Yantra

In Sanskrit, the word “yantra” comes from the root word “yam,” which means “instrument” or “support,” and “tra,” derived from “trana,” meaning “release from bondage.” A yantra is an instrument or tool, for meditation and contemplation supports spiritual liberation. There are hundreds of yantra designs related to deities, principles, and planets. Used in ceremonies and rituals, yantra designs can be found on paper or bark, or created from flower petals, ash, and rice.

For mediation practices a yantra is embossed on a square copper plate electroplated with gold. The plates are then ritually “energized” by priests — meaning that the physical objected is “tuned” to a specific vibration or energy. Once energized, the yantra is viewed as a sacred object.

It is a geometric design that starts from the centre and includes various shapes representing different meanings like Triangles(Shiva/Fire), Circles(Air/Movement), Dots (Focal point/Main deity of the Yantra), Hexagons(Shakti), Octagons (8 Directions), Squares(Earth), Lines and Symbolic lotus petals(Purity). The outside often has a square representing the four cardinal directions, with doors.