Sithowa or Sita Tara, also known as "The White Tara," is a female bodhisattva in Tibetan Buddhism. She is considered a yidam, a meditational deity, which practitioners can visualize and connect with in order to achieve spiritual advancement and attain enlightenment.
Sithowa is typically depicted as a white-colored woman, with one face and two or seven arms, holding a full-blown lotus flower or a vase filled with longevity-promoting amrita. She is often shown seated on a lotus throne and sometimes she is shown standing on a prostrate figure, symbolizing her subjugation of the forces of evil.
Sithowa is considered a powerful and compassionate deity, associated with longevity, healing, and protection. Her practice is said to be highly beneficial for practitioners and is considered one of the most powerful and compassionate female bodhisattva of Tibetan Buddhism.
In Tibetan Buddhism, Sithowa is considered one of the eight main Taras, along with other powerful figures like Green Tara, Red Tara, and Black Tara. Each of these figures represents a different aspect of the path to enlightenment and is often depicted together in art and sculptures.
Sithowa is also considered one of the main protectors of the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism. Her practice is considered a powerful way to achieve spiritual advancement and attain enlightenment.
Sithowa is also honored in rituals and ceremonies, and her image is used in meditation practices. Her mantra, "Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha," is also a popular one to recite for protection, healing, and longevity.
