Sri Yantra or Sri Chakra

Hindu Dharma is most comprehensive and highly researched science, spirituality and religion. To suit each and all individual, varied ways of worship are explored. Worship of Nirankar can be done by mantra and yajna. Worship of Sakar form of almighty can be done by idol, yantra and mantra. The difference among the three is that idols are in different human forms for realisation of different desires; yantras are two- or three-dimensional geometrical designs of respective deities; likewise, mantras are the sounds created by reciting the particular syllables of each deity which activates energy centres in human body.
Yantra refers to the “sacred instrument or geometrical form of a deity”. Lines, circles, squares and shapes formed by them are all well-defined with Bindu [centre dot] is yantra. This divine design has immense power as it brings the power of each deity in the yantra. This design is designed to drive evil powers and attract positive and more divine powers. Sound produces waves. Waves condenses into lines, circles, triangles or squares. In human body, yantras are present in chakras in the spinal cord. By focussing the awareness on these centres, one can attain supernatural powers. 
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Yantra & Mandala receive & hold energy developed by chanting mantras. These energies are stored in them. In Sat Chandi Mahayajna, the cosmic energy invoked in the yantra. Yantra assists the sadhaka in awakening an uncontrollable energy. Yantra & mandalas acts as a vehicle to awaken the inner visions and allows the deeper layers of the mind to rise to the surface and manifest. Mandalas acts in two ways – first to draw the latent desires, Sanskars & residual impressions of past karma (actions) in the form of dream, visions & thoughts thereby purifying them; secondly, to give the mind a base to rest upon as long as this is needed. 
The deity is pleased when propitiated in the form of Yantra, is like the soul to the body. All deities can be invoked in Yantra and worshipped after receiving instruction or initiation from a preceptor. Sri refers to Parashakti. Parashakti is the primordial cosmic energy that fills the universe. It is divine feminine creative power.

Importance of Sri Yantra -
Sri Chakra is the cosmic form of para shakti. Sri Chakra is primarily worshiped for liberation from transmigration.  Sri Chakra represents creation (inner triangle and the Bindu within), it can be explained that the universe originated from the nine underlying principles of Sri Chakra. Ultimate object of any worship is only liberation.
It symbolizes the evolution of consciousness into matter and the involution of matter back to consciousness. therefore, this yantra bestows both material wealth and pleasure as well as liberation from the bondage of matter.
For attaining liberation, the whole process starts with external worship. After attaining external worship, one has to perform japa mantra. During this period both external worship and japa mantra are done one after another. When he attains perfection in japa mantras, he has to move on to meditate on Her. To begin with, one has to meditate on the mantra which will stop on its own when meditation becomes perfect. After attaining perfection, the aspirant installs Her (Para-Shakti) in his or her mind and establishes perpetual connection with Her. When this connection is firmed up, the aspirant transforms himself or herself into Para-Shakti and experiences Bliss which turns perpetual over a period of time. At the end of high intensity of Blissful state, he or she confidently says “I am That” or “aham brahmasmi” (I am Brahman). This can be achieved only through internal worship such as meditation, contemplation, visualization, etc.

Scientific Basis of Sri Yantra –
Research conducted at the Moscow University in 1984 showed that for the people who saw Shree Yantra for some time, their brain waves came down to Alpha Level which is the state of mind associated with intuition, creativity, relaxation and deep meditation. They also observed that new neural pathways began forming in their brains.
A renowned American Scientist Dr Patrick Flanagan tried for 20 long years to draw the perfect Shree Yantra. He calls the Sri Yantra the “King of Power Diagrams”. His research proved that the energy level of Sri Yantra with accurate geometry is 70 times more than equivalent Pyramidal Structure.

Sri Chakra Diagram –
Sri chakra is a linear diagram that perfectly establishes the connection between microcosmos and macro cosmos. It symbolizes the evolution of consciousness into matter and the involution of matter back to consciousness. Therefore, this yantra bestows both material wealth and pleasure as well as liberation from the bondage of the matter.

1. In the centre of the instrument, there is an energy point or dot.
2. Outside the dot, there are nine interlocking isosceles triangles. Apexes of four triangles point upwards and of five triangles points downwards. Triangles convey that creation has triple principle.
3. The triangles are encircled by two circles of lotus petals of 8 and 16. Circle means no beginning & no end.
4. Beyond the lotus petals, there is outer frame with four openings indicating 10 directions.
5. Sri Chakra is made of forty-three triangles. In the the Sri Chakra palace, Vishnu resides between 17th & 18th walls, Brahma between the 16th and17th walls and Indra and other guarding regents between 14th and 15th walls. They all resides in different palaces to worship Devi. She is in the centre.

Sri Chakra Symbolism –
Bhavnopnishad has explained the following -

1. The energy point or dot is the seat of divine power of para shakti.
2. Five downwards facing triangles are Shakti triangles (female aspect) and four upward facing triangles are Shiva triangles (male aspect) of creation. Tips of Shiva triangles are marked black and tips of Shakti triangles are marked red.
3. Interlocking of triangles symbolises inseparable nature of Shiva and Shakti.
4. Nine number has got a lot of significance - nine triangles, nine yoginis, nine siddhis, nine planets, nine gems, navaratri, etc.
5. Nine triangles of chakras represent nine energy centres of subtle body of human being. These nine subtle centres are from Ajna chakra to Sahasrara and known as bindu (ajna), ardhacandra, rodhini, nada, nadanta, shakti, vypapika, samana and unmana (sahasrara). Above Ajna chakra, there is mind and moon (Soma) centres. Moon determines spirituality. When mind is totally calm, moon (soma) is activated. Soma centre has sixteen kalas, corresponding to the fifteen tithis (lunar days) and corresponding to the sixteen Sanskrit vowels.

