The Art of Sacred Geometry: Mandalas, Yantras, and Cosmic Order

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By Zeel Sundhani

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    Sacred geometry is the use of certain geometric shapes and ratios that are believed to be sacred or divine, connected to the cosmic order. These forms are believed to be the foundation for cosmic harmony, symbolising order and unity in the universe. Some of the most well-known motifs of sacred geometry include mandalas and yantras, spoken of in ancient literary sources like the Vedas and Upanishads, especially the Atharva Veda, and other later texts, especially Shaiva, Buddhist and Tantric texts, as well as in secular texts on geometry.

    Mandala

    According to the Shaiva Tantra, The mandala is a diagram that represents a potent centre of psychic energy, a consecrated enclosed space from the profane by barricades of magical figures of any "guardians” of doors. The various marked spaces within the mandala represent the

    heavenly or terrestrial abodes of deities, such as places, altars, temples, citadels, figures of consecrated objects etc., and contain their images or emblems. The mandala is generally drawn on the ground on plane surfaces of different things as well as directly on the worshipper's body. Those who have got the necessary powers of concentration frequently build up mandalas mentally. Then there is a chanting of mantras to invoke the various deities, marking changes on the mandala. 

    The mandala, meaning circle in Sanskrit, as a geometric shape, is believed to emerge from its centre point, the bindu. When the bindu undergoes vigorous vibrations due to energy, it gains momentum, causing energy waves to travel to various directions in the form of light, sound and heat. This leads to the formation of straight lines, then of triangles, squares, circles and eventually spheres, also known as mandalas. Thus the bindu, or the central point is a form of unmanifested energy, whereas the mandala is an expanded form of the energy manifested, making it a hidden universal energy source, like the universe hidden inside an atom. 

    According to Buddhist philosophy, a mandala is a sacred, symbolic diagram that represents the universe, the path to nirvana or enlightenment, and the pure realm of enlightened beings. It is more than just a visual design, it is like a spiritual map that is used in meditation and ritual to guide practitioners inward toward liberation and awakening. The mandala is usually centered around a deity - one of the five Dhyani Buddhas or Bodhisattvas, symbolizing the source of wisdom or enlightenment. These mandalas typically depict a square with four gates, enclosed in a circle, symbolizing the merging of earthly and cosmic realms. The design includes elements like lotus petals, palaces, and directional guardians.

    Taking the example of the below mandala of Vairochana Buddha. At the heart of this mandala is the central figure of Vairochana Buddha, symbolizing the essence of enlightenment and the unifying principle of all Buddhas.  Vairocana sits at the center of the Five Buddha mandala, with the other Dhyani Buddhas (Akshobhya, Ratnasambhava, Amitabha, Amoghasiddhi) placed at the cardinal points. The intricate circular formations radiate outward, adorned with lotus petals, geometric motifs, and smaller Buddhas seated in meditation, representing different aspects of spiritual wisdom.Each quadrant within the mandala is filled with smaller circles, each containing sacred symbols and deities that narrate a cosmic story. Surrounding the primary mandala are four secondary mandalas in each direction. The outer frame is filled with guardians, animals, and mythological beings, symbolizing layers of cosmic protection.

    The Grand Mandala of Vairochana Buddha by Baaya

    Mandalas reflect the core principles of sacred geometry, using circles, symmetry and mathematical patterns to symbolize cosmic order and spiritual harmony. Circles represent eternity, the cycle of life and the universe, while symmetrical, repetitive patterns create a sense of balance and inner calm, making mandalas effective tools for meditation.

    Geometric principles are often used to mirror the natural growth patterns found in the universe, reinforcing the mandala’s connection to cosmic structure. Mandalas also incorporate various spiritual symbols and cultural imagery, such as deities, nature elements and sacred icons, which personalize the mandala and deepen its spiritual significance. 

    Many Indian art forms have adopted the theme of Mandalas, adding their own styles, motifs and charm to it, making them an effective tool for relaxation.

