larger pan-Indian goddess traditions
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Media ID 19838763
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Bangladesh Bangladeshi Bengal Bodhisattva Bosatsu Compassion Compassionate Feeding Opaque Watercolor On Palm Leaf Protect Protected Protection Tara West Bengal Green Colour Hindoostan Providing
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This print captures a remarkable piece of art from the early 12th century, showcasing the Green Tara Dispensing Boons to Ecstatic Devotees. The image is a folio from a manuscript of the Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita, also known as the Perfection of Wisdom. In this artwork, Tara, a bodhisattva revered for her compassion and protection, can be seen bestowing blessings upon devotees surrounding her. Her lower hand is held in varada mudra, symbolizing her act of granting boons. From her fingertips flows nectar that nourishes and satisfies the hungry ghost (preta) sitting below with his swollen belly due to starvation. What sets this depiction apart is Tara's dynamic posture, twisting in motion to emphasize the volumes of her body. This portrayal establishes clear connections with larger pan-Indian goddess traditions rather than conforming to traditional male bodhisattva representations found in palm-leaf illuminations. The painting itself showcases exquisite craftsmanship using opaque watercolor on palm leaf. It serves as an important testament to both religious and artistic heritage within Bengal and India during that era. Preserved at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, this unknown artist's creation continues to inspire awe and reverence today. Its vibrant green hues evoke feelings of compassion and protection associated with Tara herself. This photograph allows us to appreciate not only its historical significance but also its enduring spiritual power across centuries and cultures.
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