Yantra literally means "support" and "instrument", the suffix 'tra' in Sanskrit means instrument. Yantras are the geometrical form of a divinity. Yantras can be drawn, engraved or painted on gold, silver, copper, crystal, birch, bone, paper and Vishnu stone (shaligrama) and sometimes on earth (Rangoli) for decoration. They are rarely three-dimensional.

A Yantra is a highly efficient tool for contemplation, concentration and meditation. Yantras carry spiritual significance and there is a specific meaning of Yantra that pertains to higher levels of consciousness.

The Yantra provides a focal point that is a window into the absolute. When the mind is concentrated on a single, simple object (in this case a Yantra), the mental chatter ceases. Eventually, the object is dropped when the mind can remain empty and silent without help. In the most advanced phases, it is possible to attain union with God by the geometric visualization of a Yantra.

The Yantra reflects the powers of the specific deity and by tuning into the different Yantras you can tap into certain deities or creative force centers in the universe.

Yantras are usually designed so that the eye is carried into the center, and very often they are symmetrical.

The most celebrated Yantra in India is the Sri Yantra, one of the Yantra of Tripura Sundari Mahavidya.