A yantra is a geometrical design imprinted on a gold, mercury, crystal, copper or silver plate. It is an instrument of worship and devotional "sadhanas" or "mantras" are offered to it. Geologically, a yantra is a monogram - a spectrograph of sonic energy. It generates specific currents of sublime sound, which is perceived as the manifestation of the divine power. It is a structure with contours representing divine energy fields.

The Durga Yantra
According to Sanatan Dharma, Durga is known as the Mother of Cosmos with immense power to protect her devotees from all kinds of destructive forces. Goddess Durga has many names like Sati, Parvati, Gauri, Ambika, Amba, Shakti, Bhavani, Bhadrakali and Kalika and symbolizes Mahamaya.

Shri Durga Ambe Maa is the ruling deity of the Durga Yantra. This Yantra is worshipped through beej mantra particularly during Navratras and on Ashtami Tithi. It is recommended to worship this yantra according to the 4th Adhayaya and 17th Sloka of Durga Saptashati to attain the intended outcomes.

The Durga Bisa Yantra is available in various kinds and sizes. It is available in plates of copper, silver and gold, most common being copper plates. It is also available on a copper plate which is gold plated. Another kind of plate called the Asthadhatu plate also has the Durga Yantra carved on it. Asthadhatu is a combination of 8 metals and is seldom available. Bhojpatra is also used to structure the Yantra on it. This yantra is also created as a pendant to be worn around the neck.

The Durga Yantra highlights the union of compassion and wisdom. More specifically, it is a union of the male symbol with the female symbol. The male symbol is denoted by a triangle with the base at the bottom whereas the female symbol is represented by a triangle with the base on top and repeated by stacking. This arrangement represents the divine energy of the Maha Devi Durga. It can also be called the union of Shiva and Shakti or Purusha and Prakriti. By attaining this union, the Yantra reaches a heightened level of spiritual enlightenment. Meditation is a prerequisite to attain a heightened level awareness or consciousness, which when achieved, helps in gaining higher spiritual enlightenment. The Tiger or the Lion is found beneath the feet of the Devi. This again is represented by a triangular symbol.

There are numbers within each leg of the Yantra from 1 - 9, all adding up to the number 20. These are mathematical symbols.

Establishment of the Durga Yantra
Durga Yantra is kept in a particular direction at home, preferably in cash box, cupboard, purse, temple, office, factory, shop, school, on some auspicious day. Once placed, it should be worshipped everyday to attain the blessings of the deity. Sight or "Darshan" of this yantra in the morning is believed to be sufficient to receive the blessings of the incorporeal being.

Purpose of the Durga Yantra
The Durga Yantra is worshipped to ask goddess Durga for good health, success, prosperity, wealth and comfort in life. She represents auspiciousness. Chanting Durga Yantra mantra is said to relieve individuals from pain and problems in life. It helps in attaining wisdom and happiness. It instills individual with strength and power and fighting spirit. It is a door to the eternal world. Goddess Durga symbolizes extreme purity, which is aimed by individuals to achieve in life. Therefore, Durga Yantra is worshipped to reach purity. It is also a medium for meditation and experiencing tranquility.

Durga Yantra Mantra
Mantra is a Sanskrit word. A conglomeration of sacred syllable(s) or sacred word(s) is called a mantra. Mantras are also called vibrational formulas since chanting of the mantras create a specific sound, a frequency that conveys a directive into the sub-conscious.

Mantras dedicated to goddess Durga are created from the Markandiya Puran. It is considered to be the one of the most powerful Hindu mantras. To yield the desired outcomes, the Durga mantra should be chanted 21 times, during the Puja. They can be recited silently within, spoken or sung outwardly.

Durga Yantra Puja
To worship the Durga Yantra, a process needs to be followed. One must cleanse himself prior to the puja then sit facing the Yantra, with a positive frame of mind. It is strictly recommended not to be preoccupied with other activities or thoughts while sitting for the puja. One must place the Yantra in the east or the north direction. It is advised that the Yantra should remain untouched by other people. Sandalwood paste should be used to make rounded dots at the 4 corners and in the center of the Yantra. Next step is to light a candle or a ghee lamp and an incense stick in front of the Yantra. Filling the room with black agar is believed to make the yantra stronger, thereby, multiplying the effect of the ritual. It is also advised to put a large number of fresh flowers in front of the Yantra. This is because flowers are considered to be adored by goddess Durga. One can even offer fresh or dry fruits as prasad to the Yantra. Then the person should chant the mantra a specific number of times. Hindi or English translations of the mantra are also available in the market, all having the same effect. They thus can be utilized if one is unable to read the mantra in Sanskrit. At the end of the puja, one can sincerely ask the goddess to fulfill his wishes.

Mantra - "Aaeng Hareeng Kaleeng Chamundaye Vichche".

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