1000 Armed Dukar, also known as Sitatapatra or the White Umbrella Deity, is a powerful protective figure in Himalayan Buddhist tradition. Her name refers to the “White Parasol,” symbolizing a protective canopy that shields practitioners from harmful forces, obstacles, and negative influences. She is traditionally depicted with numerous arms, heads, and symbolic attributes, expressing her all-encompassing protective power and ability to respond in many directions at once. At the very top, Shakyamuni Buddha is depicted above the main figure, appearing as the highest deity in the composition and establishing the spiritual hierarchy of the thangka. Shakyamuni Buddha is the founder of Buddhism and is the way to awakening by wisdom, mindfulness, and inner discipline. Siddhartha Gautama was born into a luxurious life and abandoned it, seeking the truth and wisdom. The lower section presents three additional revered figures: White Tara is positioned on the right, which is also known as Sita Tara, as a symbol of compassion, wisdom, and longevity. Traditionally shown seated on a lotus, she demonstrates the purity and tranquillity achieved through compassion. White Tara is often associated with providing healing, protection, and granting long life. Chenrezig occupies the center, also known as Avalokiteshvara (Sanskrit), Kuan Yin (Chinese), Guanyin (Japanese), is regarded as the embodiment of compassion, who is ever present in spirit, who listens to the suffering of others and responds. Looking very calm and serene. Chenrezig embodies constant, patient, and unconditioned kindness. His lotus flower is a symbol of purity and the capacity to emerge from troubles gracefully. And at the end Green Tara appears on the left, also known as Shyamatara, is one of the most revered forms of the deity in the context of Tibetan Buddhism and is revered for her swift and compassionate protection. She is a deity of mercy and can vanquish fear and danger while providing immediate help to those who need it. She is depicted sitting on a lotus with one leg stretched out and can jump into action at a moment’s notic. Each figure is surrounded by its own landscape setting, creating a balanced arrangement beneath Dukar. Lotus forms, flowing clouds, mountains, trees, and colorful offerings further enrich the surrounding scenery.
