In Vajrayana Buddhist iconography, which goddess is typically depicted holding a lotus stalk and displaying the abhaya mudra?

The correct option is Tara

Explanation

Vajrayana Buddhism, which flourished particularly during the Pala period in Eastern India, introduced a complex pantheon of deities. Identification of these deities relies heavily on specific iconographic attributes such as hand gestures (mudras), held objects (ayudhas), and postures.

Detailed Analysis:

• Tara Tara: Correct. Tara is the central female deity in Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism, representing compassion and emptiness. She is considered the female counterpart of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. In her standard iconographic form (particularly Green Tara or Syamatara), she is depicted holding the stalk of a blue lotus (utpala) in her left hand. Her right hand is frequently shown in the Abhaya Mudra (gesture of fearlessness) or the Varada Mudra (gesture of boon-granting).
• Marichi Marichi: Incorrect. Marichi is the Goddess of the Dawn. Her iconography is distinct; she is often depicted with three faces (one being that of a sow) and rides a chariot drawn by seven pigs. She is not primarily identified by the single lotus and Abhaya mudra.
• Nairatmya Nairatmya: Incorrect. Nairatmya symbolizes the philosophical concept of "no-self" (anatta). She is the consort of the deity Hevajra and is typically depicted with a fierce appearance, holding a kartri (curved flaying knife) and a kapala (skull cup), representing the destruction of the ego.
• Parnasabari Parnasabari: Incorrect. Parnasabari is a deity associated with the forest and protection against diseases. She is depicted wearing an apron of leaves and holding attributes like an axe or a lasso, which distinguishes her from the benign form of Tara.

Key Takeaway:
Tara is the "Saviouress" in Buddhist iconography, universally identified by the lotus attribute and the mudras of protection (Abhaya) or charity (Varada).