yantra: Hindu Tantric Diagrams
IntroductionTranslation [Shri Shankaracarya], Saundaryalahari, prathamo bhagah, Anandalahari: The angles of your feet are transformed into four [angles] related to Shiva and five [angles] related to Shakti, which are distinct from those of Shiva, and thus into the nine primary forms of matter, as well as into forty-three [angles], eight-petals, sixteen-sides, three-folds and three-lines. || 11 || Kaivalyashrama, Saubhagyavardhani:
One should make a circle according to one's desire
One should make nine marks on this:
One who is skilled in this
One who is learned should then join these lines in order:
the ends of candra [Moon] in the middle of ketu [descending node],
the ends of mangala [Mars] in the middle of the circle,
the ends of budha [Mercury] in the middle of rahu [desc. n.],
the ends of guru [Jupiter] in the middle of bhauma [Mars],
the ends of shukra [Venus] in the middle of soma [Moon],
the ends of shani [Saturn] in the middle of the circle,
the ends of rahu [ascending node] in the middle of ravi [Sun],
the ends of ketu [desc. n.] in the middle of budha [Mercury]. || 5c-7 ||
[Thus] the best shri cakra is formed,
This dimensional variability utilized in the construction of Vedic altars is further developed in the proportional systems of yantras, the ritual diagrams of Tantric initiation and empowerment. As in the case of the tradition of Vedic altars mentioned above, there are many types of yantras. All yantras share the same basic scheme of enclosure, or "walls," although the representation within these walls varies depending upon the purpose of the yantra. In the case of the Shri Yantra, perhaps the most well known yantra, the central area is occupied by a pattern of nine interlocking triangles representing the goddess Shri.
Accurate calculation with precise lines
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Accurate calculation with imprecise lines
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Three dimensional yantras
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