This mantra is an invocation to Tara, the female counterpart of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. 

 

The Tara is pictured many-armed, symbolizing the powers and attributes she has cultivated to save all sentient beings. Tara is also known as the ‘mother of liberation’ and represents the virtues of success in work and achievements. 

 

Tara is a tantric meditation deity whose practice is used by practitioners of the Tibetan branch of Vajrayana Buddhism to develop certain inner qualities and understand outer, inner and secret teachings about compassion and emptiness.