The Sri Yantra Avahana Mantra is a set of invocation formulas used in Sri Vidya tradition to invite the presence of the goddess Tripura Sundari and the deities of the nine enclosures (āvaraṇa-devatās) into the Sri Yantra (also called Sri Chakra). The term 'avahana' means 'invocation' or 'inviting,' and this mantra is chanted during the preliminary rites of Sri Chakra puja to transform the geometric diagram into a living abode of the goddess. According to the 'Lalita Sahasranama' (verse 1), the goddess is described as 'Śrīmātā' (the divine mother) and 'Śrīmahārājñī' (the great queen), and the Sri Yantra is her subtle form. The 'Mantra Mahodadhi' (chapter 4) details the avahana procedure, stating that the practitioner should visualize the yantra as the goddess's body and recite the appropriate mantras to draw her energy into the yantra. The primary beej-akshara used in these mantras is 'Hreem' (ह्रीम्), which represents the sound-form of Tripura Sundari and is composed of the bija 'Ha' (Shiva), 'Ra' (Prakriti), 'I' (Maya), and 'M' (Ananda), with the nasalization (bindu) indicating the union of Shiva and Shakti.
The avahana mantras often begin with 'Om Hreem Shreem' and include specific verses for each of the nine enclosures, as prescribed in the 'Shaktisangama Tantra' (section on Sri Vidya). The traditional purpose of this mantra is to establish a direct connection with the goddess, making the yantra an energized medium for worship, meditation, and fulfillment of desires. Regular chanting is believed to bestow prosperity, spiritual wisdom, and protection. The recommended chanting context is during the morning or evening, facing east, after bathing and wearing clean clothes. The practitioner should perform the puja with a clear mind, offering flowers, incense, and lamp.
The count is typically 108 times using a rudraksha mala, but during formal puja, it may be chanted once or thrice. Cautions include the need for proper initiation (diksha) from a qualified guru, as the Sri Vidya tradition is considered secret and powerful. Without initiation, the mantra may not yield the desired results and could lead to spiritual imbalance. Additionally, the practitioner must maintain purity of body and mind, avoiding meat, alcohol, and sexual activity on the day of practice. The 'Devi Mahatmya' (chapter 11) emphasizes that the goddess is pleased only by sincere devotion and correct ritual procedure.
Om, I invoke the Sri Yantra with the seed syllables Hreem and Shreem.
The mantra contains the bija 'hrīṃ' (ह्रीम्), composed of 'ha' (Shiva), 'ra' (Prakriti), 'i' (Maya), and 'm' (Ananda) with bindu, symbolizing the union of Shiva and Shakti. 'śrīṃ' (श्रीम्) is the bija for Lakshmi/Tripura Sundari, representing abundance.