Mandala tattoo and its meaning. What was and what will be the meaning of the mandala tattoo Mandalas on the legs tattoo

The history of the mandala begins in the prehistoric era. It is an art form used by ancient people to represent the entire universe. It is also a symbol used in the spiritual aspect of Buddhism and Hinduism. Even though it is an ancient art, many people still admire the mandala image.

Mandala tattoo is a sacred symbol. It is a popular symbol of Hinduism and Buddhism and is religious in nature. There are mandalas that represent the Sun, the Universe and the Stars. People believe that only those who have the blessings of heaven can master the art of mandala. Although there is no evidence, thousands of people still consider it a myth. There is nothing wrong with this, the main thing is that you consider the mandala to be art and appreciate it.

The mandala image consists of basic geometric shapes, particularly squares and triangles. If you look at the mandala from afar, you will see a circle, not squares and triangles. This is due to the harmonious combination of geometric shapes that give a single pattern. Mandala tattoos are a great idea, especially for people who love ancient art.

  • 1 Types of Mandala Tattoos

Mandala tattoo is extremely popular not only today but also in the past. Many people have already used this design and it looks really great. Mandala will give you a certain aura that attracts people and delights them. It is impossible to resist a beautifully drawn mandala.

Types of Mandala Tattoos

  1. Flower mandala tattoo

This is the most common mandala tattoo design. Flowers are beautiful on their own, but when you use them in a mandala design, the result will be a masterpiece. This tattoo is filled with pure black ink. However, there are people who prefer colored mandala tattoos. The tattoo is built from geometric shapes, like a simple mandala, but inside it is decorated with flowers. This type of tattoo design will force you to focus on the central part rather than the entire image. A flower mandala tattoo symbolizes a blooming life and upcoming success. It is ideal for girls and women.

  1. Tribal mandala tattoo

This is another type of mandala tattoo that is gaining popularity all over the world. People who are supporters of punk rock and hard metal music often use mandala to inspire their movement. Tribal mandala tattoos are also used by Satanists, but this is not worth considering. In fact, tribal designs are the artworks of various ethnic tribes and cultures that have the heart and soul of the artists. Having a tribal tattoo will make you look really cool. Having a tattoo like this signifies faith in the tribe and movement and not just an adornment on your body.

  1. Pink mandala tattoo

Religious advocates often use this type of tattoo. Rose windows are inspired by the popular stained glass windows of many churches and cathedrals. This type of mandala tattoo is a symbolic design for religious people and organizations, but for others it is simply a wonderful piece of art. Typically, tattoos are done exclusively with colored ink, like stained glass windows in churches. The bright colors add overall appeal to the entire mandala design. Getting such a tattoo will take several hours and you will have to be patient, your patience will be worth it!

  1. Triangle mandala tattoo

This type of tattoo is made of triangles and circles formed into a mandala image. Unlike any other geometric tattoos, this one has a central part that will catch your attention. The central part in the form of a hexagonal star is formed from two triangles. The design is often associated with the Catholic Trinity. It symbolizes the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Some cultures also believe that the six-sided star holds the key to their purpose in life.

Meaning of mandala tattoo

Typically, mandala tattoos were used by the Christian population due to their close relationship with divinity. More than the simple shapes used to form a design, such a tattoo embodies a deeper meaning. For many Christians, this means being “whole.” Although there are other shapes used to design a mandala, the overall picture undoubtedly contains a circle, which clearly reflects the wholeness.

Mandala tattoo meaning

There are also mandalas that symbolize Truth and Reality. In Christian beliefs, Divinity is the source of all truths in the world. There is nothing greater than absolute truth known only to Heavenly Father.

Some mandala tattoos represent a Native American belief. Native Americans truly believe that every creature is our brother and sister. They believe in paying respect and honor to all forms of life and spirit. Mandalas made by Native Americans look like a medicine circle with a clock. The symbol often serves as a reminder to focus on more important things in life.

The mandala tattoo offers different interpretations. Only the tattoo artist and the tattoo owner know what it really means. Do not look for any meaning of the mandala tattoo, but simply admire the masterpiece.

