Our beautiful Dolkar sculpture has all the classic features of Seven Eyed Tara: her seven eyes, two lotus flowers blossoming on stems beside her shoulders, and both the Abhaya and Varada mudras. Dolkar is seated in full lotus pose on a double lotus pedestal, its two registers of petals finished with beaded rims, while ribboned scarf-ends curl in graceful swirls on the seat at either side.
Our Nepali artisans gave the statue a deep antiquated finish, against which her gold painted face glows as the single point of light — the eyes finely lined in blue, the upright third eye and lips picked out in red. This beautiful Dolkar sculpture wears the crown and jewels of a Bodhisattva, already set with small turquoise and coral stones in the crown, necklaces, and armbands — and at the buyer’s request we can embellish them further before delivery. The colored stones stand out beautifully against the dark finish and will inspire all who see it.
Dolkar is one of the most beloved depictions of the Bodhisattva Tara. Tara’s origins lie in the compassion of Avalokiteshvara: in Tibet, devotees believe she was born from a teardrop that fell from his eye as he wept over the suffering of beings. Dismayed that so few women had reached full enlightenment, Tara vowed to attain Buddhahood in female form — and to keep appearing in female form until women were fully represented among the ranks of the awakened. Read the story in our guide to Tara’s origins and meaning.
Symbolism of Beautiful Dolkar Sculpture
The Abhaya, or “protection,” mudra is a classic Buddhist gesture recognized by practitioners of every school. This hand symbol of fearlessness is deeply important in Buddhist belief — when devotees see it, it inspires fortitude and confidence. Our beautiful Dolkar sculpture depicts this mudra with her left hand raised chest-high, palm facing forward, the painted eye of the Seven Eyed Tara gazing from the open palm.
Her right hand rests over the knee in the Varada, or “gift giving,” mudra — for Dolkar is deeply affiliated with generosity. Also known as Cintachakra, the “wish fulfilling wheel,” she is one of the three long life deities in Tibetan Buddhism — learn more in our complete guide to the long life deities — White Tara, Amitayus & Namgyalma — and she is empowered with the attributes of healing, compassion, and serenity. Browse our full collection of White Tara statues to compare sizes and finishes.
Authentic, Handmade in Nepal
Every statue and ritual item is handcrafted in Patan, Nepal, using traditional lost wax casting and comes with a certificate of authenticity issued by Nepal's Department of Archaeology, verifying its materials, technique, and origin.
