The Shri Yantra, called the “queen of yantras,” (rajayantra) is the symbol of the great divine mother principle, the source of all energy, power, and creativity. Vedic traditions, specifically the Shri Vidya school of tantra, regard the design as the representation of the universe as well as the body of the goddess related to the feminine principle of shakti or energy. Every line, triangle, and lotus petal symbolizes a specific type of shakti.In Sanskrit, the word “yantra” comes from the root word “yam,” which means “instrument” or “support,” and “tra,” derived from “trana,” meaning “release from bondage.” A yantra is an instrument or tool, for meditation and contemplation and supports spiritual liberation. There are hundreds of yantra designs related to deities, principles, and planets. Used in ceremonies and rituals, yantra designs can be found on paper or bark, or created from flower petals, ash, and rice.For mediation practices or “vastu,” the vedic version of feng shui, a yantra is embossed on a square copper plate electroplated with gold. The plates are then ritually “charged” by priests — meaning that the physical objected is “tuned” to a specific vibration or energy. Once charged, the yantra is viewed as a sacred object.