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TheSri Yantra,Shri Yantra, orShri Chakra (Sanskrit: श्री यन्त्र,IAST: śrī yantra) is a form of mystical diagram (yantra) used in theShri Vidya school ofHinduism. Traditions associate the first known drawings of the complex yantra with the figure of Adiśaṃkarācārya mention that the earliest examples of yantras date back to 11,000–10,000 BCE. Comprising nine interlocking triangles, it embodies complex symbolism. Four upward triangles signifyShiva, while five downward triangles representShakti, 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 theShri 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 theMount Meru, symbolizing the philosophy ofKashmir Shaivism.
In the 2009 issue of Brahmavidya (the journal of theAdyar Library),Subhash Kak argues that the description of Shri Yantra is identical to theyantra described in theŚrī Sūkta in theRigveda.[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 expressAdvaita ornon-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 thelotus 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]
In theShri Vidya school ofHindu tantra, the Sri Yantra ("sacredinstrument"), also Sri Chakra is a diagram formed by nine interlocking triangles that surround and radiate out from the central (bindu) point. The Sri Yantra is the object of devotion in Sri Vidya.[5]
The worship of the Sri Yantra is central to the Shri Vidya system of Hindu worship. The four upward-pointingisosceles triangles represent the Goddess's masculine embodimentShiva, while the five downward-pointing triangles symbolize the female embodimentShakti.[5] Thus, the Sri Yantra also represents the union of Masculine and Feminine Divine. Because it is composed of nine triangles, it is known as theNavayoni Chakra.[1]
These nine triangles are of various sizes and intersect with one another. In the middle is the power point (bindu), visualizing the highest, the invisible, elusive centre from which the entire figure and the cosmos expand. The triangles are enclosed by two rows of (8 and 16) petals, representing the lotus of creation and reproductive vital force. The broken lines of the outer frame denote the figure to be a sanctuary with four openings to the regions of the universe.[6]
Together the nine triangles are interlaced in such a way as to form 43 smaller triangles in a web symbolic of the entire cosmos or a womb symbolic of creation. The 12 and 15 sides of the four upward and five downward triangles also correspondingly symbolise, on the physical plane, the 12 sidereal zodiac signs of the Sun and 15 'nityas' phase-signs of the Moon.[7] This is surrounded by a lotus of eight petals, a lotus of sixteen petals, and an earth square resembling a temple with four doors.[1]
The Sri Yantra is also known as thenava chakra because it can also be seen as having nine levels. "Nine" comes from" Nava" ofSanskrit. Each level corresponds to amudra, ayogini, and a specific form of the Deity Tripura Sundari along with hermantra. These levels starting from the outside or bottom layer are:[1]
The two-dimensional Sri Chakra, when it is projected into three dimensions is called a Maha Meru (Mount Meru). The Sri Yantra is the symbol ofHindu tantra, which is based on theHindu philosophy ofKashmir Shaivism. The Sri Yantra is the object of devotion inShri Vidya.
In a recent issue of Brahmavidya, the journal of theAdyar Library,Subhash Kak argues that the description of Sri Yantra is identical to the yantra described in theŚvetāśvatara Upanisad.[8]
The Sri Yantra is at the heart ofShri Vidya practice, representing the geometric manifestation of the formless Tripurasundari. Both theLalita Sahasranama andTripura Rahasya[9] emphasize that while Tripurasundari is formless in her divine essence, she is worshipped through the Sri Yantra, which symbolizes her cosmic energy, and the Panchadashakshari Mantra (the 15-syllabledmantra), which invokes her presence.[10] Together, the Yantra and Mantra serve as the central tools for connecting with and realizing the supreme goddess inShri Vidya.[11]
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