The Tara Yantra Mantra refers to the set of mantras used to invoke and worship the sacred geometric diagram (yantra) of Goddess Tara, one of the ten Mahavidyas in Tantric Hinduism. The yantra itself is a visual representation of the goddess's energy, typically composed of concentric circles, lotus petals, and a central bindu, often colored blue to symbolize Tara's compassionate yet fierce nature. The primary mantra associated with the Tara Yantra is the twelve-syllable mantra 'Om Hreem Streem Hoom Phat,' which appears in texts such as the 'Tara Tantra' and 'Mantra Mahodadhi' (chapter on Tara). This mantra combines the seed syllables (bija) Hreem (representing the goddess's creative and destructive power), Streem (invoking her protective and nurturing aspect), Hoom (a fierce sound for dispelling obstacles), and Phat (a weapon syllable for cutting through negativity).
The Tara Gayatri, another associated mantra, is found in the 'Tara Upanishad' and is chanted for wisdom and liberation. The yantra is traditionally worshipped during the night, especially on Tuesdays or during the dark fortnight, with offerings of blue flowers, incense, and lamps. Chanting the mantra 108 times while meditating on the yantra is said to grant protection from dangers, help in crossing over difficult situations (hence Tara's name meaning 'she who ferries across'), and bestow the goddess's compassion. According to the 'Shaktisangama Tantra,' the Tara Yantra Mantra is particularly effective for removing obstacles related to water, travel, and fear of enemies.
Practitioners are advised to receive initiation (diksha) from a qualified guru before using this mantra, as improper chanting may lead to adverse effects due to its intense energy. The yantra is also used in rituals for pacifying planetary afflictions and for attaining siddhis (supernatural powers). The 'Yantra texts' describe the precise geometric construction of the Tara Yantra, which includes a central triangle surrounded by two circles of eight and sixteen petals, each inscribed with bija mantras. The mantra is chanted with specific mudras (hand gestures) and visualizations, such as imagining the goddess Tara standing on a corpse, symbolizing the transcendence of death.
This practice is deeply rooted in the Tantric tradition of Bengal and Assam, where Tara is worshipped as Ugra Tara (the fierce form) and Tarini (the savioress). The Tara Yantra Mantra thus serves as a powerful tool for spiritual transformation, protection, and the cultivation of inner strength.
Salutations to the fierce and compassionate Goddess Tara, who cuts through all obstacles and grants protection.
The mantra consists of four seed syllables (bīja): hrīṃ (Tara's creative/destructive energy), strīṃ (protective/nurturing), hūṃ (fierce dispelling), and phaṭ (cutting weapon). These are preceded by Oṁ, the primordial sound. The combination invokes Tara's full spectrum of powers.