White Tara — known in Tibetan as Drolkar — is one of the most beloved feminine deities in Himalayan Buddhism. She embodies long life, healing energy, compassion, and serene feminine wisdom. Her presence appears widely in temples, family shrines, and especially in traditional Thangka paintings from Nepal, Tibet, and the Rebgong region of Amdo.

Her gentle yet powerful symbolism, combined with her iconic Seven Eyes, makes White Tara a central figure in Buddhist art and a meaningful subject for collectors and practitioners around the world.

Explore authentic White Tara Thangka created by Himalayan master artists：
White Tara – ThangkaMarket

Who Is White Tara? Origins in Buddhist Tradition

According to Buddhist narratives, White Tara manifests from the left eye tear of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig), the Bodhisattva of Compassion. When he witnessed beings endlessly struggling in samsara, tears fell from his eyes — each tear transforming into a compassionate deity:

• White Tara: peaceful compassion, healing, and longevity

• Green Tara: swift protection and active assistance

Together, they express two complementary dimensions of enlightened compassion:
the gentle, nurturing aspect and the dynamic, rescuing aspect.

White Tara is also one of the Twenty-One Taras, a complete feminine spiritual system representing different enlightened activities.

Why White Tara Has Seven Eyes: Symbolism & Meaning

White Tara’s most distinctive feature is her Seven Eyes, located:

• On her face (including one wisdom eye)

• On both palms

• On both soles of her feet

These eyes symbolize:

✦ Awareness of All Beings

She sees suffering across all realms and responds with compassion.

✦ Protection from All Directions

The palm and foot eyes symbolize vigilance, protecting practitioners wherever they go.

✦ Healing & Clarity

Her eyes perceive subtle sources of illness, emotional pain, and obstacles.

✦ Transcendent Wisdom

The third eye represents insight beyond ordinary thinking.

Different regions depict these Seven Eyes differently.
👉 Learn more: Nepal vs Tibet vs Rebgong – ThangkaMarket

White Tara in Thangka Art: A Visual Language of Compassion

White Tara is one of the most elegant figures in Himalayan art. Her image follows a symbolic visual structure that has been refined for centuries.

✦ White body color

Represents purity, healing essence, and peaceful activity.

✦ Lotus posture

Signifies stability of mind and perfected meditation.

✦ Right hand: Varada mudra

Gesture of generosity and compassionate offering.

✦ Left hand: Holding a white lotus

The lotus has three blossoms:

• A bud — potential for enlightenment

• A half-open flower — cultivation of knowledge

• A fully opened flower — complete awakening

Together, they symbolize the Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma, Sangha.

✦ Jewels and silk ornaments

Indicate the precious qualities of enlightened beings.

✦ Lotus and moon-disc throne

Represent purity, serenity, and the cooling nature of compassion.

Want to understand the artistic differences between Himalayan painting traditions?
👉 See our  Style Guide – ThangkaMarket

Cultural Role of White Tara: Healing, Longevity & Compassion

White Tara is especially revered for her gentle yet profound influence. Practitioners across Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan turn to her for:

• Long life and vitality

• Healing of illness and emotional distress

• Protection from misfortune

• Purification of subtle obstacles

• Development of compassion and clarity

Even outside Buddhist practice，White Tara is appreciated as a symbol of inner peace, feminine strength, and emotional renewal.

White Tara Mantra: Meaning & Cultural Insight

Her widely recited mantra is:

Om Tare Tuttare Ture Mama Ayurveda Punya Jñana Pushtim Kuru Svaha

In cultural interpretation, the mantra is a request for:

• Life energy (Ayur)

• Merit (Punya)

• Wisdom (Jñana)

• Spiritual nourishment (Pushtim)

• Removal of obstacles

Its gentle rhythm makes it popular even among Western mindfulness and meditation practitioners.

White Tara in Himalayan Legends

White Tara is often linked to key historical figures who shaped the development of Tibetan culture:

✦ Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal

Often regarded as an emanation of White Tara；she played a major role in bringing Buddhism and Newar artistic traditions into Tibet.

✦ Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty

In some traditions, she is viewed as an emanation of Tara, symbolizing cultural harmony and diplomacy.

These legends reflect how White Tara represents:

• Compassionate leadership

• Cultural exchange

• Enlightened femininity

• Protection of the Dharma

Why White Tara Remains Loved by Modern Collectors

✦ A universal symbol of healing and peace

White Tara appeals to spiritual practitioners, art collectors, and people seeking tranquility.

✦ Elegance in visual aesthetics

Her white palette complements both traditional and contemporary interior design.

✦ Rich symbolic layers

Her Seven Eyes, lotus, and posture offer profound meaning for contemplation.

✦ A bridge between art and spirituality

White Tara Thangka is not only devotional but also educational — a visual encapsulation of Buddhist philosophy.

How to Choose a White Tara Thangka（For Beginners & Collectors）

When selecting a White Tara Thangka, consider：

Style differences — Menri, Gadri, Newar, Rebgong

Each conveys compassion and elegance through distinct artistic languages.

Origin — Nepal, Tibet, Rebgong

Origin influences brushwork, pigments, detailing, and visual structure.

Size and format

Large wall pieces vs. small personal Thangka for meditation spaces.

Symbolic purpose

Health, longevity, compassion, wisdom — choose the one that resonates with your intention.

Conclusion: The Enduring Grace of White Tara

White Tara is a profound cultural and spiritual symbol representing compassion, longevity, healing, clarity, and feminine wisdom.
Her Seven Eyes remind viewers of an awareness that embraces all beings with kindness, while her serene posture embodies the peace achievable in meditation and daily life.

Whether admired as a spiritual guide, a cultural icon, or a piece of sacred art, White Tara continues to inspire people across the world.

👉 Explore authentic White Tara Thangka：
White Tara – ThangkaMarket