Yantra; 11 Definition(s)

Introduction

Yantra means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit, the history of ancient India, Marathi. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Hinduism

Ayurveda (science of life)

Yantras or the geomentrical symbols for the mantras can be used along with mantras and also to empower the gemstone, for both the Deity and Planet which gives them a better energy (one can place the sones on an energised yantra for empowering gemstones for healing).

context information

Āyurveda (आयुर्वेद, ayurveda) is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Āyurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

Rasashastra (chemistry and alchemy)

Yantra.—The production of herbo-mineral or mineral medicines needs immense power that cannot be generated by hitherto techniques. Therefore, the ayurvedic physicians have devised special yantras that generate immense heat to treat the minerals at high temperatures. Yantra is an appliance or mechanical contrivance that helps ‘purify’ raw minerals and formulate medicines of bio-mineral or mineral substances. Tens of varieties of yantras were described in the medieval ayurvedic texts. These yantras are made out of simple earthen ware, but subjected to intense heat during few days. The mercury and other alchemical products that are bound within the yantras undergo metamorphosis under duress and yield final product in very fine form.

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Rasashastra (रसशास्त्र, rasaśāstra) is an important branch of Ayurveda, specialising in chemical interactions with herbs, metals and minerals. Some texts combine yogic and tantric practices with various alchemical operations. The ultimate goal of Rasashastra is not only to preserve and prolong life, but also to bestow wealth upon humankind.

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Yantra (यन्त्र) refers to a type of ritualistic worship, as mentioned in the Śivapurāṇa 1.10. The rites of worship are performed in accompaniment with Tantra, Yantra and Mantra appliances. Yantra is a mystical diagram possessed of occult powers. Tantra is a ritual, the chief peculiarity of which is the worship of the female energy of Śiva. personified in the person of his Śakti. This special energy, the Śakti of Śiva is concerned with sexual intercourse and magic power. Mantra is a magical formula.

Yantra (यन्त्र).—A mechanical contrivance used by Tvaṣṭā to diminish the tejas of the sun; the surplus tejas became Viṣṇu's cakra, Rudra's trident and Indra's thunder bolt.^*

• * Matsya-purāṇa 11. 27-9.

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The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

General definition (in Hinduism)

One of the three parts of the agamas. Yantra in general, is a contrivance inspired by the power of a mantra. In many cases it is a geometric shape, carved on a metal plate or stone or crystal or floor. In case of Śrī-Vidyā, it is Śrī Cakra.

In Buddhism

General definition (in Buddhism)

Yantra (यन्त्र) refers to “graphic symbols” and represent some of the earliest extant examples of ancient Indian miniature paintings.—Buddhist yantras, graphic symbols which were visual aids to the mantras and the dhāraṇīs (types of ritual speech). Conforming to the canons of iconography, these Buddhist miniatures portray Buddhist deities such as Prajñāpāramitā, who, as the mother of all the Buddhas, was the personification of esoteric knowledge. The Buddhist paintings were drawn in red and white, forming colour planes.

India history and geogprahy

Yantra.—(SITI), a mechanical contrivance, as for diverting water. (HA), a mystic diagram. Note: yantra is defined in the “Indian epigraphical glossary” as it can be found on ancient inscriptions commonly written in Sanskrit, Prakrit or Dravidian languages.

context information

The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

Languages of India and abroad

Marathi-English dictionary

yantra (यंत्र).—n (S) An engine or a machine in general; any apparatus or implement. 2 A plate or paper on which are written the names of certain deities &c., and which is worshiped, or suspended around the neck (for the accomplishment of some desire or purpose). 3 A diagram of a mystical nature or astrological character.

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yantra (यंत्र) [or यंत्रमंत्र लावणें -मांडणें -चालविणें -करणें, yantramantra lāvaṇēṃ -māṇḍaṇēṃ -cālaviṇēṃ -karaṇēṃ].—with bhōvatāṃ or barōbara or śīṃ of o. To make machinations or fabrications against.

yantra (यंत्र).—n An engine, a machine. A diagram of a mystical nature.

Sanskrit-English dictionary

Yantra (यन्त्र).—[yantr-ac]

1) That which restrains or fastens, any prop or support, a stay; as in गृहयन्त्र (gṛhayantra) (see the quotation under this word.).

2) A fetter, band, fastening, tie, thong, rein; छेदने चैव यन्त्राणाम् (chedane caiva yantrāṇām) Ms.8.292.

3) A surgical instrument, especially a blunt instrument (opp. śastra).

4) Any instrument or machine, an appliance, a contrivance, implement in general; कूपयन्त्र (kūpayantra) Mk.1.6 'a machine for drawing up water from a well'; so तैल° (taila°) (cf. yantraṃ tilapīḍanakam Chandu Paṇdita on N.1.6;22.87); जल° (jala°) &c.

5) A bolt, lock, key; यन्त्रैरुद्घाटयामास सोऽपश्यत् तत्र बालकम् (yantrairudghāṭayāmāsa so'paśyat tatra bālakam) Mb.3.39.6.

6) Restraint, force.

7) An amulet, a mystical or astronomical diagram used as an amulet.

8) A boring machine; दन्तौघयन्त्रोद्भवश्वभ्राली (dantaughayantrodbhavaśvabhrālī) N.22.15.

Derivable forms: yantram (यन्त्रम्).

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