Author: Fredrick W Bunce
Publisher: D K Printworld
Year: 2001
Language: English
Pages: 309
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8124601747
Description
Hinduism is known for the bewildering profusion of its deities, who are represented not only in two or three dimensional anthropomorphic images, but also in abstract configurations, known as yantras. In yantras is, thus, seen almost a parallel with the surfeit of deities in Hindu tradition. Literally meaning an instrument, apparatus or a talisman, yantra is a kind of mystical diagram used, in tantra, for both meditation and invoking a divinity, and is believed to possess/ arouse occult powers.
Drawn only by the adept: the ones schooled in this arcane, highly intricate process, and energized by siddh mantras, these seemingly innocuous geometrical figures are employed for any number of reasons or desires: whether to attain wealth, ward off disease, beget a son, vanquish enemies, or even to cause somebody’s death. This book, the latest from Professor Bunce, highlights the essential import of these innocuous-looking, yet enigmatic, diagrams surfacing from the occult practices of the tantrics.
The author, an internationally known scholar of Oriental Art, examines a range of tantric yantras, with their varieties, applications, modes of construction and, above all, their iconographic features. Also interwoven in his text are lucid descriptions of all else associated with a yantra, notably, its deity, its specific purpose, its predominant and secondary numbers, and its mantra.
Carrying beautiful visual representations of over a hundred yantras, Professor Bunce’s study holds out enduring appeal to the readers concerned not only with the iconography of tantric yantras, but their mystifying under-pinnings as well.
Contents
LIST OF PLATES
ABBREVIATIONS
PREFACE
INTRODUCTION
NUMBERS AS SYMBOLS
YANTRA CONSTRUCTION, VARIATIONS AND APPLICATION
Constructing the sacred enclosure (Bhupur)
Variations on the Bhupura shape
Construction of the petal shape
Basic Yantra iconography
Color as iconography
Applications of the Yantra form
Temple plan based on a Mandala (Yantra)
Astronomical chart based on a Sarvatabhadra Yantra
Janan Yantra
Linga Mandala as Yantra
Rajasthani Yantra (c 17 C)
Thangka with nine Mandala-Yantras
Shri Chakra Yantra
YANTRAS
Amba Matta Yantra
Annapurna Yantra
Bagla Yantra
Balarama (Avatara) Yantra
Bala-Shakti Yantra
Bala-Tripura Yantra
Bhairon Yantra
Bhuvaneshvari Yantra
Chinnamasta Yantra
Devi Yantra
Dhanda Yantra
Dhumavati Yantra
Durga Yantra
Ganesha Yantra
Gayatri Yantra
Hanumat (Hanuman) Yantra
Hayagriva Yantra
Kali Yantra
Kalki Yantra
Kamala Yantra
Krishna (Avatara) Yantra
Kurma (Avatara) Yantra
Maha-Ganapati Yantra
Maha-Lakshmi Yantra
Maha-Mritanje (Shiva) Yantra
Mangala (Hanuman) Yantra
Matangi Yantra
Matsya (Avatara) Yantra
Mrit-Sanjivani Yantra
Narasimha (Avatara) Yantra
Navagraha Yantra (magic squares)
Navagraha Yantra (combined)
Parashurama (Avatara) Yantra
Rama (Avatara) Yantra
Sarasvati Yantra
Sharabha Yantra
Shitala Yantra
Shiva Yantra
Shodashi (Tripura-Sundari) Yantra
Shri-Chakram Yantra
Shyama (Kali) Yantra
Surya Yantra
Tara Yantra
Tripura (ntaka)- Bhairavi Yantra (I)
Vamana (Avatara) Yantra
Varaha (Avatara) Yantra
Vartali Yantra
Vighnaraja Yantra
Vishnu Yantra
Postscript
Notes
BIBLIOGRAPHY
YANTRA IDENTIFICATION
INDEX
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS