• Yantras used as bases for ritual instruments such as lamps, vessels. These are usually simple geometric shapes on which tools are placed.
• Yantras used in regular worship like Sri Yantra. These include geometric drawings and are powered by mantras to the deity, and sometimes include mantras written into the design.
• Yantras used in certain wishful rituals. These yantras are often made of birch bark or paper and include special materials such as flowers, rice paste, and ash.

A yantra consists of compositions, images and a written mantra. Circles and lotus-like triangles with 4 to 1,000 petals are common. Saiva and Shakti Yantras often have trident tips.