Sitatapatra

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Sitatapatra, Tibet, mid-18th century, Gilt bronze inset with turquoise and coral, H102cm (40in.). The State Hermitage Museum. Saint Petersburg, Prince Dmitry Ukhtomsky Collection.
Sitatapatra, Tibet, mid-18th century, Gilt bronze inset with turquoise and coral, H102cm (40in.). The State Hermitage Museum. Saint Petersburg, Prince Dmitry Ukhtomsky Collection.

Sitātapatrā (pronounced: see TAH tah pah TRAH, sita: white; atapatrā: parasol (umbrella)[1]; tib.: Dukkar, gdugs dkar) is the 'Goddess of the White Parasol'[2] - protector against supernatural danger.

[edit] Symbolism

Sitātapatrā, one of the most complex Vajrayana goddesses[3]. She is regarded as a female counterpart to Avalokiteśvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. Like him, Sitātapatrā manifests in many elaborate forms: having a thousand faces, arms and legs, or simply as a feminine deity of great beauty. Known foremost for her "white parasol" she is most frequently attributed with the "golden wheel". The auspiciousness of the turning of the precious wheel is symbolic of the Buddha's doctrine, both in its teachings and realizations.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ The Wheel of Great Compassion by Lorne Ladner and Lama Zopa Rinpoche (Wisdom Publications, 2001) p.28
  2. ^ The Cult of Tara: Magic and Ritual in Tibet (Hermeneutics: Studies in the History of Religions) by Stephan Beyer (1978) p.154
  3. ^ The Encyclopedia of Tibetan Symbols and Motifs by Robert Beer (1999) p.23
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