Satheeshan Bhattathiri M
(Ezhumtholil Madam, Cheriyanadu, Chengannur)
Yanthra which is the contribution of Arsha Culture undoubtly benefits man. Yanthra is referred to as ‘Chakra’ in Thanthrik language. Description of chakra is ‘ chakramanath ithi chakra’ (that which moves always) The whole power is concentrated at a certain centre and is then distributed in fixed proportion in ‘Savyapasamya’ way. This is the mode of yanthra motion. Yanthras are represented in scientifically drawn geometric lines. Actually each line denoted continuous part of moving corpuscles through which power can be absorbed or radiated.
Yanthras are pictorial forms drawn suitably combining Bhoopuram or Chathurasram, Circles, Veethikal, Padmas or Dalas, Dalakesaras, angles, Konakesarams, Central point, Karnika and alphabets. Manthra, Yanthra and Thanthra are the three boons of Bharathamba. All there three schemes of worship are rooted in the very being (Chithi) of deities. ‘Para’ form (abstract form) is represented in ‘manthras’. Micro (Sookshmam) and Macro (Sthoolam) forms are manifested in Thanthras and Yanthras respectively.
Manthras are considered to be fesstatic pulsations of ‘Shabda brahma’ which is created from ‘Shiva thandava’. According to the great saying ‘Mananath thrayathe ithi manthra’, manthra protects him who cites it with due observations. The term manthra is derived from the verb root ‘mana’ which is attributed to knowledge. Knowledge and ignorance are regarded as mental states. ‘Enathwa’ and ‘Ekathwa’ are the qualities of mind. As jeevathma and paramathma are related mind and intelligence are mutually related closely. According to the principles of Ayurveda mind is nothing but a form of matter. Beejamanthras are transformed pulsations of ‘Kundalini Power’ which has been awakened by constant and studious efforts. They are ‘parabeeja’. The remaining ones are ‘pashyathi’, ‘madhyama’ and ‘ vaikhari’ ofcourse parabeejas are of foremost importance. Later limitations of human imagination to chant manthras with accuracy led to the evolution of a great branch of spiritual science- Thanthra.
Scientists express various views on the evolution of ‘Thanthra sasthra’. As this science relates to human body, it is said the word ‘Thanthra’ derived from ‘thanu’ which means human body. ‘ thanunath thrayathe nithyam thanthramithyabhidheyathe’- thus is saying. Pancha makarapoojas get much importance in Thanthra sasthra. Bhakti, Yagam, Yogam and discrimination owing to caste and religion have no role to play in this path. Thanthra sasthra wants to realise universal forces in one’s own soul, to get deride of the tangles of world and to become on with the deity. ‘Kaulam’ is an important and secret way of ‘thanthra’. Universe itself can be regarded as the harmonious union of knowledge (njanam), he who as acquires knowledge (njathru) and subject that is to be known (njeyam). This samastiti (combined unity) is included in ‘Thripura’ concept. In the level of ectacy called ‘Chithi’ these ‘ thripuras’ are considered as the components of the same level of consciousness. So they are referred to as ‘Kulam’. It was from this ‘Kulam’ that the term ‘kaulam’ took its derivation. Kaulamarga advances in two channels namely Vamacharam and Dakshinacharam. In vamachara ‘Shatkarma’s (6 fold activities)- Santhi, Vashyam, Akarshanam, Sthambhanam, Uchadanam and maaranam – came into existence. These are the techniques employed in’ manthravada’. Many a practical activities are included manthravada to created both appreciable and adverse effects in people concerned. As Baahyadravyas (external matters) are utilized in these activities on a large scale, these poojas are otherwise called Baahyapoojas. In ‘Dakshinacharam’, operation is performed at the mental level and so the activities in this way are called ‘Samayacharanam’.
Worship of yanthra came into being in the Tibetan region together with the evolution of ‘Thanthra sasthra’. It was then spread to India. Thanthric Acharyas of India made attempts to make this branch more systematic and scientific. Even before the establishment paintings and drawing arts, yanthra worship, marked its presence in India both are related. man became familiar with the geometry of yanthras even before he was in spread by the aesthetic imagination of paintings. Yanthras or chakras are real wonders in the world of mathematics. Alexi Pavlovich Kulaichev, Russian scientist and John woodruf, Thanthrik scholar described with admiration the importance and power of yanthras in their books. They also exclaimed on the scientific base mathematical value of yanthras.
Preparation of yanthra is based on Baahya pooja system. Yanthra is drawn on flat background . Bhoorjapathra, palm leaf, betel leaf or panchaloha is selected for the purpose. Yanthras vary widely in accordance with the nature and characteristics of deity, magic spells used for each deity and the purpose for which the yanthra prepared. Lines and angles in an yanthra may not exactly agree with the concepts of geometry. Surface on which yanthra is drawn is considered to be prapancha (universe) or Kshetra. At the centre Karnika is drawn which is supposed to be source of origin of life. Centre point of karnika, angles, dalas, circles, bhoopuras are drawn then. Karnika (Centre point) is interpreted in different ways- Ananda maya kosham, Akasathmakam, Bimbam, Creation, life etc. Likerise anles (Thrikona, Shatkon etc) are supposed as sphere of intellect (vinjnanamaya kosham) atmosphere inner sphere, stale of being and life. Dalas or padmas are interpreted as ‘manomayakosham’. ‘Thejomandalam’, madhyahara, smhara and intellect. Circles (Vritham) represent ‘Pranamayakosham’. water, Bahirhara disappearance (Thirodhanam) and proudness ( Ahankarathmakam) Bhoopuram is explained as Annamaya kosham, Prithyathmakam (earth) Praakaram, blessings and mind. Thus a lofty yanthra is backed by very great philosophic principles. In short a yanthra is the true representation of the very universe itself with all its movable and immovable things within. According to sasthras, universe, kshetra and human body. All the three are fundamentally one and the same. If a human body is flattened on a flat surface hitting from the top we get a yanthra. Everything in a yanthra can be found in a human body. Every thing in a human body can be seen in a kshetra. Everything in a great realisation and it leads to the truth that yanthra is universe itself.
Based on the purpose, yanthras drawn Beejamanthras inscribed handed over to the benefactor to wear on his body after making it divine with proper poojas and observations. By wearing the yanthra,benefactor undergoes appreciable changes and finally he achieves the goal. It is not compulsory to wear the yanthra on body. To keep the yanthra in a sacred place and perform daily sadhana. This is enough to bring in the results.
So powerful and unique is an yanthra try to experiences its magic powers in your life. Further i do pray to the almighty to shower blessings and appreciable experiences in your life following ‘yanthra ‘ path.