Yantra, 4 Definition(s)
Introduction
Yantra means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. 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
Āyurveda (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).
Source: Google Books: Exploring Mantric Ayurveda
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.
Rasaśāstra (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.
Source: Academia.edu: Ayurveda and Pharmaceutics (rasashastra)
Rasaśāstra (रसशास्त्र, rasa-shastra) is an important branch of Āyurveda, specialising in chemical interactions with herbs, metals and minerals. Some texts combine yogic and tantric practices with various alchemical operations. The ultimate goal of Rasaśāstra is not only to preserve and prolong life, but also to bestow wealth upon humankind.
Purāṇa
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.
The Purāṇas (पुराण, purana) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahāpurāṇas total over 400,000 ślokas (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.
Source: Hindupedia: The Hindu EncyclopediaRelevant definitions
Search found 39 related definition(s) that might help you understand this better. Below you will find the 15 most relevant articles:
| Dolayantra |
Dolāyantra (दोलायन्त्र).—A type of specialized instrument used in an alchemical labora... | |
| Tiryakpatanayantra |
Tiryakpātanayantra (तिर्यक्पातनयन्त्र) is an instrument prepared for distillation of Parada ... | |
| Damaruyantra |
Ḍamarūyantra (डमरूयन्त्र) is a contravenes of shape resembling Ḍamarū for sublimation prepar... | |
| Dhurvabhramayantra |
Dhurvabhramayantra (धुर्वभ्रमयन्त्र):—The Dhurvabhrama-yantra is an oblong (āyata-catu... | |
| Radhayantra |
Rādhāyantra (राधायन्त्र):—In the Amanaska Yoga (chapter 2), the Śāmbhavī-mudrā and ano... | |
| Patanayantra |
Pātanayantra (पातनयन्त्र).—A type of specialized instrument used in an alchemical labo... | |
| Dharayantra |
Dharāyantra (धरायन्त्र):—The name for a yogic practice similar to ‘Rādhāyantra&r... | |
| Urdhvapatanayantra |
Ūrdhvapātanayantra (ऊर्ध्वपातनयन्त्र):—The Sanskrit name for an alchemical apparatus u... | |
| Svedaniyantra |
Svedanīyantra (स्वेदनीयन्त्र).—A type of specialized instrument used in an alchemical ... | |
| Musayantra |
Mūsayantra (मूसयन्त्र).—A type of specialized instrument used in an alchemical laborat... | |
| Koshthiyantra |
Koṣṭhiyantra (कोष्ठियन्त्र).—A type of specialized instrument used in an alchemical la... | |
| Yantramurti |
Yantramūrti (यन्त्रमूर्ति):—One of the three forms a deity can manifest itself in.
| |
| Khalvayantra |
Khalvayantra (खल्वयन्त्र):—It is an instrument made up of good quality of stone in dif... | |
| Darvikayantra |
A simple iron ladle with a long handle is known as Dārvikayantra.
| |
| Valukayantra |
Vālukayantra (sand apparatus): A wide mouth earthen vessel is punctured at its bottom to for... |
Relevant text
Search found books containing Yantra. You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Sushruta Samhita, volume 1: Sutrasthana (by Sushruta)
Rasa Jala Nidhi (by Bhudeb Mookerjee)
Part 7 - Mercurial operations (5): Sublimation of Mercury (patana) < [Chapter IV - Mercurial operations]
Part 6 - Mercurial operations (4): Raising of Mercury (utthapana) < [Chapter IV - Mercurial operations]
Part 8 - Mercurial operations (6): Confinement of Mercury (rodhana) < [Chapter IV - Mercurial operations]
Devi Bhagavata Purana (by Swami Vijñanananda)
Chapter 34 - On the methods of the worship of the Devī < [Book 5]
Chapter 50 - On the Glory of Śakti < [Book 9]
Chapter 3 - On seeing the Devī < [Book 3]
The Great Chariot (by Longchenpa)
Part 2 - Cutting the root of mind < [D. Abandoning]
Bodhisattva-caryāvatāra (by Śāntideva)
Text Sections 276-277 / Stanza 23 < [Khenpo Chöga’s Oral Explanations]
- Was this explanation helpufll? Leave a comment:
Make this page a better place for research and define the term yourself in your own words.