Ideal Place for a Mandala Tattoo

Mandala is an ideal design for people who like to show off their tattoo. Even though some people are modest by nature, it's always great to show off your carefully designed tattoo. This tattoo is chic and very intricate, so it makes you look much cooler than you already are.

The best place for a mandala tattoo is on the hands. This is the most visible part of your body, making it a great place to show off your tattoo.

Another great place for a mandala tattoo is on the back. The back is almost flat, making it easier for the artist to develop the tattoo design and detailing. And since the back is wider than any other part of the body, you can get large tattoos, even tattooing the entire back.

If you want to look sexy, get a mandala tattoo on the back of your neck. But in such a small area it will not be possible to make a detailed drawing of the mandala.

The mandala drawing is very intriguing and interesting. Before you get a tattoo, you should think about the design. The mandala is breathtaking, so don't rush into making a decision. Once you've chosen the design you want, find a tattoo parlor and compare prices. You can save a lot of money.

Average price of a mandala tattoo

Different tattoo shops usually charge different prices for the same design. The price depends on the complexity of the design and the skill of the artist performing this procedure. A popular celebrity tattoo parlor is 2x the price of a regular tattoo parlor in your area. They may even charge you by the hour, making it more expensive. In return, you can count on the best service and an exact match of the tattoo to your design.

The average cost of a mandala tattoo is around $100-$300, depending on its size. Since mandala tattoos are usually colored, they are more expensive than regular ones. Additionally, mandala designs take longer to draw compared to simple tattoos, which also costs money.

Mandala Tattoo Care

You don't always get a beautiful mandala tattoo. Its filling is very painful and you will have to endure the pain for several hours, since the tattoo consists of many complex details. This is important if you want to get good results.

The first thing that comes to your mind after getting a tattoo is to look at it. However, experienced tattoo artists know that it is better to immediately apply a bandage, since the tattooing process leaves wounds and scratches on the skin, and it is necessary to prevent dirt from entering, allowing time for healing. After a few days you will be able to change the bandage. However, before applying a new one, be sure to wash the tattoo area. This can be done with plain tap water and then applied with antibacterial cream.

Mandala tattoo photo

Tattoo mandala and girl dotwork

The mandala comes from the culture of the Tibetan region. Over the centuries, this image has spread throughout Asia with philosophical teachings and religious beliefs.

The symbol embodies the structure of the universe in 2D format. Gradually, the image gained popularity in tattoo culture.

Origin of the symbol

Mandala tattoo became popular thanks to the development of the dance-tantric movement. American Tribal Style Belly Dance or ATS. Modern trends and the eastern direction are intertwined in tribal culture. A distinctive feature of tribal dancers is the abundance of tattoos.

Since Tribal Bellidance takes its main ideological content from Buddhists and Hindus, tattoos are made with the inclusion of the symbols of the East. In first place in popularity is Mandala.

REFERENCE: Mandala is a sacred image of a disk in which elements of the plot and lines intersect cyclically. The schematic structure obeys clear laws of geometry. All parts are balanced, there are no unclosed lines.

The Mandala contains the idea of ​​movement. The use of angle and direction creates a visual effect of movement, thus conveying dynamic action through static.

In fact, the Mandala is part of the ornament. It can easily be supplemented with additional elements, or be an independent part. All details are lined up from the center, which can be located in the middle or offset.

The first designs that came into tattoo culture were copied from temple images of Nepal, India and Pakistan. The modern direction has a lot of independent laws for constructing a Mandala.

Mandala tattoo meaning

As already mentioned, the main meaning of the Mandala tattoo is the embodiment of the universe. In addition, through ethnic cultures, the image acquired the meaning “fertility”, “health”, “prosperity”, etc. as additional meanings.

Choosing a meaning for your Mandala is not difficult. In fact, this is a message that is encrypted by separate components.

If the elements include the symbolism of nature and earth, the root message will be “prosperity”, “increase”, “fertility”.

These elements are:

  • diamonds;
  • triangles;
  • crosses;
  • broken lines;
  • oriental cucumber;
  • pointed oval.
REFERENCE: A circle or square with a cross inside and dots represents a sown field.

The symbol of fire, passion and energy is a circle with a swastika inscribed in it. The smoother the lines of the swastika, the closer it is to heavenly fire. Turned curved lines to the right or left reflect the direction.

