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CONTENTS |
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| CONTENTS:- List of Plates; Abbreviations; Preface; Introduction; Numbers as symbols; Yantra construction, variations and application; Constructing the sacred enclosure (Bhupur); Variations on the Bhupura shape; Construction of the petal shape; Basic Yantra iconography; Color as iconography; Applications of the Yantra form; Temple plan based on a Mandala (Yantra); Astronomical chart based on a Sarvatabhadra Yantra; Janan Yantra; Linga Mandala as Yantra; Rajasthani Yantra (c. 17 C.); Thangka with nine Mandala-Yantras; Shri Chakra Yantra; Yantras; Amba Matta Yantra; Annapurna Yantra; Bagla Yantra; Balarama (Avatara) Yantra; Bala-Shakti Yantra; Bala-Tripura Yantra; Bhairon Yantra; Bhuvaneshvari Yantra; Chinnamasta Yantra; Devi Yantra; Dhanda Yantra; Dhumavati Yantra; Durga Yantra; Ganesha Yantra; Gayatri Yantra; Hanumat (Hanuman) Yantra; Hayagriva Yantra; Kali Yantra; Kalki Yantra; Kamala Yantra; Krishna (Avatara) Yantra; Kurma (Avatara) Yantra; Maha-Ganapati Yantra; Maha-Lakshmi Yantra; Maha-Mritanje (Shiva) Yantra; Mangala (Hanuman) Yantra; Matangi Yantra; Matsya (Avatara) Yantra; Mrit-Sanjivani Yantra; Narasimha (Avatara) Yantra; Navagraha Yantra (magic squares); Navagraha Yantra (combined); Parashurama (Avatara) Yantra; Rama (Avatara) Yantra; Sarasvati Yantra; Sharabha Yantra; Shitala Yantra; Shiva Yantra; Shodashi (Tripura-Sundari) Yantra; Shri-Chakram Yantra; Shyama (Kali) Yantra; Surya Yantra; Tara Yantra; Tripura (ntaka)- Bhairavi Yantra (I); Vamana (Avatara) Yantra; Varaha (Avatara) Yantra; Vartali Yantra; Vighnaraja Yantra; Vishnu Yantra; Postscript; Notes; Bibliography; Yantra identification; Index; Acknowledgements. |
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DESCRIPTION |
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| Hinduism is known for the bewildering profusion of its deities, who are represented not only in two or three dimensional anthropomorphic images, but also in abstract configurations, known as yantras. In yantras is, thus, seen almost a parallel with the surfeit of deities in Hindu tradition. Literally meaning an 'instrument', 'apparatus' or a 'talisman', yantra is a kind of mystical diagram used, in tantra, for both meditation and invoking a divinity, and is believed to possess/ arouse occult powers. Drawn only by the adept: the ones schooled in this arcane, highly intricate process, and energized by siddh mantras, these seemingly innocuous geometrical figures are employed for any number of reasons or desires: whether to attain wealth, ward off disease, beget a son, vanquish enemies, or even to cause somebody's death. This book, the latest from Professor Bunce, highlights the essential import of these innocuous-looking, yet enigmatic, diagrams surfacing from the occult practices of the tantrics. The author, an internationally known scholar of Oriental Art, examines a range of tantric yantras, with their varieties, applications, modes of construction and, above all, their iconographic features. Also interwoven in his text are lucid descriptions of all else associated with a yantra, notably, its deity, its specific purpose, its predominant and secondary numbers, and its mantra. Carrying beautiful visual representations of over a hundred yantras, Professor Bunce's study holds out enduring appeal to the readers concerned not only with the iconography of tantric yantras, but their mystifying under-pinnings as well. |
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