The Tara Mantra is the sacred invocation of Goddess Tara, the second of the ten Mahavidyas in the Shakta tradition. She is revered as the compassionate savioress who ferries devotees across the ocean of worldly existence (samsara). The primary mantra, 'Om Hreem Streem Hoom Phat', is a powerful beejakshara (seed syllable) mantra. The bija 'Hreem' is associated with the heart and the goddess's protective energy, 'Streem' invokes prosperity and sustenance, 'Hoom' is a fierce protective sound, and 'Phat' is a weapon-like expulsion of negativity. According to the 'Tara Tantra', this mantra is chanted for swift protection from dangers, removal of obstacles, and attainment of knowledge. The 'Mahakala Samhita' describes Tara as the embodiment of speech and wisdom, often called Neela Saraswati, the blue goddess of learning.
Her mantras are also used for liberation (moksha) and for overcoming fear of death. The 'Tara Upanishad' extols her as the supreme reality who grants both worldly boons and spiritual emancipation. Traditionally, the Tara Mantra is chanted at dawn, noon, and dusk, with a minimum of 108 repetitions per session, preferably on a blue or black rudraksha mala. The most auspicious time is during the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) or on a Tuesday. Devotees often perform japa facing north or east. Caution is advised: due to Tara's fierce aspect (Ugra Tara), the mantra should be chanted with proper initiation (diksha) from a qualified guru, as per the 'Tantrasara'.
Without initiation, the mantra may cause unintended disturbances. The mantra is also associated with the goddess's iconography: blue complexion, four arms holding a blue lotus (purity), scissors (cutting attachments), a sword (discernment), and a skull bowl (transcendence of death). In Tibetan Buddhism, she is known as Green Tara, and the mantra 'Om Tare Tuttare Ture Swaha' is widely recited for compassion and protection. The Tara Gayatri, 'Om Tare Tuttare Ture Swaha', is another important variant. Her worship is especially prevalent in West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Nepal, and Tibet. Festivals like Tara Jayanti and Navaratri are dedicated to her.
The mantra's purpose encompasses protection, compassion, guidance, wisdom, and liberation, making it a comprehensive tool for spiritual seekers.
Salutations to the fierce and compassionate Goddess Tara, who protects, sustains, and cuts through all negativity.
The mantra consists of four seed syllables: hrīṃ (heart/illusion), strīṃ (prosperity/sustenance), hūṃ (fierce protection), and phaṭ (expulsion). These bijas are characteristic of Tara's tantric form, combining compassion with fierce action.