In the Mandala there may be small ovals lined up, which means thousands of galaxies in a single space.

Smooth wavy lines in the Mandala mean "movement", "flow" or water. Air signs include rising lines, points or curves. A set of different elements symbolizes the unity of the elements and universal harmony. The parade of symbols is lined up from the center to the edge, or from the center to the outer circles.

Men's and women's tattoos

Initially, Mandala does not have a clear gender orientation. However, the number and set of symbols determines the enhanced presence of masculine or feminine principles in it. So for girls, flowing lines, dots, circles, “”, horseshoe-shaped patterns predominate.

Men's Mandalas include more broken lines, swastikas, universal cucumbers. Completed with crosses and squares, their meaning takes on a single meaning:

  • conception
  • creation
  • movement
  • Creation.

The symbol applied to the skin should protect the owner in the form of a talisman,. The meaning is individually selected for each person; it is formed from a set of symbols.

For example, for a woman, it is more priority to lay down a message to improve health and preserve energy. Men need initiative, movement and the search for new horizons. Composing an image is not a complicated process, since it is assembled according to the principle of a designer.

Tattoo styles

The most precise finishing style. The direction is based on the principle of filling the space with an abundance of black tone. This is the closest style to ethnic tattoos.

A good do-it-yourself solution for men is Mandala. In combination with rhombuses and polyhedrons, the tattoo takes on the meaning of balance, strength and the predominance of reason.

Black lines and dots form a dense pattern that covers the skin beautifully and voluminously. In this direction it is good to create sketches for the sleeve, chest or back.

Tattoo under the chest

Openwork interlacing lines with flowers will decorate women’s wrists, area or waist. According to the ornament, the pattern represents popular versions of dream catchers or combinations of symbols of other nations.

That is why Polynesia or tribal can be used as an additional style. Ethnic or ornamental designs would also be suitable.

In the female version, more plant elements, rounded lines and floral themes should prevail. For men, it is better to delve into geometric lines and shapes.

How does a Mandala tattoo affect your life?

The main message of the symbol is love. The mandala of love, embodied through a tattoo, contains more smooth lines than sharp corners. Cyclically intertwined lines enclosed in a circle magnetize the energy of the universe in the human information field.

The wealth mandala contains a large number of intertwining lines. It mainly consists of circles and triangles. The direction should go clockwise. The more intricate the structure of the drawing, the more opportunities the Mandala attracts into a person’s life.

The happiness mandala is filled with flowers and plants. It has the shape of a flower. A large number of petals emerge from the center. If the drawing is colored, this will only enhance the effect. It is worth giving preference to shades:

  • red
  • gold
  • purple
  • green.

The luck mandala has a unique structure; the outer lines should direct the visual perception of movement inside the circle. It should not have sharp corners or sharp turns. All lines smoothly flow into one another.

Places for mandala tattoos

The location on the hand is most often on the back of the hand. This part has enough space on the wrist to place the main plot.

If we are talking about creating a sleeve, the following areas are filled:

  • on the shoulder
  • along the biceps line
  • above the chest.

This arrangement is typical for men. The hand is completely covered with the pattern. For women, the area under the breasts and on the back is filled.

The feminine area is the hip and waist line. For application on the thigh, choose patterns with the addition of lines extending beyond the circle. It can also be applied to the leg in the calf area.

It is typical for men to have a pattern printed on their neck. Young girls are advised to choose the ankle.

The placement of a tattoo on the body directs energy to various centers of the body. Check with your specialist for suitable places for application.

You can select a sketch from drawings on the Internet. However, not all tattoo designs are drawn up correctly. The best sketches are created individually for you. This way you will be sure of the meaning of the message, whether it is feminine or masculine.

Sketches for tattoos are easy to create; they make tattoos look expressive and compact. Even a sketch of a drawing is already beginning to attract successful lines of events to the owner. For men, the best solution is to include lotus in drawings. Based on the quality of the preliminary sketch, you can assess the level of skill of your specialist.

Video on the topic

Photo of tattoo

Mandala is part of the practices of Hinduism and Buddhism. Monks make a model of the world from colored sand. This could be the wheel of Samsara, only by breaking out of which can one enter nirvana.

