Elements of Hindu Iconography v3.c19.2

v3.c19.2

The effects produced in each of the six centres mentioned above are often depicted diagramatically; and the diagrams may convey to the initiates some concrete idea of the internal psychic results attained by the practice of yōgic breath control and mental concentration. These diagrams are called by the names of Chakras and Yantras. A chakra is defined in the Tantras as a figure consisting of angles and petal-like parts; that which consists of angles alone is called a yantra. The yantras generally consist of triangles cutting each other or straight lines crossing each other so as to produce a number of rectangular spaces and terminating in trident-like projections. Certain letters called bījāksharas or seed-letters are associated with these chakras and yantras, and are written down invariably in specified parts thereof. The bījāksharas may be imagined to be something like code words, whose significance is known only to the initiates. The worship of yantras is common throughout India; perhaps the most important of these yantras is the Śrīchakra. It generally consists of forty-three triangles interestingly arranged in a plane and may also be produced in three other different forms called Mēru, Kailāsa and Bhū. The Mēru is the same as the plane Śrīchakra in plan; but the various triangles, surrounding the innermost one, are piled one over another in different planes so that the whole becomes shaped into the form of a pyramid. The topmost layer of the Mēru contains a circle called the bindu. If associated with the eight mātṛikā deities the Mēru becomes the Kailāsa; and with the Vāsinī deities it becomes the Bhū. The Śruti or Vēdic revelation itself supports the worship of yantras (vide, Taitt. Āran.). The drawing of the famous yantra known as the Śrīchakra is given herein: the lettering of the spaces is also shown in the photograph reproduced below; with an ordinary reading lens, the letters of the Dēvanāgari alphabet may be seen engraved in various parts on this mystic figure.* This and other yantras are generally engraved on some metallic plate, preferably one of gold; silver and copper also are often enough employed. The Śrīchakra engraved on metallic plates is an object of worship. In South Indian temples of the medieval and later periods, there are shrines called by the name of Śakti-pīṭhālayas, in which there is a pīṭha or smaller altar very much resembling the common bali-pīṭha whereon the oblations of formal worship are usually offered in temples. It is said that these pīṭhas associated with the Śakti-pīṭhalayas contain inside them the plate on which the Śrīchakra is engraved. Regular pūjā is offered to the Śakti-pīṭha at least twice a day. In as much as this is thus an object of worship, it has been treated in this work as an icon.