Mandalas are spiritual and ritual symbolic representations of the macrocosm and microcosm, used in Buddhism and Hinduism.

The meaning of Mandala es "wheel or circle" in Sanskrit. These elaborations are used, above all, in Hinduism and Buddhism, since they evoke representations of the macrocosm and microcosm, always conceived from a totally spiritual point of view. Its benefits are quickly appreciated by those who practice meditation.
In addition, along with their multiple benefits in the field of meditation, they are also being used in numerous decorative references within the home and for personal use.

Other meanings in Sanskrit

According to Sir Monier Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary, the Sanskrit term mandala means:

• Circle.
• Disc (especially that of the Sun or the Moon).
• Oval.
• Sacred circle (according to Divia-Vadhana).
• Enchanted circle of an incantation (according to Śatapatha-brāhmana).
• Anything round (although according to Jemadri's Chaturvarga-chintāmani, it also means 'anything triangular or square').
• Circumference.
• Halo around the Moon or the Sun (according to the Brijad-samjitá of Varaja Mijira).
• Orbit of a celestial body (according to Suria-Siddhanta).
• Ball to play (according to the Mahabharata).
• Round mark made on the skin with a fingernail (in the Latiaiana, the Kathaka-Grijia-sutra, and Hindu erotic literature).
• Circular bandage (in surgery).
• Skin rash or type of leprosy with circular sores.
• Mirror (also da-Arpana "gives vanity").
• One of the ten divisions of the Rig-veda by the author (they are divided into 85 anuvākas or lessons, and these in turn into 1087 sūktas or hymns).
• Particular position to shoot arrows.
• Circular ordering of troops (in the Majabhárata and the Kamandakíia-Niti-Sara).
• District, territory, province (sometimes added to the end of modern names, according to the Majabhárata, the Atharva-Veda-Pariśishta, and local inscriptions).
• Small kingdoms far and near that surround a king, with whom diplomatic or political relations are maintained (4, 6, 10 or even 12 of those States are listed), according to the Laws of Manu.
• Crowd, group, band, collection, whole body, society, company (according to Iagña Valkia, the Mahabharata, and Kavian literature).
• Type of snake.
• The Mandala-Nritia is a type of circular dance, performed by the Gopis around Radha and Krishna.

What are Mandalas used for?

The basic use of Mandalas, especially for Buddhists, is meditation. Through observing its many forms and trying to achieve a state of calm, leaving the mind blank, they create a direct connection between man and divinity.
Consequently, Mandalas are a recognizable energy point that helps man achieve spiritual balance and purify his soul.