Smarshan Tara, also known as Shmashana Tara or Ugratara, is a fierce form of the goddess Tara in Hinduism and Vajrayana Buddhism. The name "Smarshan" or "Shmashana" refers to cremation grounds, symbolizing death, destruction, and the transitory nature of life. Tara, in this aspect, is associated with the cremation grounds where she is believed to reside and perform her fierce and protective activities.
Smarshan Tara is often depicted in the cremation grounds (shmashana), emphasizing her association with death, transformation, and the impermanent nature of existence. As a fierce form of Tara, she embodies both protective and destructive aspects. She is invoked for protection against dangers and for the destruction of obstacles, both physical and spiritual.
Smarshan Tara's association with cremation grounds symbolizes the process of liberation and transformation. Just as the body is reduced to ashes in the cremation grounds, devotees seek to burn away their ignorance and attachments, attaining spiritual liberation (moksha). Despite her terrifying appearance, Smarshan Tara is a manifestation of fierce compassion. She takes on a wrathful form to compassionately help beings overcome their fears, delusions, and karmic obstacles.
Smarshan Tara is particularly significant in Tantric practices where she is worshipped in rituals that involve the symbolic destruction of ego and impurities. Her practices often take place in or near cremation grounds to invoke the raw power of transformation and liberation.
Smarshan Tara is typically depicted with a dark or fearsome appearance, adorned with garlands of skulls, bones, or severed heads, symbolizing her transcendence over death and material existence. She may hold weapons or symbols associated with destruction and protection.
In Hindu Tantrism, Smarshan Tara is one of the ten Mahavidyas, a group of ten powerful and esoteric goddesses. She is worshipped for her ability to grant liberation and protect against negative forces. In Tibetan Buddhism, Tara has 21 forms, and the fierce aspects, such as Smarshan Tara, are revered for their protective and transformative powers.
Smarshan Tara represents a profound and complex aspect of divine feminine energy, emphasizing the themes of destruction, transformation, and ultimate liberation. Her worship is aimed at transcending the cycle of birth and death, attaining spiritual freedom, and harnessing the fierce compassion necessary to overcome obstacles on the spiritual path.