An abstract diagram of the lands of Buddha and the habitat of deities can also be drawn. A drawing is created for days on end and destroyed in a matter of minutes. Grains of sand are fluttered or swept away with brushes and particles of the mandala are distributed to believers.

They destroy the composition as a sign of the impermanence of the world. This idea lies at the heart of Buddhism. However, there are models that last for decades. We are talking about drawings on fabric, diagrams carved in wood and tattoos. Mandala tattoo is gaining popularity, like everything oriental. Therefore, we will continue to understand the meaning of the symbol using the example of body painting.

The meaning of the Mandala tattoo

Meaning tattoos follows from its name. The word mandala is translated from Sanskrit as “circle”. This figure is considered perfect. Plato and his teacher Socrates spoke about this. They proclaimed the circle to be a model of heaven. Buddhists and Hindus agree on this. The absence of corners means the absence of obstacles and negativity.

In the circle there is no aggression, no imbalance, only harmony. The figure in the form of which is performed mandala sign, tattoo, there is no beginning and end. This is a symbol of the closedness of the Universe, the infinity of life, consisting of a series of rebirths.

Mandala - tattoo sketch, which indicates people who are determined to know the main thing, and not scattered about trifles. This is indicated by the structure of the models. In the center is the largest image. The smallest elements are located at the periphery. Conclusion: - to know the world, you need to know yourself. To know yourself means to focus on the spiritual. This is the most important thing.

The meaning of a mandala tattoo depends on the nuances of the image, including the drawing of the central element. Thus, in Hinduism, a “devil’s finger” is often depicted in the middle of the diagram. Another name is the diamond rod. It symbolizes the fusion of masculine and feminine principles. It turns out that with the Hindu version of the mandala, it is a sign of the destruction of the dualistic model of the world.

Talisman - another meaning of tattoos "mandala". Photo of tattoo from catalogs are a way to call on the gods for help. The interpretation will be explained by the legend about the creation of the world's first mandala. It was made by the founder of the Vajrayana. This is a tantric movement in Buddhism. A man made a sand model in the 8th century AD.

The artist needed help from higher powers. They remained deaf to the pleas. Then, the petitioner decided to lure the gods with the beauty of the hand-made painting. The bet worked. The spirits descended from heaven to the man standing in the center of the mandala.

Victory over fears - another transcript mandala tattoos. What does it mean symbol, said Gustave Jung. He became the first Western psychologist to study Buddhist patterns. The professor began to compile them daily. The first experience dates back to 1916.

After a couple of years, Jung came to the conclusion that the drawings reflected his inner state on a specific date. After analyzing his mental transformation, Gustave came to the conclusion that during the practice of mandalas he got rid of many fears. Since then, creating colorful paintings has been one of the methods of therapy.

Features of the Mandala tattoo

On the hand, back, stomach, thigh, chest and head mandalas are appropriate. Choose a smaller area of ​​the body and you will get a crumpled image. Buddhist schemes are filled with nuances and are full of colors. In order for each element of the composition to be read, it must be of impressive size. The picture will not fit on your finger, neck, ear, or wrist.

Mandala-themed stylizations can be monochromatic and simplified. However, classical models of the Universe are filled with all the colors of the rainbow. This is why there is a mandala and a diagram of the world to demonstrate all its elements and colors. There are also narrowly focused mandalas, but they are an invention of Europeans. It was no longer psychologists like Jung who tried, but magicians. They took, for example, one of the cards of the tarot deck and made a circular composition from repetitions of the form.

Its contemplation, esotericists say, introduces tender feelings into a person’s life and allows one to meet the other half. Mandala of love – tattoo in orange and blue tones. These are the colors of the Ace of Cups - the same card taken as the basis of the model.

The circular shape of the mandalas implies their location in the center of the “canvas”. They look harmonious between the shoulder blades, around the navel, on the top of the head. Balance can also be seen in the paired patterns on the knees. However, getting tattoos in joint areas is painful, and not everyone will decide to do it.

The lateral location of the picture is advantageous if it is divided into two parts. The second half is displayed on the adjacent foot or hand. When you connect the limbs, you get a complete picture.

