In Tibetan Buddhism, the female protector deity who rides a mule and is known as the “Glorious Goddess” is Palden Lhamo.
Palden Lhamo, also called Shri Devi, is a wrathful female dharmapala and the principal protectress of Tibet. She is especially associated with the Dalai Lamas and the Gelug tradition. Her name translates roughly as “Glorious Goddess,” although it can refer to a range of related wrathful female protector forms.
Traditional Tibetan images show her deep blue, riding side-saddle on a white mule across a sea of blood. She may carry a skull cup and appear with red hair, three eyes, flaming surroundings, and other symbols of fierce protection. The mule’s unusual eye on its rump comes from a legend in which an angry husband shot the animal after Palden Lhamo killed their son, who was destined to oppose Buddhism.
Palden Lhamo is sometimes confused with Simhamukha, the lion-headed dakini who may appear in her retinue, or with Tara, a major female Buddha associated more often with compassionate activity. Her distinctive mule mount is the key identifying feature.