Not many in the West are familiar with the word "yantra". Modem scholars of ancient Egypt refer to it as "sacred geometry". Many more will have heard of "mandala" the Tibetan form of yantra.

These particular shapes and figures have often been picked up and used commercially as poster prints which people place on their walls for decoration, not having the slightest idea of the intent of such a diagram. Many ancient Vedic yantras, which are the oldest known, such as the concentric expanding diagram of "Sri Yantra" are mistakenly referred to as "mandalas" by the so-called "new-age" community.

Yantra is the ultimate "symbology". In the Vedic culture we find much power and energy said to be held within sacred geometric symbols. They are to be found throughout sacred scriptures, carved in stone, hidden within paintings and in temples.

All ancient cultures had sacred geometric designs representative of their Gods, which had a mantra (or sacred sound vibration) that corresponded to it. The Indians, Egyptians, Jews, Chinese, and Mayans all had systems of "planetary yantras" used to combat malefic influences.

The swastika is probably the most well known of yantras, only because it was used as a Nazi symbol during the 2nd World War. Actually an ancient, holy symbol found in temples all over the east, seen in paintings and carved into the temples and thrones for deities of Lord Ganesh (the elephant-headed god of prosperity said to remove impediments and obstacles from the path of human endeavour). Hitler actually drew the symbol improperly and, although it looks like the original to the untrained eye at a glance, it is wrong and had no potency. The swastika is also found in American Indian culture, linking the two ancient cultures back in the mists of time.

Yantras are not "lucky charms" to be worn or displayed as icons of power in and of themselves. Much specific knowledge and ability must go into their preparation and much dedication and worship is required to achieve the desired effects.

Yantra means a Mystical "diagram", "talisman", or "instrument" which, if prepared and created by a qualified "Tantric" (one qualified in the knowledge and practice of Tantra) as well as utilized under their specific instructions for fruitful results, will help to gain the objector objects of desire or ambition. Yantras are used in worship (puja) and can also be an effective instrument used towards the aim of self-realization. The Vedic scriptures speak of them as worshipable and they were used by the ancient saints, seers, and rishis.

The physical manifestation of the yantra itself is generally drawn or etched into metal, be it gold, silver, bronze, copper, lead, or stainless steel, and paper is sometimes used for their inscription. To constantly increase its effectiveness the user must perform certain worship and regularly chant the prescribed mantras. Sincerity of heart is a basic principle necessary for the results to be realized.

Yantras and mantras are connected together as for each yantra there is a corresponding mantra that must be used with it. They are also representative of different deities from different demigods all the way up to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Krishna, or Lord Vishnu. There is also a definite relationship between them and the material elements of earth, water, fire, air and ether, spoken about in Ayurveda. By proper prayers, worship, and perfect recitation of specific mantras the material elements, or material nature, may be induced to move in a way the practitioner desires. This is not magic, nor trickery, but a highly evolved and developed science for exercising some control in this regard.

The different planets in our solar system have different effects on our daily lives here on earth and there are yantras for each planet which, when properly installed and worshipped, allow the aspirant to ward off certain malefic effects. This is the reason why a qualified Vedic astrologer recommends mantras, yantras, or gemstones as a remedial measure to their clients. Properly utilized they are capable of making an inauspicious planetary influence less troublesome or to negate the effect altogether. Besides countering negative effects we also desire to increase the planets' beneficial aspects in our lives by the use of these ancient tools.

Types of Yantras

* Bhu Prisht Yantras: Bhu means Earth and Bhu Devi is the name of Mother Earth. Accordingly they are made from materials found within the earth, as the name implies. There are two subdivisions. The first is raised yantras which include the bija mantras and vern mantras. The second is carved yantras.

* Meru Prisht Yantras: Raised, with a wide base, thinner midsection and peaked top in the shape of a mountain.

* Patel Yantras: Carved, in the shape of an inverted mountain, making it the opposite of the Meru Prisht yantra.

* Meru Parastar Yantras: These are of the "Meru" mountain shape, but cut, rather than raised.

* Ruram Prisht Yantras: Have tortoise shell tops on a rectangular base.

These five types of yantras are classed according to the different puja (worship) conducted. Each has a separate and distinct purpose to gain a particular objective for the aspirant. Some yantras are worshipped in temples, some worshipped by individuals at home and some are worn on the body (usually of triangular or rectangular shape) either around the neck, the arms, or kept close to the body in another location. According to how the yantras are used they are further classified into seven divisions, as follows:

* Sharir Yantras: There are seven of these yantras, one for each of the "chakras" . They are worn on the body and each has its own mantras. Chanting these mantras bestows various benefits to the aspirant.

* Dharan Yantras: These yantras are also worn on the body and include particular rituals producing different results.

* Asana Yantras: These yantras are positioned under the asana (sitting place) during puja. They are said to bear their fruit more quickly than other yantras and therefore are generally placed under the foundations of homes and temple s sometimes even under the worshipped deity of the home or temple, to bring the favorable results in a fairly short span of time.

* Mandala Yantras: These yantras are created using nine people to participate in the puja. They arrange their sitting places in the form of the yantra. One participant sits in the center, another to the north, north-east, east, south-east, south, south west, west and one north-west. The aspirant in the center position offers the puja of the " Ishat" mantra and the eight others also chant individual specific mantras at the same time.

* Puja Yantras: These yantras are installed, whether in temples or individuals' homes, while puja is taking place. There are different yantras to serve various desires. They may be for different religious deity worship, or for the different planets in our solar system. The worship and installation of these yantras is of five basic steps:

1) Before the performance of the puja, the yantras are installed as icons, or worshipable deities. The yantras are drawn numerically and while offering the puja, the names of the respective "devas" (according to the numbers) are chanted throughout the mantras.
2) In the center of the yantra is written the name of the particular deva being worshipped, then the puja is performed.
3) Either the first word of the mantra, the bija mantra, or the full mantra is written while preparing the yantra itself.
4) A carving, painting, or photograph of the deva and worshipable deity is attached to the yantra before beginning the puja.
3) Full-color pictures of deva or worshipable deity are applied to the yantra.

* Chatar Yantras: These yantras are not placed upon the body, but kept in the pocket, or under a turban (or hat).

* Darshan Yantras: These yantras are generally found in temples. ' Darshan' means to take advantage of the association with a deity or other representative form of God, or His devotee. It is said that if an aspirant sees them during the morning hours, they will be benefic in awarding success. These are greatly "purified' yantras and are installed in great historic temples such as the temple of "Lord Jagannath, Balarama and Subhadra" in Jagannath Puri (also called Puri).