Yantra literally means "Loom, "Instrument or Machine". In actual practice a Yantra is a symbolic representation of aspects of divinity, usually the Mother Goddess. It is an interlocking matrix of geometric figures, circles, triangles and floral patterns that form fractal patterns of elegance and beauty.

Though drawn in two dimensions, a Yantra is supposed to represent a three dimensional sacred object. Three-dimensional Yantras are now becoming increasingly common. Although the Yantra is primarily a meditation tool both for serious spiritual seekers as well as sculptors in the classical tradition, its Shakti is also available to new seekers with sincere devotion and good intention.Yantras are also used for innumerable mundane purposes such as to enhance the quality of one's life, attract prosperity, abundance, love, harmony, peace, enhance learning, promote healing, relieve health problems, for career advancement, achieve desired goals in projects, improve business and protection from negative forces.

Yantras are constructed with observing immutable laws of sacred geometry, being symbolic representations of energy patterns of a deity and rank amongst the most powerful 'centering' devices for harnessing divine energies. The Yantra is actually more powerful than a picture of a God which, to be energized, requiresa Yantra to be affixed at its base or back.

A Yantra always contains a Mantra associated with it. Just as the mind is a part of, yet different from the body, so is the Mantra from the Yantra. The Mantra is the mind consciousness while the Yantra is the form of the deity.

In ancient texts, Lord Shiva is supposed to have explained the mystical meaning of the Yantra to his consort, Goddess Parvati:
"The Yantra is as essential to a god as oil is to the oil lamp or as a body is to a living human being".

Healings India Yantras are sanctified and energized through an elaborate ritual by specialized priests at a temple in Maharashtra, India. The Pranapratistha ritual is performed to infuse the Yantras with "life force" or energies of respective deities. Healings India energized Yantras can be placed in the temple, above a door or kept at the place of work where, if worshipped with sincere devotion, rewards will unfold. It is important for a Yantra to be energized as it has to be brought "to live" through the specifically prescribed ritual so that it can radiate its beneficence optimally. An un-energized Yantra can be compared to a very complex music system that has been plugged in but not tuned or turned on and the aspirant has no idea which button will activate it.

Energizied Yantras are immediately "tuned and turned on" so to speak. A Yantra will function even if not energized but it will take years, even decades, before it absorbs enough energy (from normal prayers and worship) to function as it should. The ritual of energizing Yantras prevents all this delay and uncertainty while ensuring efficient peak functions from the moment of purchase. It pays to remember that Yantras find their own homes; the intended worshipper does not find it just because he or she buys it.

Since time immemorial, it is believed that mystical Yantras reveal inner basis of forms and shapes abounding in the universe. Yantras function as revelatory symbols of cosmic truths.Thus each aspect of the world can be seen in its structural form as a Yantra. Ancient Indian Shilpi-Yogins (Makers of Ritual Art) sought to identify the innermost structures of the universe by concentrating world-appearances.

Metaphorically, Yantras are abodes of all deities whose seats lie at some point, direction, region, corner or angle within a Yantra. The deities are elated at respective designated "places" in a Yantra. Yantras are also visual forms of Mantric energy.

Yantras for health, preventing accidents and mishaps and the like, are known to be working if nothing is going wrong! However, despite one's best intentions, the desired results may not always be achieved. This is usually due to reasons of karma that have to be worked out and experienced before the organism can achieve its desire.

For those who prefer simple worship of a Yantra, traditionally a small lighted oil-lamp or ghee lamp placed in front of the Yantra is regarded as the best form of simple worship. The lighting of incense of various types is also well regarded as is the auditory stimuli of chanting Mantras or playing tapes of sacred chants. As Yantras are living energy systems, they respond to all sensory stimuli. Perfume is perceived as a vain affectation and is to be avoided especially as most perfumes consist of synthetic components

It is generally recommended that a Yantra be placed in the north/north-west direction facing the south/south-east direction in a room. However, this rule of thumb does not apply to the Vaastu Yantra as it is supposed to be placed in the south-west corner of the house, facing north-east. The Sri Yantra is supposed to be placed in the east, facing west. The Lord Kuber Yantra should be positioned in the north facing south or in the east facing west.

Two or more Yantras may be placed together but caution is advised that a Lord Kuber Yantra must always be positioned at the extreme left of any group of Yantras. This particular Yantra should be on the left-hand side when we look at the Yantras. The Sri Yantra should be in the exact center of the group. If an altar has only the Sri Yantra and a Lord Kuber Yantra, then the Sri Yantra should be to the right-hand side of Lord Kuber when we stand or in front of them. A Ganapati or Ganesha Yantra should always be placed at the extreme right side of any group of Yantras.

However, it is generally maintained by persons of strict upbringing and background to remove all sacred objects when having sex. It is believed that psychic energies generated during the act frequently interfere with the spiritual energies of Yantras. It is also a good idea, though not mandatory, to remove them in places of death as there are intense negative and sorrowful energies accumulated there. These tend to "stick" to the Yantra and darken or dull the energies. Normal social interaction does not require Yantras to be taken off. Preferably, it is best to avoid getting the Pendants wet so as to help maintain the lifespan of its plating.