Maṇḍalas and Yantras in the Hindu Traditions

In recent years maṇḍalas have attracted much interest among a wider public. The main focus of such interest has been directed toward Tibetan maṇḍalas, specimens of which have been included in numerous publications. But maṇḍalas are found across a wide spectrum of South Asian religious traditions, including those of the Hindus and Jains. Hindu maṇḍalas and yantras have hardly been researched. This book attempts to fill this gap by clarifying important aspects of maṇḍalas and yantras in specific Hindu traditions through investigations by renowned specialists in the field. Its chapters explore maṇḍalas and yantras in the Smārta, Pāñcarātra, Śaiva and Śākta traditions. An essay on the vāstupuruṣamaṇḍala and its relationship to architecture is also included. With 13 colour plates. 'This ecxellent volume presents in depth articles on maṇḍalas and yantras by several leading scholars on this topic…' Frederick M. Smith, Religious Studies Review, 2004. 'An outstanding sholarly work.' Georg Feuerstein, Traditional Yoga Studies Interactive, 2005. 'Un ouvrage à la fois érudit, technique et accessible…' Jérôme Rousse-Lacordaire, Revue des Sciences Philosophiques et Théologiques, 2005. Gudrun Bühnemann, Dr. phil. (1980), University of Vienna, is a Professor at the Department of Languages and Cultures of Asia, The University of Wisconsin-Madison, Publications include The Iconography of Hindu Tantric Deities (2 volumes, Egbert Forsten, 2000–2001).