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The heart of the yantra is composed of two red interlocked triangles with inscriptions. In some contexts, for purposes of protection, a person’s name is written at the center of the yantra.
Canopy of a Mahakala Yantra
OriginTibet
Date18th–19th century
Dimensions32 3/4 × 28 1/2 in.
MediumPigments on cloth
Classification(s)
Credit LineRubin Museum of Art, Gift of Shelley and Donald Rubin
Object numberC2006.66.509
Himalayan Art Resources Number977
Project Himalayan Arthttps://projecthimalayanart.rubinmuseum.org/related/mandala-of-chart-yantra-diagram/
DescriptionThis painting, designed to hang from the ceiling, is a large yantra specifically used in rituals for protection of person, family, or community. The backdrop of flayed human skin indicates that the type of protection being summoned is extremely fierce.The heart of the yantra is composed of two red interlocked triangles with inscriptions. In some contexts, for purposes of protection, a person’s name is written at the center of the yantra.
Not on view
13th century
20th century
19th century
late 18th century
ca. 18th-19th century
19th century
18th century
First half of the 15th century
19th century
19th century
