The Kali Yantra is composed of squares, triangles, concentric circles, lotus petals, and at the center — a bindu or dot. Each part of the Kali Yantra has a meaning and symbolism.
This central point symbolizes the source of all existence — the point of unity from which everything emerges and to which everything returns. The surrounding geometric patterns represent creation, preservation, and destruction — the cosmic cycle.
The interlocking triangles have deep meaning:
The downward-pointing triangles represent the female
principle (Shakti).
The upward-pointing triangles represent the male principle
(Shiva).
In Tantra, creation arises from the union of these two — maintaining the cosmic
balance.
The yantra is placed upon a square altar called bhupura,
which has four gates, symbolizing the four directions and entry points into the
sacred space.
Then come eight lotus petals — five representing the five
natural elements (air, fire, water, earth, and ether), and three representing
the three gunas (sattva, rajas, and tamas).
Five inverted concentric triangles represent the levels of
human consciousness — the karnika or innermost part — containing:
the soul (Atman) at the center, surrounded by the body, vital energy, mind,
intellect, and bliss.
The fifteen angles formed by the triangles correspond to the five senses, five
actions, and five subtle elements (smell, taste, touch, sight, and sound).
Two concentric circles represent the cycle of birth and
death.
Thus, the yantra is seen as a symbolic representation of the
universe, with Kali herself at the center, encircled by the forces of creation
and dissolution.
According to Tantra, meditating upon and worshipping the
yantra helps the practitioner shed the ego, entering a higher state of
consciousness where the soul can unite with the divine energy.
The Colors and Materials of the Yantra
The Kali Yantra employs several colors — red, yellow, black,
and grey.
Red symbolizes blood and the heart.
Black stands for darkness and the unknown.
Grey is the color of light emerging from darkness.
Golden yellow represents transformation.
The altar (bhupura) is usually made of copper, brass, or silver.