Yantra literally means vehicle. It is a
three dimensional model made by the application of sacred geometry designs and is found in a two dimensionl model in the form of imprints on a copper or silver plate. It is fruitful only when energised by a 'sidh mantra' given by the Guru. The preparation of yantra is difficult process as there are many prescribed steps and rituals that have to be followed exactly.
A bindu or zero is used to form various broad figures known as 'Yantras'. A dot (.) in the cryptography of yantra symbolizes absoluteness, completeness. In terms of the manifestation of Nature in the universe, it is a symbol of the nucleus of cosmic energy and hence represents the power-source of all activities and motion. Its spiritual implication is pure knowledge, enlightenment, and ultimate realization. The expansions of a dot in circular forms, in a yantra, symbolize related expressions in varied forms. Combining the dots results in a triangle. Different lengths of the straight lines joining the dots, different angles between them, and the different triangular and other shapes generated thereby together with free dots, circles, straight, curvilinear, convergent, and divergent lines are the basic features/components of the structure of a yantra. A dot has no direction and hence is indefinable, just like the cosmic force. It stands for Advaita. A straight line divides the surface into two parts. It is symbolic of duality. A circle represents the human mind that is shut to the outside world. It also is a symbol of protection. The upward triangle represents the male genital and is hence used for masculine forces. The downward triangle represents the womb and is hence used for feminine forces. A combination of these i.e. the six point star symbolizes union and is called a Guru Yantra. A square represents the physical body that is rigid. it also represents the four directions. The petals are used as a representation of chakras and different frequencies that are to b summoned through the yantra. the number of petals used is extremely important. also, geometrical accuracy plays a great role.
Yantras can be of a physical form or energy form; both may function a little differently, but they do function towards the same goal. Temples were powerful yantras that the whole town could benefit from. They were built where the magnetic energy of the earth was favourable. Most temples have a yantra of the chief deity of the temple to amplify the magnetic energy of the earth in co ordination with the energy emitted by the deity.
Everything that exists in the cosmos has some size and structure - perceivable or conceptualized - in subliminal, astronomical or intermediate dimensions. Even the invisible subtle entities have 'shapes' which could be 'seen' through mental eyes. The sagacious minds of the Vedic Age had deeper insight to 'see' the invisible or sublime elements of nature and express them in a universal language of symbols. They had thus invented a coding system of symbols, signs and alphabets (including digits) to represent the syllables of the seed mantras associated with the sublime fields of divine powers (devatas), natural tendencies of consciousness, emotional impulses in a being, etc; and the five basic elements(pancha-tatvas), their etheric vibrations and energy fields, and the states and motions of the enormous varieties of sub-atomic, atomic, and molecular structures generated thereby. Specific configurations of these codes were then incorporated in different yantras. Thus, by meditating on the yantras, and using particular mantras to invoke their potencies, would also awake higher powers within the mind and consciousness of the sadhaka, or practitioner, if done properly...
