Painted with watercolor paints on rice paper, this Red Kali Tara meaning "Star or Saviouress" is a popular female deity and Bodhisattva primarily worshipped in Tantrism or Vajrayana Buddhism. Originally a Hindu goddess, Tara was absorbed into the Buddhist pantheon during the sixth century c.e. and is represented in different forms in Buddhist iconography. Known as a Bodhisattva of compassion, as well as Tantric Deity and Mother Goddess, it is said that Tara guards and protects her devotees their whole lives.

She is popularly worshipped for her role in saving her devotees from worldly dangers; Great trust and reliance is placed in the ability of Tara as a saviour in times of need. Tara is a Tantric deity whose mantra and visualization are used by practitioners of Vajrayana to develop certain inner qualities and understand outer, inner and secret teachings about compassion, mercy, and emptiness.   Historical origins...Within Tibetan Buddhism Tara is regarded as a Buddha of compassion and action. She is the female aspect of Avalokiteshvara and in some origin stories she comes from his tears that were shed in pity as he observed the vast suffering in the world.