Discover the Power of Green Tara Seated on a Snow Lion | 24K Gold Statue for Devotion

Green Tara is perhaps the most cherished and widely worshipped deity in Tibetan Buddhism, known as compassion, swift protection, and enlightened activity. She has played countless roles in Tibetan religious and cultural practices, and her representation has many artistic forms, including statues. Among her myriad depictions, a particularly compelling example of Green Tara from an iconographical standpoint is a statue of her seated on a Snow Lion. In this image, we see the dual representation of her compassionate emanation and her strength and majesty, a rare combination. Generally, Tara emerges seated on a lotus blossom, a gentle nurturing quality, but she is represented seated on a Snow Lion so as to signify her readiness to overcome obstacles with courage, wisdom, and strength.

This statue is made from copper and expertly gilded, and is not only a sacred object of devotion, but also a glorious example of Himalayan art. In addition to the innumerable details from the toenails to the exquisitely rendered lotus petals surrounding her, in particular, the Snow Lion features are covered in intricacy, and even the size of the Snow Lion suggests an immense strength typically not associated with Green Tara; yet she is never without her compassion.  Then, the setup with the inlaid stones is exquisite, and the hand mudras are carefully rendered. The crown and jewelry represent her enlightened nature while simultaneously making her a protector and guide.

In this blog, we'll step through the close iconography of the Green Tara seated on the Snow Lion statue to understand what each facet of this representation means. From position and hand gestures to the designations of the Snow Lion, this statue symbolizes the compelling qualities of Green Tara as both a compassionate savior and protector. Whether you are an art collector or a spiritual practitioner, this beautiful representation can provide significant meaning about Green Tara's continuance in the Himalayan and Buddhist life.

Who is Green Tara?

Understanding Green Tara and her importance in Buddhist religious teachings is essential to comprehending this outstanding work.

Green Tara is also known as Syamatara. Tibetans usually refer to her as "The Mother of Liberation" in Tibetan Buddhist religious doctrine. She exhibits prompt acts of assistance and sincere compassion, which is why Tibetan Buddhism acknowledges her as a Bodhisattva of Compassion. The Buddha embodies enlightenment, but Tara exemplifies the enlightened deed by providing aid when someone is in need. Because she protects against danger and offers spiritual support, especially during trying times, believers turn to her in times of need.

In addition to being young and peaceful, the goddess Green Tara has a calm demeanour that calms anyone who comes to her for blessings. Her unwavering willingness to aid others and her proactive defence of people in need are the two primary facets of her persona.

The Statue at a Glance: Divine Form, Fearless Motion

The stunning Green Tara Seated on Snow Lion Statue (29.1 inches tall, and 22.4 inches across base, 26.18 Kg) is quite a large sculpture that would occupy a commanding presence for a temple, shrine, or sacred collection. This statue is built from a copper body, fire-gilded in 24K gold, and includes gold and acrylic paintwork to provide life-like depth and dimensions to her features. The deeply engraved carvings produced a delicate surface with high-quality workmanship and shimmered with changeable light. The stone work is hand-set, and the total emphasis on the statue is magnificent.

This rare representation of Green Tara seated on a Snow Lion is both captivating and ritualistic, and while Tara frequently appears seated on a lotus, she is safely seated on a mythic creature who conveys this active aspect of Green Tara as she develops agency in overcoming obstacles and dispelling fear. The Snow Lion not only emphasizes her strength, but every call to action of fearless compassion.

Iconography of the Green Tara on Snow Lion Statue

This statue is a magnificent synthesis of divine femininity and protection, a powerful collaboration with sublime and phenomenal Himalayan artisanship completed in fire-gilded copper with gemstone inlays and a stunning repoussé aureole. Let’s identify the significances embedded in this powerful visual representation:

Green Tara’s Form: Graceful Yet Resolute

Though referred to collectively as "Green Tara", this sculpture obviously depicts someone with a highly polished golden complexion when compared to the artistic traditions of Nepalese and Tibetan copper-gilt statues. Green Tara stems from her energy of compassionate and enlightened activity.

• Face and Expression: Her face exhibits compassionate serenity, with a gentle smile and meditative half-closed eyes. The perfectly arched brows and urna (third eye) suggest the metaphysical nature of her omniscience.

• Hair: Her jet-black hair rises in an elegant top-knot adorned by a five jeweled crown. This crown represents the Five Dhyani Buddhas and signifies the manifestation of her highest enlightened nature.
  

• Jewelry: She wears a complete set of exquisite bodhisattva ornaments that include large circular earrings, an elegant necklace, armlets, and anklets. The jewelry is set with turquoise, coral, and lapis stones to enhance her divine fullness as well.

• Garments: The upper portion of her naked body is bare except for the body ornaments, while the lower portion is draped with a dhoti. There is heavy folding in her dhoti, chased with floral motifs on the hem, displaying Tibetan and Himalayan artistry in waves.
  

Mudras and Hand-held Attributes

• Right Hand: Her right hand reaches down over her right knee in varada mudra, the position of unsurpassed generosity and blessing. In the varada mudra position, this hand is also typically open, with long fingers, demonstrating protection for beings in samsara.

• Left Hand: The left hand is held close to the heart in vitarka mudra (or teaching). The vitarka mudra is made by touching the ends of the thumb and index finger together with the other fingers extended. Unlike other depictions of Tara, the left hand does not have a utpala flower rising from it. The vitarka mudra emphasizes that she is the transmitter of wisdom and, therefore, a teacher and protector.
  

