Tārā Cult in Buddhism and Brahmanism
By Seema Mamta Minz
Summary
The article explores the origins and significance of the Tārā cult within Buddhism, particularly its connection to Mahāyāna traditions and its spread in regions like Jharkhand, India. It highlights how the Tārā cult emerged as part of Mahāyāna Buddhism, which gained prominence in the early centuries CE. The cult is linked to the worship of Tārā, a deity associated with compassion, protection, and the feminine principle, often compared to the Hindu goddess Durgā. The article discusses the syncretic nature of Tārā, who is revered in both Buddhist and Brahmanical traditions, and notes her presence in various Indian religious pantheons, including Jainism. The spread of the Tārā cult in Jharkhand is attributed to the Pāla dynasty's patronage of Mahāyāna Buddhism during the 8th to 12th centuries CE. The region's strategic location as a connecting route between Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha facilitated the introduction of Buddhist and Brahmanical icons, including Tārā. The article describes archaeological evidence of Tārā worship in Jharkhand, particularly in Hazāribāgh and Chatrā districts, where sculptures depict her with distinct iconographic features, such as holding a lotus and standing on a double lotus pedestal. The study emphasizes the cultural and religious interplay between Buddhism and Brahmanism in shaping the Tārā cult, reflecting broader historical and socio-political influences in eastern India.
Conclusion
The study of the Tārā cult in the Bodhagayā region reveals its complex origins and widespread influence across Indian religious traditions. The research highlights how Mahāyāna Buddhism, particularly through the Pāla dynasty's patronage in the 8th century CE, facilitated the spread of Tārā worship in Jharkhand and adjacent areas. The cult's integration into local religious practices is evident from the iconography and temple structures, such as the Tārā statue in Lohāndā village, which reflects Brahmanical and Buddhist syncretism. The analysis underscores the role of geographical factors, royal policies, and historical trade routes in disseminating the Tārā cult, while also raising questions about its Brahmanic or Buddhist origins. Ultimately, the study emphasizes the cult's enduring legacy in shaping the religious landscape of eastern India, particularly in Jharkhand, where it remains a testament to the region's rich cultural and historical intersections.