Yantra : A Visual tool

Yantras a visual tool that serve either as centering devices or as symbolic compositions of the energy pattern of diety. Diety pervades both yantra and mantra, as there is a difference between mind and body, so there is between yantra and mantra. Yantra is the body or form of the deity (devata) whereas mantra is the mind consciousness.

Definition of Yantra

The Word Yantra is used in two or more ways in Sanskrit.  It comes from the root yam which means support or holds. Yantra means tool in Sanskrit. The First definition of Yantra which makes it beholder the essence of the energy of the deity, makes yantra a symbol, symbols are precise and crystallized means of expression, corresponding in essence to the inner life. Yantra as a tool is used to withdraw consciousness from the outer world and direct it to the inner world to help sadhak go beyond the normal framework of the mind to the altered state of consciousness known as turiya.

Grammar

Yantra is composed of Square on the outside with four projections forming a T structure, Circles, a row of lotus petals, and some triangular forms inside the lotus petals. Sometimes there are two triangles overlapping each other, making a six-pointed star. The Point: Bindu A point called Bindu is the most powerful yantra and holds a very significant position in the yantra and center of the drawing. The entire drawing is thus a projection around this center. Meditation or concentration on this point works as a uniting force and brings the mind toward abstract concentration which is used as a means to self-realization. The Circle     A Circle is an expansion of a point. The Point is the most condensed form of energy and the circle is its extension. The Triangle After the point and the circle, a triangle is the simplest form and is composed of three-line to make a pattern or form. In evolution, fire is the first element to have form and the triangle represents the fire element. Lotus Petal Lotus petal in a yantra usually appears inside a circle, which itself is inside a square- the bhupur. These lotus petals are known as Chandra mandala and the circle outside is known as Surya Mandala. Whenever this Surya Mandala is portrayed in lotus petals, the number of the petals is twelve, representing the twelve signs of the zodiac. The Chandra Mandala is shown with sixteen petals because the moon has sixteen Kalas.

Direction 

Unlike a map, a yantra has east at the top and west at the bottom, south at the right and north at the left. Each of the eight directions is ruled by gods and goddesses and the symbols of these energies are portrayed outside the bhupur.

Varieties of Yantras

Yantras that represent any form of the Divine mother is called Shakta Yantras. Ten forms of the Divine mother yantra (Dasmahavidya) come in Shakta yantras. Vaishnava Yantras are related to Vishnu and include Ram yantra, Vishnu yantra, Shri Gopal yantra, and hanuman yantra. Shaiva Yantras are related to Shiva and Shaiva – Bhairav yantra, Mahamritunjay, and mritsanjivni yantras Architectural yantras are used for the ground plan of temples and include Mandala yantras to engrave on the roof and Chatra Yantras on the top of the seat of the goddess. Astrological Yantra is used in working with the energy of the nine planets: sun, moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu. Numerical Yantras are composed not of basic geometrical forms but of numbers. Some of them are composed of squares and are used as a talisman.

Work of Yantras

Yantra performs all functions which are done by mantra and are more powerful as a centering device because it is based on fixed laws of geometry. With the help of mantras Pranapratishtha, the invoking of prana is necessary for a yantra or an idol is done. By Mantra the deity is installed in the yantra and this process is invocation or pranapratishtha. Yantras and the elements The Elements produce different effects in yantra sadhana. Any worship starting in a particular element enriches the sadhak with a character of the element. Earth gives stability, patience, inspiration, mental quietness, physical comforts, and success in sadhana. Water gives respect, Love, Satisfaction, knowledge, and alertness Fire gives excitement, a hurrying nature, obstacles, destructive tendencies, and mental problems. Air, if it suits the nature of aspirant, helps to achieve the desired goal, otherwise, it brings craziness, bad name, disrespect, ignorance, and nervousness Akasha increases spiritual elements, love of knowledge, and spirituality. It opens the mind to receive knowledge and increases intuition. The best element of yantra and mantra sadhana is earth and the second best is water. The fire should only be used for hard tasks, however, Akash is good.