Meaning[edit]
Yantra tattoos are believed to be magic and bestow mystical powers, protection, or good luck.[4]
In Cambodia, the tattoo is used for protection.[7] Cambodians believe a yantra has magical powers that ward off evil and hardship. The tattoois particularly popular among military personnel. The tattoo supposedly guarantees that the person cannot receive any physical harm as long as they observe certain rules.
It is believed that the power of sacred tattoos decreases with time. So, to re-empower them each year, sak yan masters celebrate with their devotees the Wai Khru ritual. Wai khru, means "pay homage to one's teacher". In Thailand, the most impressive Wai Khru is held at the temple of Wat Bang Phra.[8]
Sak yan designs are also applied to many other media, such as cloth or metal, and placed in one's house, place of worship, or vehicle as a means of protection[citation needed] from danger or illness, to increase wealth, and to attract lovers.