In Mahayana Buddhism, the male principle was worshipped first in the 7^th century however the female principle was introduced in Buddhism in the form of Tara.  First, she was known in two forms: her forms increased to 21.  White Tara came to be regarded as Shakti of Avalokiteshvara.  The system of worshipping her came to Nepal from Tibet where she holds a high position in Lamaism.  White Tara and Green Tara can be distinguished by their symbols.  The symbol of White Tara is a full-blown lotus while that of Green Tara is a water lily (utpala) with petals closed.  The former represents day and the latter, night.

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