The Hindu Temple v2.c11.s6.5

v2.c11.s6.5

The plan, with the fretted outline of the buttressed fort, of the temple (Figs. on pp. 251, etc.) is akin to a yantra or linear diagram used by the worshipper for a localisation of each of the aspects and powers of God in their hierarchy with regard to the Centre, the immovable Principle. In the Śrī-yantra, the various positions are held by goddesses or powers who are known as Yoginīs,¹²⁸ conjoint energies by whom is effected the work of the Transcendental Power, Mahā-Śakti. They are placed in the yantra in a hierarchy of position, proceeding inward and corresponding to an increasing secrecy and sacredness until the centre is reached where the Supreme Yoginī is, the Mahā-Śakti. Close to the perimeter, yet secret in their power, are a group of Yoginīs; where they reside is the Place of Fulfilment of All Hopes (sarvāśāparipūraka-cakra). They are the Attractions (akarṣinī) of and by the intellect (buddhi), of and by the sense of “I” ness (ahaṅkāra), of and by the faculties of knowledge and action who, decked in love provoking fashion, draw towards themselves the intellect, the notion of “I” ness, all the faculties of knowledge and action, the senses and the body, thought and memory and while they overwhelm them and fulfil their desire they leave them, increased in power, in the region where hopes and desires attain their multifarious objects. With the help of these Śaktis a transformation is then effected of the mind (manovikāra), the faculties and the rest; they approach the Centre in which there is no separateness.