Last Updated on December 25, 2022 by Avia

Yantra Mandala Meanings

Symbolic Yantra Mandala Meanings

What are yantra mandalas?

A yantra is a visual mantra (a verbal repetition – usually a positive affirmation). It is a symbol or icon – particularly of a goddess (devi) in geometric form.

The word mandala means a circle and is viewed as sacred, normally allowing the observer to settle into a higher or heightened state of awareness.

Given this, a yantra mandala may be considered to be a geometric embodiment of a Hindu deity enveloped in a sacred circle. Such an embodiment is said to arouse our awareness and point our concentration to the attributes of whichever deity represented in the yantra.

Yantra Mandala Meanings

How Does a Yantra Mandala work?

When we focus upon a yantra mandala, the mind begins to resonate with the energy relevant to the particular deity. As the mind tunes in, or resonates to these energies higher awareness or consciousness is said to be obtained – thus yantra mandalas are seen as an avenue of higher understanding or enlightenment. This is not gained from the yantra mandala itself. Rather, this is simply a vehicle or tool for higher awareness.

For a full explanation and other definitions, please go to my yantra mandala meanings and definition page here.

Casting complexities aside – yantras are undeniably beautiful to the sight, pleasing to the senses, and engrossing to the mind. Further, a yantra mandala sets the intention of allowing beauty into our lives, and secures our thoughts upon the characteristics of the according deity. These yantras are ancient symbols of power to the beholder, and provide unlimited potential.

“We should learn to see everyday life as a mandala – the luminous fringes of experience which radiate spontaneously from the empty nature of our being. The aspects of our mandala are the day-to-day objects of our life experience moving in the dance or play of the universe.”
~ Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

Yantra Mandalas in Hinduism

Hindu theology is incredibly diverse and intricate. This aspect of Hindu belief is no exception, and the descriptions of the deities represented below are merely brief summaries. This page is primarily an emphasis on the exotic beauty hat these yantras can bring to our lives.

Bear in mind a deeper philosophical and theological understanding of the vast Hindu system must be obtained through personal study and individual perspective.

Common Yantra Mandalas and their Meanings

All that said, I have provided the following common yantra mandala meanings for pleasure and enlightenment.

Dhumavati

Dhumavati Yantra:
Beholder of Smoke, her persona is deceptive. To those who only see her outward appearance, Dhumavati is fearsome and without beauty. To those who look deeper, and beyond the superficial, she bestows powerful blessings with her right hand and represents the divine mother. Dhumavati is the seventh of the Mahavidyas. Focus upon this yantra will aid in dispelling false perceptions, and seeing the beauty in ugly situations.

Durga

Durga Yantra:
Durga was created as a warrior goddess to fight the demon Mahisashur who could not be defeated by god or man. Allegorically, she slays the damaging misconceptions we hold, offering us clarity of mind and spirit. The Durga Yantra assists in the focus upon the qualities of Durga, facilitating strength, feminine energy, creative consciousness.

Ganesh

Ganesh Yantra Mandala Meanings:
The Ganesh Yantra is a good focal point for good luck and success in new ventures. Ganesha is viewed as the remover of obstacles. Meditate upon this yantra when you perceive roadblocks in your life – spiritual or physical. When you need direction or you need the rivers of abundance or creativity to flow, concentration upon the blockage-stopping energy of the Ganesh yantra will help get the flow going again.

Kali

Kali Yantra:
Kali represents destruction and creation and is an aspect of the Hindu Divine Mother. The Kali Yantra invites the observer to go about the business of manifestation as playtime. Kali keeps evil at bay as we focus upon our creative powers, and live in the joy of creating the lives that bring happiness to ourselves and those around us. When focused upon, the Kali Yantra is said to speed spiritual transformation and allows for a quick resolution to problems.

Lakshmi

Lakshmi Yantra Meaning:
Lakshmi is the Hindu goddess representative of fortune, light, luck, and beauty. She herself is beautiful and benevolent. Associated with the lotus, her yantra facilitates spiritual progress, enlightenment, and overcoming internal discourse. When focused upon, the Lakshmi energies are engaged and said to expedite abundant wealth, harmony, and tranquility to our lives.

Shri

Shri Yantra Mandala MEanings:
Also known as the Cosmic Yantra, the Sri or Shri Yantra Mandala is the most popular of the Hindu Mahavidya Yantras. The Shri Yantra is a symbol of Tripurasundari, the supreme goddess of the tantric sect of Shri Vidya. The Shri Vidya is the symbol (yantra) of nine intersecting triangles within a ‘circle’ or lotus and is an interpretation of dynamic female energy intersecting vibrant male energy.

Basic Symbols Found in Yantra Mandalas

What do all these yantra mandalas have in common? Several very basic shapes. It’s a good practice to familiarize ourselves with these foundational symbol meanings in order to enhance our understanding of more complex symbols such as yantras and mandalas.

At least, that’s my suggestion because in my own personal experience – learning the fundamental elements of a symbol first allows me to build an understanding of more intricate symbolic combinations. With that in mind, here are links to basic symbols found in each mandala…

I hope you have enjoyed these thoughts on the symbolism of yantra mandalas. Be sure to check out the links at the end of this page for more symbolic insights. Thanks for reading!

Mighty brightly,