Ritual

Sri Yantra. Rajasthan, 18th
century. Bronze.
56
Bhairava (the destructive aspect of Siva), they represent dissolution;
time and space cease to exist.
Dynamic colour-form units are created by the spatial integration
of these primal forms. A dot appearing in the centre, a
line intersecting a plane surface, circles in a square or simply an eye
full of etherized colour, create soaring trajectories of the spirit.
Innate simplicity of composition is identified with spiritual
presence. The projection of the symbol is often direct and bold, so
that even a small miniature can create a sense of expansiveness. The
dynamism of tantric imagery's abstraction is not 'gestural' but is
generated by and strives for a geometric order. It is this quality
which gives these psychic improvisations a transcendental quality.
According to Tantraraja Tantra, there are 960 yantras. Sri
Yantra, the most celebrated one, projects a very important
philosophical segment of tantric thought. It is difficult to
determine the exact date of its conception and construction,
though it must have been conceived very early and has been
transmitted through centuries. Many tantric texts, such as the
Kamakalavilasa, have explained the nature, significance, construction
and application of Sri Yantra, and description of its basic
form can also be found in the Saundaryalahari traditionally ascribed
to Sankara (8th century AD).