    A mandala functions as both a receiver and transmitter of energy. It possesses the power to move, centralize and transform hidden energies, acting as a bridge between internal and external forces. It is believed that whenever someone or something enters its sphere, the mandala influences them by channeling its own energy into them while also awakening the latent power within. It is considered a self-empowered spiritual tool that operates on all levels of existence - mental, emotional, physical and spiritual.

    Through its structure, a mandala facilitates the emergence of positive energy, good intention, emotional balance and harmony. Mandalas are often described as a psycho-cosmogram, a symbolic representation of the universe and the psyche combined.

    In tantrism the mandala is often a specialized figure referred to as a yantra, "instrument" or "engine”. The difference between a mandala and a yantra consists in the fact that the first is the diagram of a complex process of self-realization represented dynamically, while the

    latter is the diagram of a particular thought. Both of them discharge the same function of supporting the concentration.

    Yantra

    Yantra in Sanskrit refers to an instrument or tool. They are like a metaphysical device, comprising of many elements like a Bindu or dot, which is the central point representing the source, unity or the absolute cosmic energy known as the Brahman. It is the nucleus of consciousness and potential. The Bindu is also the confluence of duality, embodying the harmonious union of Shiva and Shakti, the male and female divine principles.

    Triangles, also known as trikona, are also elements of yantras, where upward-pointing triangles represent Shiva, the masculine energy and downward-pointing triangles represent Shakti, the feminine energy. Thus, the interlocking triangles symbolize the union of divine masculine and feminine, representing creation. The eight interlocking triangles are known as vasukona or ashtakona. The five triangles pointing downwards represent the five forms of feminine Shakti, symbolizing the five primal elements of earth, water, fire, air, and ether. The three triangles pointing upwards represent the masculine principle of Shiva and symbolize three essential aspects: iccha (will), kriya (action) and jnana (wisdom). There are various other types of triangles in layers with specific symbolism and meaning.

    Circles represent wholeness, cycles of life and the cosmic rhythm, while lotus petals symbolize purity, chakras and unfolding consciousness. 

    The yantras are often in the shape of squares with four gates, also known as bhupura. They represent the earthly realm, stability and form the base for temple architecture, the four gates representing the four cardinal directions. These squares often form the outer boundary of the yantra.

    Yantras are used in meditation, and it is believed that gazing at them helps to concentrate and awaken inner energy. They are also used as a seat or asana for deities during worship, with rituals performed around it. Some yantras are associated with a specific deity. For example, the Shri Yantra is associated with Goddess Lakshmi and Lalita Tripurasundari and embodies her power. 

    The Sri Yantra or Sri Chakra is one of the most revered and complex yantras. It contains nine interlocking triangles surrounding a central bindu, forming 43 smaller triangles. It represents the cosmic womb, the divine feminine and the map of spiritual ascent.

    Sri Yantra art in Yantra art by Vidya soni
    Shri Yantra Jivan Chakra in Yantra Art by Vidya Soni

    Benefits of mandalas and yantras

    According to the Vastu Shastra, having a mandala in a house aligns the house with the panchamahabhutas or the five elements out of which every part of nature is created - fire, earth, water, air, space and the four directions. This promotes cosmic harmony and radiates positive energy into the house. This leads to physical, mental and emotional balance and well-being of individuals, attracts wealth, removes negative energy and improves decision-making and peace of mind. Viewing or meditating upon a mandala in the home brings calmness, reduces stress and promotes inner alignment, turning the house into a sacred space.

    The Sri Yantra, considered the yantra of prosperity and Lakshmi, draws positive vibrations, enhances financial stability and removes obstacles to abundance. It creates energetic symmetry, promoting peace, clarity and stability, stimulating the right and left hemispheres of the brain in harmony, which helps in improving mental focus, meditation and creative thoughts. The yantra acts as a spiritual shield, keeping negative energies, evil eye and stressful influences at bay, radiating positive prana or life energy throughout the space. It brings inner harmony, calms emotional turmoil and promotes emotional balance. Meditating on a yantra is said to help resolve internal conflicts and reduce anxiety. It aids in spiritual awakening, representing the microcosm and macrocosm, guiding the practitioner toward self-realization. It acts as a spiritual tool for awakening kundalini energy and aligning with the divine feminine, creating a sense of protection.

