Geometric diagram (yantra)
Sri Yantra (Shri Chakra)
श्री यन्त्र
Meaning
The Sri Yantra is the geometric form of the goddess Lalita Tripura Sundari, composed of nine interlocking triangles around a central bindu. In Shri Vidya tradition it is treated as a complete cosmogram, mapping the unfolding of the universe from the bindu outward and the path of return from the outer enclosures inward.
Use in rituals
- Installed and worshipped daily in Shri Vidya sadhana
- Energised in homes and businesses for sustained prosperity (after qualified prana-pratishtha)
- Drawn on copper plate (yantra-pata) and consecrated on a Friday during Shukla Paksha
- Used as the focal object during Lalita Sahasranama recitation
- Placed on the puja altar facing east during Navaratri and Diwali
- Copper plate (most common)
- Gold or gold-plated metal
- Silver
- Crystal (sphatika)
- Marble
- Granite (for temple installations)
Iconography
Four upward-pointing Shiva triangles interlocking with five downward-pointing Shakti triangles, generating 43 smaller triangles, surrounded by two lotus rings (eight and sixteen petals) and a square bhupura with four gates oriented to the cardinal directions.
Modern relevance
One of the most studied sacred geometric figures in the world; remains the central object of Shri Vidya temples like Sringeri and Kanchi, and is widely installed in home altars and businesses for Lakshmi-blessing.
Explore further
See the full symbol library, the Goddess Lalita Tripura Sundari guide, related Sanskrit mantras, and the complete wisdom library.