Sitatāpatrā, the fierce goddess of protection is said to have emanated from uṣṇīṣa, the crown, of Shakyamuni Buddha himself. Her name translates into The White Parasol, which is her iconic symbol and transcends the mundane function of an ordinary umbrella. The Parasol embodies a large, silken canopy that is not only visually striking but also serves as a powerful emblem of high status, nobility, and divine authority. This striking parasol signifies her role as a guardian figure, offering an unparalleled shield of safety and protection to her devotees against all forms of danger. Sitatāpatrā is celebrated in various traditions as an invincible protector, warding off a multitude of supernatural threats, including menacing spirits, the dark arts of black magic, and the adverse influences of astrological misalignments.
The origin of Sitātapatrā is intricately captured in her complete name, Uṣṇīṣasitātapatrā, which translates to “White Parasol Lady Who Emerged from the Buddha’s Crown of Light.” This extended name beautifully encapsulates her divine essence, while Sitātapatrā serves as the more commonly used abbreviation that evokes her protective qualities. Notably, her origin story does not delve into her relationship with the Buddha's sunshade, instead, it is her very name that conveys her representation of the protective energy associated with the white (sita) parasol (ātapatra). This narrative also traces the source of her power back to the Buddha’s infinite cosmic awareness and radiant brilliance, infusing her with a sense of celestial importance.