    Thus, it is advised to keep a mandala or a Sri yantra in the correct form and position in the house, either on the floors, walls or the ceiling, not just as a visually decorative symbol, but as a connecting link between the individual and the cosmos. 

    Sacred geometry in Indian art

    Mandalas and yantras  are an integral part of Indian art, found not just in religious art like Buddhist paintings, or Hindu paintings of the Sri Yantra, but also in the kolams and rangolis outside each door. They also form popular themes in traditional and folk art forms. 

    For example, the below Madhubani mandalas, while keeping the symmetrical and circular aspects of the mandala intact, create a new version of it with traditional Madhubani motifs like fish, elephants, birds, etc. 

    MANDALA, MADHUBANI PAINTING BY PRATIMA BHARTI
    MANDALA, MADHUBANI PAINTING BY PRATIMA BHARTI
    MANDALA, GODHANA PAINTING BY PRATIMA BHARTI

    Images of deities and other celestial beings are also added to the mandalas, enchanting their spiritual energy while continuing the Madhubani tradition of depiction of religious subjects, like the below mandalas which depict Shiva and Parvati, sun and moon gods, etc. 

    Lord Shiva in Madhubani Naina Creation
    Celestial Blessing in Madhubani by Ambika Devi

    The below mandala - a kohbar - is highly symbolic, containing images of a married couple and the Sun and moon gods blessing the couple, representing union, completeness, love and longevity. This is meant to be displayed on the wall during a wedding ceremony, a testament to the Madhubani tradition of decorating walls of homes and venues for auspicious occasions.

    Divine Union in Madhubani by Ambika Devi

    Mandalas form a vital part of the symbolic and sacred practice of Mandana art, a traditional form of ritual floor and wall painting practiced primarily by women in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, especially among rural and tribal communities such as the Meena, Bhils and Garasias. Mandalas are drawn to invoke the divine, protect the home and ensure prosperity. 

    Mirrored Mandala in Mandana by Kaluram Meghvanshi
    Mirrored Mandala in Mandana by Kaluram Meghvanshi
    Geometric Mandala in Mandana by Kaluram Meghvanshi

    In Mandana art, Lakshmi Chowks are drawn on the floor as a seat or asana for Goddess Lakshmi, often used during rituals and ceremonies  for Diwali, Navratri, Grihapravesh or housewarming and weddings. They are made up of various yantra symbols like triangles, circles, etc., meant to invite prosperity, protect the home from negative energies, symbolically offer space to the divine feminine - Lakshmi, as Shakti and ensure that the home is cosmically aligned through sacred geometry.

    Goddess Lakshmi's Divine Chowk in Mandana by Vidya Soni
    Goddess Lakshmi's Divine Chowk in Mandana by Vidya Soni

    Mandala forms with geometric, symmetrical and circular motifs are also frequently used in Lippan art, a stunning form of mud and mirror work, originating from Kutch, Gujarat, traditionally practised by communities like Rabari, Mutwa , Ahir, etc., to decorate the walls of their houses.

    Floral Mandala Lippan in Lippan by Nalemitha
    Mirrored Mandala Lippan in Lippan by Nalemitha
    Golden Lattice Lippan in Lippan by Nalemitha

    Conclusion 

    Thus, sacred geometry in Indian art is not merely about aesthetics or visual depiction, it is a profound spiritual framework that links the microcosm of human experience with the macrocosm of the universe. From meticulously drawn yantras,  ritualistic mandalas to spiritual paintings like the Lakshmi Chowk, these geometric designs exude divine energy and function as tools for inner transformation. They are an indispensable part of not only temples and scriptures, but also everyday Indian life, in homes, hands of folk artists and the meditative practices of seekers. Rooted in centuries of tradition and architectural science, these depictions are still constantly evolving through diverse regional art forms like Madhubani and Lippan art, reminding us of the sacred patterns that connect the cosmos to the soul, allowing us to engage with these forms and participate in a timeless act of aligning the outer world with inner harmony, bringing about a quiet realisation that beauty, balance and divinity are one and the same.

    References 

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