Symbolism of the 9
The Sri Yantra is a tantric meditation diagram consisting of nine triangles intertwined around a central point, the bindu. The 4 triangles pointing upwards represent Shiva with his energy rising. The 5 triangles pointing down represent Shakti or Lalitā with her energy descending. It is a pair of opposites (similar to the Taoist concept of yin-yang) united in the bindu. As it has nine triangles, it is sometimes called Navayoni Chakra.
The nine triangles are intertwined and form 43 small triangles in a symbolic network of the entire cosmos or a symbolic matrix of creation. Together they express Advaita or non-duality. When we go outside, we see that the triangles are surrounded by a lotus flower of eight petals, then another one of sixteen petals, and a square symbolizing the Earth and resembling a square temple with four doors (one at each side).
As a medium of meditation it should lead the practitioner to an acute sense of detachment from all contingencies and the veil of mâyâ (metaphysical illusion)
From the outside in, these nine levels are :
Trailokya Mohana or Bhupara, a square with 3 lines along the perimeter and 4 doors (one in the middle of each side)
Sarva Aasa Paripuraka, a lotus flower with 16 petals
Sarva Sankshobahana, a lotus flower with 8 petals
Sarva Saubhagyadayaka, a set of 14 small triangles
Sarva Arthasadhaka, a set of 10 small triangles
Sarva Rakshakara, a set of 10 small triangles
Sarva Rogahara, a set of 8 small triangles
Sarva Siddhi prada, a single small triangle
Sarva Anandamaya, the central point or bindu