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The Sri Yantra, Shri Yantra, or Shri Chakra (Sanskrit: श्री यन्त्र, IAST: śrī yantra) is a
form of mystical diagram (yantra) used in the Shri Vidya school of Hinduism. Comprising
nine interlocking triangles, it embodies complex symbolism. Four upward triangles
signify Shiva, while five downward triangles represent Shakti, encompassing the cosmic
and human realms around a central point called the bindu. This configuration is
sometimes termed the "Navayoni Chakra".[1]
The Sri Yantra holds great significance in the Shri Vidya school, central to its worship. It
symbolizes the union of masculine and feminine divine energies. The triangles, varying
in size, form 43 smaller triangles in concentric levels, mirroring the cosmos. The power
point (bindu) stands as the cosmic center, encompassed by concentric circles with lotus
petal patterns denoting creation and life force. These elements, set within an earth
square, depict a temple with doors to different regions of the universe.
In the Shri Vidya tradition, the Sri Yantra represents the core of devotion. Each triangle
and level is associated with specific aspects of divinity, culminating in a structure known
as the nava chakra. Its projection into three dimensions results in the Maha Meru,
symbolizing the philosophy of Kashmir Shaivism.
Appearance[edit]
In the 2009 issue of Brahmavidya (the journal of the Adyar Library), Subhash
Kak argues that the description of Shri Yantra is identical to the yantra described in
the Śrī Sūkta in the Rigveda.[2][how?]
The Sri Yantra's nine constituent triangles vary in size and shape and intersect to form
43 smaller triangles, organized in five concentric levels. Together they represent the
totality of the cosmos and express Advaita or non-duality. In the middle, the power point
(bindu) represents the cosmic center. The triangles are circumscribed by two concentric
circles composed of 8 and 16 petals, representing the lotus of creation and reproductive
vital force. The entire configuration is framed by the broken lines of an earth square,
representing a temple with four doors open onto the regions of the universe. [3][4]
Gallery[edit]
Shri Yantra in various forms
The Lalita Sahasranama in diagrammatic form, showing how its nine interlocking triangles form a
total of 43 smaller triangles.
Symbolism[edit]
See also[edit]
Loka
Mandala
Religious symbolism
Sacred geometry
References[edit]
1. ^ Jump up to:a b c d Shankaranarayanan, S. (1979). Sri Chakra (3rd ed.). Dipti Publications.
2. ^ "Subhash Kak Great Goddess Lalitā and the Śrī Cakra Brahmavidyā" (PDF). The Adyar
Library Bulletin. 72–73: 155–172. 2008–2009.
3. ^ Kuiper, K (2011). Understanding India: The Culture of India. Britannica Educational
Publishing. ISBN 9781615302031.
4. ^ "The geometrically exact Sri Yantra" (PDF). 10 December 2018.
5. ^ Jump up to:a b Khanna, Madhu (2005). "Yantra". In Jones, Lindsay (ed.). Gale's
Encyclopedia of Religion (Second ed.). Thomson Gale. pp. 9871–9872. ISBN 0-02-865997-
X.
6. ^ Kuiper, Kathleen, ed. (2010). The Culture of India. Britannica Educational Pub. ISBN 978-
1615301492.
7. ^ "Shri Varahi Devi". www.shivashakti.com.
8. ^ Kak, Subhash (2008–2009). "The Great Goddess Lalitā and the Śrī
Cakra" (PDF). Brahmavidyā: The Adyar Library Bulletin. 72–73: 155–172.