Sarnath: Fragment of a Four-Headed Vajra Tara

INDIA, Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi

This form of the Bodhisattva is depicted as four-headed and eight-armed, and is often found in combination with Vajrayana protectors. Only one side of the four jeweled forearms remains. The fragment on the whole, accords iconographically with more complete statues. A Buddha figure is on the tall jeweled crown on each head. A damaged diagonal third eye is in the middle of the forehead above arched eyebrows that meet above the nose. The Bodhisattva’s upper body is bare, but elaborate necklaces hang below the neck and tumble between the breasts. A well preserved neck collar with elaborate detail sits around the neck.