What is a Yantra?
The word Yantra directly translates in to a machine. But in tantric literature This is an amalgamation of various geometric figures. Geometry is an innate science of Hindu Ritual systems whether vedic or tantric. They are mostly implemented in tantra rituals. The sense of the word machine attributes to its works on the principle of sacred geometry. Our ancient science says that geometric shapes exert energy. Properly places geometric patterns contain energy, waiting to be empowered and harnessed.
1. What are different kinds ?
When we talk about Them, the most common are upward facing triangle and downward facing triangle. The normal triangle denotes Lord Shiva and downward facing triangle with a dot in the middle denotes Shakti or female power. Both mantra and yantra play important roles in Tantric worship. There are yantras for almost every diety like Kali yantra, Lakshmi yantra, Kubera Yantra, Hanuman Yantra, Yantras of all dasamaha vidyas and the list goes on. There exists for every purpose. Anything can be achieved by worshipping a yantra in proper way. The most powerful of all is said to be Sri Yantra or Sri Chakra or otherwise called as Meru Yantra. A tantric or a worshipper or a shadhaka or practitioner can invoke his or her favourite deity using a particular yantra along with mantra. A yantra has to be drawn only on copper or silver plates.
