The Dakshinakali yantra conforms to the general pattern of all Shakti
yantras but has its own particular form. In the centre is a group of five
triangles. Each point represents one of the fifteen Kali Nityas or
eternities, one for each day of the waning Moon. In the eight petals are eight
Bhairavas and eight Bhairavis, coupling together. Bhairava
means terrifying, and these couples are particularised aspects of Dakshina
Kalika, conforming to the eight tantrik directions. This is also the Kaula
circle where males and females congregate on one of the dark days of the Moon
to perform their uncanny rites. Each subsidiary Kali Nitya has her own yantra
and mantra conforming to the nature of each of the days of the dark fortnight
of the Moon.
Artwork is © Jan Bailey, 1995. Translations are © Mike Magee 1995. For more information, send e-mail to ac70@cityscape.co.uk