Mandala tattoo for men and women

Mandala is a universal symbol. equally suitable for both men and women. You have to take into account not so much the meaning as the aesthetics of the tattoo. The shape of a circle visually expands the area where it is located. So, mandala tattoo on back will make it more massive. If you place the pattern between the shoulder blades, the shoulder girdle will expand.

The picture in the lumbar region eliminates the waist, which can ruin a girl’s figure. For women, it is better to order two mandalas and apply them on the sides. The drawings are a kind of shadows. They will darken the skin, visually narrowing the waist.

Mandalas on men's biceps are a way to emphasize volume. Women, as a rule, do not need to highlight the reliefs of their bodies. Ladies use circular paintings to focus on the fragility and grace of the figure. Thus, the swan neck is perfectly emphasized by a large mandala, starting from the collarbones and reaching almost to the chin.

It turns out to be a sort of tight-fitting necklace. Both philosophy and decoration in one “bottle”. Beautiful hands will complement the mandalas on their front side. The patterns will complement rings and well-groomed nails. Well-groomed feet will also not be spoiled by a geometric plot filled with bright colors.

Men often ask to stylize a mandala like a watch dial, a car wheel, a planet, or a gear. Girls prefer parallels with flowers. The easiest way is to “tailor” the scheme to a rose and lotus. At the same time, the philosophy of the model will be preserved. Both flowers symbolize harmony and connection with the sky.

Representatives of both sexes love to stylize the mandala as a labyrinth. Considering that the diagram is a model of the Universe, the labyrinth inside it is a merging of paths, among which you need to find the right one. The picture becomes a symbol of life's throwing, attempts to find a way out of this or that situation. Perhaps the choice is before you too. - one of the ways to find the right path. The main thing is to take the application of the mandala seriously.


Every year more and more people become interested in Eastern culture and its spiritual practices. The hitherto unknown and incomprehensible world of the East is gradually opening its doors, forcing people to take a fresh look at the space around them. Eastern philosophy and its worldview began to be reflected in various types of modern creativity and art, one of which is the mandala tattoo.

The meaning and meaning of a tattoo

A mandala is an image used in the religious practices of Tibet and India, reflecting people’s views on the world order and man’s place in this Universe.

The drawing is a circle, inside which other geometric figures are inscribed, symbolizing the Universe and man’s place in it. This is a kind of map of the Cosmos, where everything is harmonious and in balance. In Tibetan monasteries, the mandala is depicted by monks during meditation. The design is made with colored sand, embroidered on fabric, or even made of wood and metal.

Now the mandala has become part of Western popular culture, but despite this, its original meaning and significance have remained unchanged. Mandala tattoo is the choice of spiritual and thoughtful individuals who want to find harmony with themselves and the world around them.

Types of images in mandala tattoos

A mandala is applied by a person as a certain visualization of his feelings, aspirations and high goals, therefore each person should have a mandala tattoo that is different from the others.

Classic motifs in the mandala are various circles, indicating the enlightenment of the soul or its protection, lotus flowers, symbolizing the rational principle, a person’s understanding of the reality around him. In addition, each mandala tattoo should have a center (or pupil), symbolizing the goal to which one must strive, overcoming various obstacles.

In addition to the motifs mentioned, other ornamental figures can be used in mandalas, but you need to be extremely careful when choosing and arranging them. So, for example, a triangle located in a drawing with its apex up will mean a person’s determination, and with its apex down – his weakness and indecision. The presence of a cross in a mandala can indicate the uncertainty of events, and winding lines will indicate strong emotional experiences and anxieties.

A spiral twisting clockwise denotes the cyclical nature of life and the beginning of all living things, while a spiral going in the opposite direction means loss of strength and weakness.

Other common images in tattoos are a five-pointed star (freedom, self-confidence), a tree (the basis of the universe), birds (lightness, harmony, awareness of the soul).

Did you know? Carl Gustave Jung was the first European person to become interested in the art of mandala. A practicing psychologist, he considered these images to be “photographs of the soul,” and personally practiced drawing the images. The first mandala he painted was made in 1916.

Color scheme for sacred tattoos

A tattoo on the body can be applied in one color, thereby emphasizing its graphics and ornamental perfection. However, it is also possible to perform a tattoo in color; this will make the image bright and reveal its semantic meaning.

