Yantra

Yantra

Grammar: neuter noun.

Meaning: (1) the lotus diagram of a pūjā; (2) a turning device.

In the scriptures: In the rite of Brahmā pūjā of the Pratipat Kalpa, pūjā is offered to the six oceans that lie within the petals of the yantra, the lotus, and by the rule to the nakshatras, grahas and rāśis near the devas (Bhavishya Purāṇa, Brahma Parva, Chapter 17).

In the installation of the Āditya mūrti by Sāmba, Bhagavān Sūrya says that at his command Viśvakarmā fixed a turning yantra in Śākadvīpa and skilfully set his form right, and the whole world of breathing beings was remade accordingly (Bhavishya Purāṇa, Brahma Parva, Chapter 129).

Related terms: Viśvakarmā · Śākadvīpa · Pratipat Kalpa

Sources

• Bhavishya Purāṇa, Brahma Parva, Chapters 17, 129