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Tara Ma's boundless greatness has manifested in various forms to her devotees across centuries. Among the Dashamahavidyas, the ten goddesses of great wisdom crucial in Sadhana, she holds a significant position. The origin of these ten forms is linked to the story of Sati, who, despite not being invited to her father Daksha's "Brihaspati Shab" Yagya, insisted on attending. When Mahadev refused permission, Sati revealed her ten fearsome (Bhayankari) appearances – Kali, Tara, Sorashi, Bhuvaneswari, Bhairabi, Chinnamasta, Dhumabati, Bagala, Matangi, and Kamala – compelling him to grant her wish. These ten forms are collectively known as the Dashamahavidya.

According to the "Brihaddharma Puran," prior to Sati's departure for Dakshyalay, fire emanated from her third eye, transforming her appearance into Kali or Shyama. Witnessing this, Mahadev attempted to flee but encountered her ten forms in all directions, ultimately leading him to permit Sati to attend the Yagya. Modern researchers propose a connection between the Dashamahavidya and Vishnu's ten avatars, suggesting an intentional unification of deities. Devi Tara is the second among the Dashamahavidyas, her name signifying her role as a rescuer in all circumstances, bestowing peace and Moksha (liberation).

Tara is depicted in the "Pratyalidhapada" posture, standing with her right foot upon Mahadev or Shiva. Her fearsome yet revered form is adorned with the "Mundamala," holding the "Kharba," possessing a "Lambodori," displaying a "Bhisana" aspect, clad in "Kotite Byaghrocharmobata" (tiger skin), ever-youthful ("Nabayoubana"), adorned with five skulls ("Panchamuda Shovita"), having four arms ("Chaturbhuja"), a lolling tongue ("Laljiwha"), a fierce countenance ("Mahabhima"), holding a skull and a blue lotus ("Kapal & Nilpadma"), with a tawny complexion ("Pingalbarna") and matted hair ("Jatadhari"). Her three sun-like eyes radiate power. Her right hands hold a sword (Kharag) and a dagger (Katari). Known as "Hasya Mukhi" for her perpetual smile, she is seated on a large white lotus, symbolizing the Earth.

The Aryata’s Bhattarikanamastottor's 100th stotra reveals 108 names of Tara Ma. Dr. Binaytosh Bhattacharya noted 24 distinct appearances of Tara Ma. Various religious texts, the descriptions of spiritual practitioners ("Sadhak"), researchers' experiences, devotional songs ("Bhaktigiti"), and diverse depictions ("murti") offer numerous representations of Tara Ma. Ugratara, a slightly altered, fierce form of Tara Ma (Ugra meaning highly), is known for rescuing devotees from intense suffering and fear.

Ugratara stands with her right foot on Mahadev's heart and her left foot floating above his body. Her upper right hand holds the Kharag, the upper left holds a blue lotus (Nilotpal), the lower right holds a Kartikā (crescent-shaped knife), and the lower left holds a skull cup (Kharpo). She has tawny hair ("Pingalbarna & Jata") and a blue complexion ("Nilbarna"), signifying her role in destroying the evils of the three worlds (Triloka).

Ugratara standing on a corpse is also known as Mahanil Saraswati or Nil Saraswati. Tara herself is also considered Mahanil Saraswati. Her unhesitating and flawless speech earns her the name Nil Saraswati. As a constant protector and rescuer, she is "Sukmokshadawini," the giver of peace and liberation (Moksha).

According to Krishnananda's Tantra, Tara and Mahanil Saraswati are the same divine essence, supported by the name suggesting Tara as a transformation of Saraswati. In Buddhist Tantra, Tara is a primary deity, equated with Adyashakti, Avalokiteshvara's Shakti, and Shiva's Shakti. Historically, the deity of stars in Hindu scriptures was adopted as Tara Devi by the Mahayanpathis after the passing of Buddha.

The Tara or Star resides above the Akash (sky), Mahakash (great sky), Parakash (supreme sky), Tatwakash (elemental sky), and Suryakash (solar sky). The Buddhist Tara is referred to as China-char Tara, with China here representing the regions of Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet bordering the Himalayas.

Notably, Tara Ma is also referred to as "Girja" (Parvati) and "Padmavati" (Lakshmi). A subsequent verse or paragraph describes her as "Amritkalashdharini," the bearer of the pot of nectar (Amrita), confirming the confluence of Parvati and Lakshmi. Furthermore, Buddhist Taramurtis such as "Sarpabinashini" (destroyer of snakes), "Jangulitara," "Pragyaparamita" (the perfection of wisdom), and "Mahachintara" are mentioned in various texts. Legend suggests that the Siddhacharya Nagarjun practiced Sadhana of Tara Ma after his transformation from a Hindu Tantrik (Basistha). Evidence of Buddhist Tara can be found in the cave art of Ellora and the writings of Hiuen Tsang. During the reign of Gobinda Neshri, Taramurtis were painted on the banners and flags of the Bengali Dharmapalas.

"Karukullatara" – Kurukulla Tara is depicted in color and as "Dwibhuja," meaning having two hands.