The general meaning of the word yantra is “a machine,” and so in this sense a washing machine, a television or even a computer is a yantra. In a religious context a yantra is a symbolic diagram that represents a Deity and is used primarily for puja and meditation. Yantras are generally inscribed onto thin copper or silver plates that shows a geometric shape, often some numbers and even the inscription of a Deity. Virtually every Deity will have a yantra.

Thus it common to find Narayana yantras, Lakshmi or Shri yantras, Nava Graha yantras, Durga yantras, and so on. A yantra can be used in much the same way as a murti or sacred image is worshiped during puja. Yantras have other ueses as well. They are often placed underneath a sacred image when it is newly installed onto a temple altar. A certain method must be followed while writing yantras. The sadhak must face certain direction and use different materials for different puposes. In this way the yantra used and recited are powerful and bestow the desired result.

The lines of the figures are drawn in different directions according to the desired positive or negative results. The time or 'muhurat' to perform the yantra has a very important role. The time of day yantra is performed various according to the purpose of the yantra.According to our shastras Yantra is a science which can be used through the five elements-earth, water, fire, sky and air and by recitation of mantras to control nature in one's own interest. Deities are worshiped in different forms and each form is linked to a yantra.

Yantra uses signs and writings to remove a planet's malice effects and increase it's beneficial aspects. A bindu or zero is used to form various broad figures known as 'Yantras'.