In Hinduism, the goddess Tara; meaning "One who protects", is the second of the Dasa (ten) Mahavidyas or "Great Wisdom [goddesses]", and is a form of Shakti (primeval energy in female form). Tantric manifestations of Durga or Mahadevi, or Parvati. The word 'Tara', and also 'Tarini' (another popular name of the goddess) have been derived from the Sanskrit root syllable 'tAr', signifying protection. In many other contemporary Indian languages, the word 'tara' also means star.