Jagadguru Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal (20 May
1894 – 8 January 1994), also known as the Sage of Kanchi or Mahaperiyava
explains the greatness of Yantra.
A Yantra is not just the residing seat of a deity; it is the devata (deity) itself. It is not just a representation, or a copy. It is not a substitute for the devata. It is the devata itself. It is the presentation of the devata and not a representation. More so in the case of Goddess. For, Her Divine Presence is very special in Her Yantra. It is because of this that Goddess puja is mostly done to Her Yantra than to Her most beautiful physical form.
Lines, circles, squares, figures formed by these – all these
configured into a Chakra along with a centre point (madhya-bindu), is called a Yantra.
Only such a design has the power to bring into focus the power of the particular
devata – in fact it is an infinite power –and so may be called a ‘Divine
Design’. These designs collect and absorb divine energy and have the power to
radiate that energy.
A Yantra means that every bit of it whether a line or a
circle or an angle, has to be of the right size and proportion as prescribed.
It cannot err even a little this way or that way.
Just as a mantra, with a wrong incantation, produces
contrary effects, so also a small mistake in the design of the Yantra can cause
havoc.
In the Shri Yantra again, if the apex of the central
triangle faces west instead of east, as it should, results can just be the
opposite. So when you sit opposite to it for the worship, the apex should be on
the side nearer to you and not on the farther side.
One has to be really more careful with the puja of a Yantra
than that of murti or vigraha in terms of the ritualistic do’s and don’ts.
In modern times many have turned over to Sri Chakra Puja in
their homes, a few merely for the pride of it, another few because it is the
fashion, and yet another few out of ignorance. But the injunctions are not
being followed properly. Consequently, loss of peace is on the increase.
It is not enough to just wish for great observances. We
should be able to observe the scriptural injunctions correctly. We should be
able to perform exactly as was demonstrated to us and passed on to us by our
elders. Only then we will reap the right benefits.
Certainly Shri Chakra has been eulogized in the scriptures
to the sky. But the very same scriptures have also prescribed a certain regimen
for such pujaA. By taking the attitude ‘I will do my personalized puja in my
own way’ not only will you miss the promised or expected results, but actually
it will turn out to be counter-productive.
A Yantra is not just the residing seat of a deity; it is the devata (deity) itself. It is not just a representation, or a copy. It is not a substitute for the devata. It is the devata itself. It is the presentation of the devata and not a representation. More so in the case of Goddess. For, Her Divine Presence is very special in Her Yantra. It is because of this that Goddess puja is mostly done to Her Yantra than to Her most beautiful physical form.
There is the Yantra form for each God in Hindu pantheon. The
form has lines, triangles, and enclosures, circular or otherwise; these are not
just geometrical figures. Each of them has a meaning and significance. They
have extraordinary power.
Each Yantra is set to absorb and bring into focus the paramatma
in the form of that devata. In addition to the repeated mental recitation of
the mantra, one does puja to the Yantra also.
Within the triangles of the Yantras and other enclosures,
the seed-syllables (bija aksharas) corresponding to the mantra pertaining to
the devata would be inscribed. The very devata that is the life of a vigraha with
arms and feet is also considered to be brought alive in the corresponding Yantra.
In fact the Yantra is even more comprehensive; for it includes the native
residence of the devata and all its accessory deities within itself.
Source - Deivathin Kural