Kali Tantra
Solutions that work in kali yuga
Viśvavyāpaka vāri madhya vilasachvēlāmbujanmasthitāṅkarrī khaḍga kapālanīlanalinairājaktarānnīlabhām|
kān̄cīkuṇḍalahārikaṅkaṇalasatkēyūra man̄jīra tāmāpternāgavarairvibhūṣitatanūmāraktanētratatrayām|
piṅgōgraikajaṭānlasatsurasanāndanṣṭrākarāḷānanān̄carmadvaipivarakaṭēvidadhatīnśvētāsthipaṭṭālikām।
akṣōbhyēṇavirājamānaśirasansmērānanāmbhōruhāntārānśāvahr̥dāsanāndr̥ḍhakucāmambātrilōkyānsmarēt
Goddess Tara holds the second position in the pantheon of deities that form the Dasa Mahavidya. She is fierce, her hair often tied in a top knot (Ekjata), and her form is created of the deep blue of the evening sky. Tara, in her form, embodies the mysterious evening sky where her blessings shine forth to show the light of wisdom to the devotees. The word Tara Mahavidya also signifies a shining star in Sanskrit.
The Sadhaka elucidates that she, who is blue in complexion, was born of a lotus. She holds the blue lotus in her upper right hand, above the hand that holds a cranium filled to the brim with the blood of evil. Like Kaali, Goddess Tara is also depicted with four hands. Her other hands hold a trident and a sword. In some forms of worship, she is seen carrying a pair of scissors instead of the sword. Her beautiful arms are decorated with Kankans and armlets.
The Lotus is a sanctifying symbol of enlightenment and purity. The trident in her hand, also associated with Lord Shiva, represents the three eternal Gunas of creation, preservation, and destruction. The sword, or the scissors, represents the severance of the illusion of Maya. The skull in the right hand of the Devi is the death of the ego or the Asahwatha.
Her divine countenance is sometimes likened to that of a lioness, especially in deep Tantrik practices. She is seen with three eyes, representing the assimilation of past, present, and future. She wears Shankham earrings, representing purity and holiness (Shubham). Her smile is benevolent, exuding love and compassion for all sentient beings. She is adorned by the garland of blue lilies, showing her devotion and love to her husband, Lord Shiva. He is known by the name Akshobhya Bhairava as the consort of Tara.
Tara Mahavidya, The worship of Goddess Tara is performed on Wednesday. The Tara Mahavidya occasion is held most auspicious when the position of the Pushyami Nakshatra coincides with Wednesday. The worship of Tara is known as Siddha Vidya. The Sadhaka worships her by facing East or West.
The Worship of Tara Awakens the SwadhishtanaThe worship of the Tara Mahavidya is related to the primary Chakras in the physical body of the Sadhaka. Just as the worship of Kaali is said to release the energy of the Muladhara Chakra, Goddess Tara reveals the secrets of the Swadhisthana Chakra. Just like Kaali, Goddess Tara also wears snakes as garlands and ornaments, representing the pure movement of the Kundalini Shakti.
The Swadhisthana is the second primary chakra of the body and is depicted as a white lotus with six petals. As the Goddess Tara holds the lotus in her right hand, she blesses the devotee who gains control over the passions of the body. The Swadhisthana is closely related to lust, and the Goddess guides the devotee through temptations to overcome the tentacles of impure desires. The Tara Mahavidya Sadhana, under the guidance of a Guru, helps to dispel the malefic effects of Jupiter.
The Swadhisthana is blocked by fear of death and guilt. The devotee may remember that the Goddess Tara holds the skull in her lower right hand, signifying the death of the ego. Once you can overcome the fear of death by surrendering to the Goddess, the spirit ascends to the benevolence of the blue lotus, held in the upper right hand.
The Goddess detaches the mind of the devotee from the Maya of existence by the sword and helps the devotee to attain perfection in the three Gunas, represented by the trident. Just as the three edges of the trident emerge from a single point, so are the blessings of the Tara centered in Shiva. It is said that the ten forms of Lord Vishnu (the Ramaavatarawas) were created by the boons of Devi Tara.
Goddess Tara is known by Many NamesThe Goddess is known by different names, denoting her various forms.
She is known as the Ekajata Devi when she is represented by tying her hair in a top knot. Sometimes, her hair is held by a single braid in this form. Her Vairaba, the Aksobhya, is often represented as a serpent intertwined with the Ekajata. She once called Lord Shiva by the name Akshobhya (one who consumes the poison) when he absorbed the greatest poison of the universe in his throat. The single braid or the top knot represents feminine determination.
In Tantrik practices, sometimes she is worshipped as the UgraTara. Ugra means cruel or violent. In this form, the Devi helps the devotee to overcome the fear of violence. It must be remembered that the sword in her hand represents a sudden (or violent) detachment from Maya.
She is also depicted as the Neel Saraswati. The name means "Goddess Saraswati in her blue form.” Goddess Saraswati is the giver of wisdom, and so is she, also a form of Tara, who holds the lotus of knowledge in her right hand.
The Guru guides the devotee through the different Tantrik practices suitable for worship of Tara Mahavidya. The path of Tara Mahavidya should be chosen according to the temperament of the devotee.
The Dakshina Charam is the right-hand path of her worship. It is an orthodox path, rich with the potential for deep spiritual growth.
The Vama Charam is the left-handed path for her worship. It is an extremely difficult path where the devotee must obtain liberation from suffering by following the Five M’s. The Five M’s or the Pancha Ma’ Kara are the five Tantrik principles denoted by Madya, Mamsa, Matsya, Mudra, and Maithuna. These five M’s respectively mean alcohol, meat, fish, parched grains, and sexual intercourse.
The Kaula Charam is also an advanced Tantrik path that demands strict spiritual discipline. It is similar to Vama Charam.
The worship of Tara Mahavidya, done with devout discipline, liberates the devotee from fear, danger, and negativity. The Sadhaka emerges victorious over challenges, obstacles, and anxiety by surrendering to the Goddess. One attains inner peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth through her boons.
Goddess Tara is associated with knowledge, and so is the Planet Vrihashpati (Jupiter). However, misunderstanding of knowledge or Avidya can invite curses or the malefic effects of Jupiter. She dispels these curses and guides the devotee to supreme wisdom.
The mind of the devotee should be focused on the positive qualities of the Atma (soul). Cultivating these qualities and combining the worship of Tara with mindfulness, meditation, and acts of service helps the devotee attain success. The devotee should be consistent in his unfailing devotion to the Goddess.
In Tantra, it is believed that curses cause the suffering in Maya. The devotees who cannot detach himself/herself from Maya and become entangled in the illusions of suffering fall into trouble. The worship of the Goddess helps one to overcome these troubles.
Problem: The devotee is overwhelmed by suspicion, negativity, and inner fears.
Solution: The devotee should chant the mantra, “Om Tara Tuttare Ture Soha.” This mantra helps to develop inner strength and overcome doubts.
Problem: The devotee faces insurmountable external challenges.
Solution: Visualizing Devi Tara is a powerful form of worship. Visualizing her consistently can help the devotee to overcome negativity and win over external difficulties.
Problem:The devotee experiences physical illness.
Solution:The Green form of Tara is associated with healing. She should be prayed to obtain healing.
Problem:The devotee feels lost on the path of spiritual growth.
Solution:The worship of Devi Tara fosters a deep connection with the divine. Regular worship deepens the spiritual understanding of the Sadhaka.
Problem:The devotee cannot come to terms with loss or grief.
Solution:Goddess Tara should be worshipped for her benevolence. The devotee must remember that it is her sword that detaches one from the illusion of life and death.
Seek a Guru to Guide YouThe presence and guidance of an accomplished guru is essential to progress in the path of the Tara Mahavidya. Tantrik practices require deep spiritual discipline and only a master can guide the devotee through this path. The heart of the devotee should be surrendered to the feet of the Goddess under the guidance of the true Guru. You need to seek out a knowledgeable tantric guru who is willing to show you the right path to attain freedom from suffering.