Yantra

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For other uses, see Yantra (disambiguation).

Sri Yantra by Harish Johari using traditional colors

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Yantra (यन्त्र) (Sanskrit) (literally "machine, contraption"[1]) is a mystical diagram, mainly from

the Tantric traditions of the Indian religions. They are used for the worship of deities in temples or
at home; as an aid in meditation; used for the benefits given by their supposed occult powers
based on Hindu astrology and tantric texts. They are also used for adornment of temple floors,
due mainly to their aesthetic and symmetric qualities. Specific yantras are traditionally associated
with specific deities.
Representations of the yantra in India have been considered to date back to 11,000-10,000
years BP.[1] The Baghor stone, found in an upper-paleolithic context in the Son River valley, is
considered the earliest example[2] by G.R. Sharma, who was involved in the excavation of the
stone (it was dated to 25,000 - 20,000 B.P.). The triangular-shaped stone, which includes
triangular engravings on one side, was found daubed in ochre, in what was considered a site
related to worship. Worship of goddesses in that region was found to be practiced in a similar
manner to the present day.[3] Kenoyer, who was also involved in the excavation, considered it to
be associated with Shakti.[4]
In Rigvedic Sanskrit, it meant an instrument for restraining or fastening, a prop, support or
barrier, etymologically from the root yam "to sustain, support" and the -tra suffix expressing
instruments. The literal meaning is still evident in the medical terminology of Sushruta, where the
term refers to blunt surgical instruments such as tweezers or a vice. The meaning of "mystical or
occult diagram" arises in the medieval period (Kathasaritsagara, Pancharatra).[5]
Madhu Khanna in linking mantra, yantra, deva, and thought forms states:
Mantras, the Sanskrit syllables inscribed on yantras, are essentially "thought forms" representing
divinities or cosmic powers, which exert their influence by means of sound-vibrations. [6]