 The Snow Lion Mount: Power and Fearlessness

This representation is remarkable due to the royal Snow Lion, who is her mount. Instead of sitting on a simple lotus throne, Tara shows royal comfort to the majestic mythical creature. The Snow Lion is golden like the goddess, but with a bright red mane, bushy brows, and a large tongue protruding out, thus giving it a dynamic and protective appearance. It sits upright, its chest to the front, with legs braced, portraying strength. Although in a wooden position, its body suggests readiness, while its wrapped ankles of red silk-like material describe its sacred position. The Snow Lion is full of energy and fearlessness - traits that support Tara's swift, compassionate activity in the world.

Flaming Aureole (Torana) and Backplate Architecture

At the apical end of the statue, with regal majesty, is a torana-style aureole, a torrid mandorla. This aureole is extravagantly elaborate - curling lotus vines abound, while stylized flames evoke spiritual transformation and enlightenment; it's also bedecked with colored stones, discrete trade beads; embedded colorful gemstone roundels of red, green, blue, and orange stones, arranged carefully around the frame. While these gems are, of course, diversions from the basic stone shape and design, they substantiate the rich, tremendous qualities of enlightenment that she is adorned with.

At the top of this is a tri jewel, or triratna, emblematic of the Three Jewels of Buddhism, the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, found in the shape of a three, a mint mark, or general label for trade categories.

 Lotus Pedestal Base

The whole work stands on a double lotus pedestal with deeply incised petals to lift and support the figure above worldly existence. The base has a stylized flower-like structure at the center front from which the Snow Lion’s foot projecting upward appears to emerge—the decorative form resembling a kalasha or vase, which symbolizes long life, prosperity, and abundance of spirit. The balance of the base and the symmetry of elements creates harmony in the overall piece and leads the viewer’s eye back up to Tara’s tranquil, yet powerful, stature.

Sacred Materials and Artisan Craftsmanship

This statue is a work of art with a positive degree of artwork intended of spiritual symbolism, and a truly high level of handmade art. The statue is handcrafted by master crafters in Nepal using techniques kept alive by generations of working artisans.

The base has been cast in copper by a lost-wax process that allows very fine and precise detail and replication. After the base casting was completed, every last surface has been hand chased and engraved. The engravings finely textured everything from the floral patterns to the sacred jewels on the statue; focusing the visual richness that surrounded our attentions to such sacred things.

The next step is fire gilding; using real 24K gold leaf that coats the statue in a bright, everlasting gold surface. Once the statue is gilded, mineral-based paints and complementary acrylic paints on Tara's eyes, lips, robe, and the mane of the Snow Lion are delicately applied to bring expressive contrast.

Lastly, gemstones are hand-carved and inserted into Tara's crown, necklaces, and decorations. The stones – while selected for quality as well as for symbolic reasons – add sparkle, color, and ritual presence, combining to make the statue not only visually stunning but in an active state of spiritual imbedded presence.

In terms of visual balance and weight, on proportions of the statute, the statue is great for home altars, retreat spaces, and for professional Buddhist centers.

Ritual and Meditative Function

This statue of Green Tara on Snow Lion is more than something beautiful to look at — it is a sacramental object. For practitioners of Vajrayana and Mahayana Buddhism, a statue like this serves as a support for both visualization practices of deities and for daily meditations. Placing the statue on your altar serves to promote the sacred space of your practice being aligned to Tara’s energetic frequency of quick, compassionate action and inner fearlessness.

If you are working with the Tara practice, you can recite her mantra while visualizing her green, vibrant form atop the Snow Lion:

“Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha”

As your voice carries the syllables, there is a roar behind the sound of your own voice, that of the symbolism of the lion’s roar—roaring the Dharma and dispelling delusion. The mantra and the statue support your aspiration for liberation, healing, and wisdom.

Why Choose This Statue: A Rare Icon with Powerful Presence

This statue is an extraordinary, unique work, both in the meaning of the iconography and in terms of craftsmanship. Green Tara riding a Snow Lion is a unique aspect in the traditional representation of the deity, making it an especially powerful image for practitioners who embody Tara's courageous, protective action. 

At TermaTree, our Statues are not pressed or digitally made in a factory. Each work is made through the sacred art tradition, where devotion meets design. The statues we offer are sacred art, and filled with spiritual potency — ready to be invoked on your altar, consecrated in your temple, or given as a gift of blessing.

Whether you are a long time Tara practitioner, or have just recently started seeking a sacred companion and partner in your practice of liberating all beings with courageous, compassionate action, this statue is a living presence of Tara's power.

Conclusion: The Radiance of Protection and Liberation

Green Tara seated on a Snow Lion is not merely an artwork — it is a sacred invitation. It invites you to express complete fearless compassion, to have the courage to rise up against obstacles, and to engage with the generous, wise, and swift nature of it all. This incredible statue is a clear reminder that love and courage can coexist happily, roaring like a lion, and cascading warmly like the heart of a mother.

In your home, temple, or sacred space, this generous sculpture stands as a living reminder of enlightened presence. It awakens a sense of beauty beyond time and space and is always born anew within. It represents a deep inner transformation and a life force that runs through every healing ritual or ritual of import in the Canon. Whether you are new to Tara or have trod the Bodhisattva path for years, this statue allows you to embody Tara's living presence — always alert, always protecting, always present.

For collectors, it is an indelible family heirloom, whether for its spiritual or artistic value. For practitioners, it is now a bud to accompany the path; the statue, present with you in every moment, reminds you no longer that liberation is a goal awaiting fulfillment but a living reality now capable of action through devotion, wisdom, and fearless compassion.

Green Tara Seated on Snow Lion — where swift compassion meets fearless power. Let her roar of courage and song of liberation echo through your space and your heart.