Purification Process to attain Liberation –
As per Lalita Sahasranama, Sri Chakra has nine coverings – outer squares & bindu, 16 petals lotus, 8 petal lotus, 14 triangles and balance 5 coverings which represent consciousness, nada, desire energy, knowledge energy and action energy respectively.
 

1. First Covering (Trailokya Mohan or Bhupar, a square of three lines with four portals) – First covering dealt with schematic attainments, emotions, ritualistic mudras.
2. Second Covering (Sarva Aasa Paripurak, a sixteen-petal lotus) - 16 petals of lotus represent 5 mahabhutas (earth, water, fire, air & akash), 5 organs of senses (eyes, ears, nose, tongue & skin), 5 organs of action (mouth, hands, feet, anus & organ of reproduction) and mind.
3. Third Covering (Sarva Sankshobahan, an eight-petal lotus) - 8 petals of lotus represent eight constituents of body - five karmendriyas; five jnanaendriyas; four antaḥkaraṇa (manas, buddhi, chit and ahaṃkara or ego); five praṇa Vayus (praṇa, apaṇa, Vyana, Samana & Udana); five elements (earth, water, fire, air & akash); desire; ignorance and karma.  When all the above twenty-seven components are destroyed, the attributes of Shiva (Saguna Brahman) lead to pure Nirguna Brahman and is often realized in the form of Bliss.
4. Fourth Covering (Sarva Saubhagyadayak, composed of fourteen small triangles) - 14 triangles represent 5 cognitive processes (attention, language, memory, perception, and thought), 5 types of actions, mind, Chit, intellect and ego. Here, purification of psychic centres is done which not only cleanses the subtle body, but also cleanses various internal and external organs to which these psychic centres are connected. When complete purification happens, kuṇḍalini pierces brahmarandra to establish connection between individual consciousness and Supreme Consciousness. At this stage, connection is established between brahmaṇḍa (macrocosm) and piṇḍaṇḍa (microcosm).
5. Fifth Covering (Sara Arthasadhak, composed of ten small triangles) – All the ten types of pranas - praṇa, apana, vyana, udhana, samana, naga, kurma, hṛkara, devatatta and dhananjaya are purified and unified.  In the process purification of this covering, person is detached from material world.
6. Sixth Covering (Sarva Rakshakar, composed of ten small triangles) - In this, the entire digestive system is cleansed. With the cleansing of digestive system, one does not have appetite.
7. Seventh Covering (Sarva Rogahar, composed of eight small triangles) - In this stage, purification of three attributes (Sattva, Rajas & Tamas) are purified and lie in equipoise. The person dwells in non-dualism as dualism is destroyed.
8. Eight Covering (Sarva Siddhiprada, composed of 1 small triangle) – Here, his individual soul is now totally purified and is ready for realisation.
9. Ninth Covering (Sarva Anandamay, composed of a point or Bindu) - This is the innermost triangle. At the time of creation, the inner most triangle is known Divine Procreative point (yoni). A person born out this point comes back to Her at the time of liberation. Thus, she becomes the cause both for creation and liberation.

 
Sri Chakra Worship –
Each triangle and petal of lotus has deity ma. Worship of devi of each triangle / petal is done. Sri Chakra worship begins with mantra initiation by enlightened guru, daily worship, Navavaraṇa puja, Sri Chakra homa, mantra Japa with mental puja, only mantra Japa, kamakala meditation, kundalini meditation, experiencing samadhi and finally liberation. Sri Chakra worship needs to be done very meticulously only under able guidance of enlightened Guru. The entire exercise is the purification and cleaning process from one covering to another.

By the worship of Devi, one can obtain wealth, learning, success, victory over enemy, cure of chronic ailments, and so on. 

In 32 mantra of Sri Saundarya Lahari, Adi Shankaracharya gives the panchadasakshari mantra of Sri Vidya, which is made up of three sets of syllables – Ka, Ee, Ai, La, Hreem; HA, Sa, Ka, La Hreem; and Sa, Ka, La, Hreem. Each of these matrikas, or sound syllables represent a particular deity such as Shiva – KA, Shakti – Ee, Kama – Ai, and Vishnu – La. The three sets of devatas each have to fix the mantra Hreem at the end. The first four syllables are related to fire, which corresponds to the Kriya Shakti of Tripura Sundari. This mantra confers immense power in learning, speech and wisdom. The second five letters are related to Surya, the sun and correspond to the iccha shakti of Tripura Sundari, which confers the willpower to fulfil all that one desires. The third three letters are related to Soma, the moon, which corresponds to the Janna Shakti of Tripura Sundari, which confers the power to know all. This panchadaskshari mantra, become efficacious and most potent when the sixteenth syllable, which is heard from the guru, is added, making it shdashakshari, the sixteen syllabled mantra that invokes the Mahashakti Tripura Sundari beyond sahasrara, the energy residing in the Sri Chakra.