When deciding on a colored mandala tattoo, it is important to correctly understand the meaning of each color used in the composition. It must be remembered that a tattoo carries powerful energy, so each shade can have a significant impact on a person’s destiny.

Basic meanings of colors in mandalas:

  • red – energy, passion, life potential;
  • yellow – creativity, cheerfulness, optimism;
  • green – a person’s desire to help his neighbor, empathy, compassion;
  • blue – willpower, endurance, high intellectual potential;
  • white – purity and spirituality;
  • black – darkness and death.

By combining different shades, you can thus create a specific message and express your understanding of the surrounding reality.

Location of a mandala tattoo on the body

The mandala is shaped like a circle, so it looks good on flat areas of the body. The tattoo can be placed in the area

Mandala (emphasis on the first syllable: mandala) is a geometric image of the Universe that came to us from Buddhists and Hindus.

The original shape of the mandala can be described as follows: a circle, a square inscribed in it, into which another circle is inscribed, divided into parts, with something in the center (often a lotus flower).


Over time, the shape of the mandala ceased to be strictly round. Now they are painted whatever they want. In fact, any geometric pattern with circles, lace, geometric shapes and flowers inscribed in a circle is now called a mandala.

Photo of mandala tattoo

Colored mandala tattoo

A colored mandala tattoo is most often complex, composite, with the addition of other elements:



That's great. This is not a boring classic, but with imagination, bright :)

This is the most common version of this tattoo. Most likely, this happened because in ancient India, tattoos were applied with dark henna, and now we pay tribute to this tradition.



It is a rarity. We haven't found any of these here.

A white tattoo looks good on dark or black skin, but our Slavic tattoo is too pale. Admire:



It’s not very clear what is drawn there, right? We need to take a closer look.

If you are going to make such a tattoo, then you need to put a colored background under the white mandala:


Mandala is a women's tattoo. On the chest, on the thigh and on the foot - classic. Although historically the mandala has no gender. Buddhists certainly don't.



We immediately remembered a couple of cases when a man did it. And even then this is not a pure mandala, but a variation on the theme:

The lotus is a sacred symbol of the Buddhist and Hindu religions and an important element of the mandala tattoo. It symbolizes the origin of the world, spiritual perfection, wisdom and nirvana.

On a tattoo it is always in the center:


Mandala tattoo on the arm: forearm, hand, wrist, sleeve

The brush is probably the most popular place for a mandala tattoo. The patterns on the brush are usually of a regular round shape:


On the forearm there are patterns that are more elongated along the vertical line of the arm:


Mandala tattoo on thigh/leg

On the legs the mandala is usually large and elongated:




This is an imperishable classic. On the chest, mandalas are usually extended to the sides and very elegant:




But sometimes there are such variations:



Mandala tattoo on back

This kind of tattoo is very rare. We found one:

Meaning of mandala tattoo

What does mandala mean? Let's figure it out. We'll have to dig a little deeper into history.

This image was and is still used today in Buddhist and Hindu religious and esoteric practices.

If you take the classic mandala shape apart, you get the following:

    The outer circle, which has two meanings. Firstly, this is the Universe. Secondly, this circle, which is also called the fiery circle, serves as an obstacle for the uninitiated. The seeker of truth needs to overcome this obstacle with the help of knowledge (burn out ignorance) and thus reach the second circle.

    The second circle is the diamond belt or vaira, the habitat of deities, bodhisattvas and buddhas, the haven of supreme knowledge. Bodhi is a state of enlightenment, having arrived at which one can no longer return back to ignorance.

    The square between the circles shows different directions of the world and has exits on each side - gates to the Universe.

    Inside the mandala is whatever you want to put there. Actually, it is the central part that determines the meaning of the drawing.

The mandala has a very specific practical purpose:

    it protects and harmonizes, helps in meditation;

    expands consciousness and concentrates attention;

    relieves emotional problems and stress.

Here are examples of wonderful designs for mandala tattoos:





Here are some more ideas:

    The earth is in the center of the circle. In ancient times, the Earth was considered the center of the Universe or at least the Solar System. Anthropocentrism, even if not in astrology, is still widespread. Man is the crown of development, the master of the world, and so on. Did you understand. This way you can laugh at a person’s conceit.

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