In general, Mantra should be accompanied by Yantra in the process of worshipping a deity. One without the other is incomplete, and like Seed Mantras, Yantras are also deity specific and benefit the devotees in a similar manner. Here is, everything you need to know about yantras.
What is Yantra?
Physically speaking, Yantra is a structure composed of geometric shapes, mainly triangles, a square, a circle, lotus petal-shaped, and T-shaped figures. It could be drawn on a piece of paper or cloth, or carved on a slab of metal or rock. For temporary usages, it could also be drawn on the ground and erased over time. Yantras may also have Seed Mantras and numbers drawn/ inscribed on them, along with the shapes.
From a religious perspective, Yantra is a device that helps a devotee connect with a deity. Every deity has a Yantra associated with it, and it’s as per the deity that the Yantra is structured. It is used either as a supplement, alternative or addition to the traditional idol. Deities are worshipped to have our wishes fulfilled. Whether it’s personal meditative worship or a ceremony held at a grand scale, it is recommended to install a deity-specific Yantra, as it makes the process more effective and assuring.
Yantra is also said to resemble particular stars that appear on specific days like Laxmi Puja, Makar Sankranti, Holi, and so on. And it is on those very days that the Yantra is meant to be worshipped. For instance, Laxmi Yantra is identical to a particular star that appears on Laxmi Puja, and that’s when it’s meant to be worshipped.
How does Yantra Work?
When we meditate, in general, our mind starts resonating energy. The purpose of the Yantra is to help us resonate energy similar to that of the deity that we’re worshipping. Now, for the Yantra to help us, we need to meditate by focusing on it.
It is said that we achieve a greater level of understanding of the universe and the deity. We acquire supreme consciousness and enlightenment. It is said that the device itself radiates energy and is a passageway to the energy sources of the cosmic world. By helping the devotees connect to the deity, it helps them achieve whatever they wish.
Temporary and Permanent Installation of Yantra
Yantras are created for two purposes – either for temporary use in a ceremony or for a permanent installation in the house.
In a few sorts of rituals and ceremonies, Yantras are created to be used for a limited time period, after which they are discarded. For example, on the second day of worshipping Dhumavati, the Yantra is thrown into a river. These are usually drawn on leaves, cloth, paper, or even on the ground, depending on the ceremony.
However, some people tend to install it permanently in an auspicious part of the house, as it is said to have a positive impact on the life of the devotees. Such Yantras are inscribed on metals, esp. the expensive ones like gold and silver.
A ceremony is conducted for sure to activate the Yantra, where mantras concerning the particular deity are chanted, and certain other rituals are followed.
What do the Geometric Shapes in Yantra signify?
The Yantra is structured in such a way that it directs the focus of the devotee at its center. There are different types of yantras using different shapes. The following shapes form a Yantra.
Dot/ Hollow Space – A dot or a hollow space at the center of the Yantra signifies unity. It stands for the fact that everything that exists in the universe is actually one and the same.
Triangle/ Crossed Triangle – The dot/ hollow space is enclosed inside a single triangle or multiple crossed triangles, which represents energy. The triangle pointing downwards signifies feminine energy, and the one pointing upwards signifies masculine energy.
Circle – The circle outside the triangles represents the cosmic cycle. Time has no beginning or end; it is a continuous loop of events. From the nucleus of an atom to the biggest bodies in the universe, everything is a part of the cycle.
Lotus Petals – Outside the circle, there are shapes resembling petals of an opening lotus. The petals are pointed outside for a reason. It signifies the opening of our mind and the increase in our level of understanding.
Square – The Square represents the materialistic world that we live in, which makes us feel the sense of gain and loss, togetherness, and separation.
T-Shaped Figures – On each side of the square are T Shaped Figures that appear like doorways pointing on the inside. It symbolizes the fact that true happiness, achievement, and enlightenment is actually on the inside of us and not in the materialistic world. It’s also regarded as the doorway to the sacred world.
Different Types of Yantras
These days, different types of yantras are available in all sizes and forms. Yantras are inscribed on accessories like rings, lockets, bracelets, and so on. They are available in statue-like 3D structures. They are even carved on a metal frame and hanged on the wall. Experts suggest that as long as the geometric accuracy is maintained, it could be carved/ drawn on anything, no matter the size. And for the user to benefit from it, a ceremony needs to be organized to activate it.
There are four types of Yantras,
- Planetary Yantras – Used to Pacify Malefic Planets
- Deities Yantras – To get blessings
- Vastu Yantras – To Rectifying Vastu Doshas
- Maha Yantras – To get cosmic powers
In Conclusion
However, one very important thing that needs to be considered is the fact that only the people who choose to believe in the positive impacts of the Yantra are benefitted by it. Provided that they spend their time genuinely meditating and focusing on the Yantra. These are the people who are able to see beyond those geometric shapes and realize what they represent. The energy in a Yantra is exactly like the force of nature, no one can see it, but it still exists.