Mandala literally means a circle . The tibetan word for madala is Kyilkhor , which means “centre and surrounding environment .”  In simple terms it is a circle used as a visual aid for concentration and introversive meditation . Meditating using a mandala leads to the attainment of insights and it helps to increase one’s level of concentration . It also helps to activate forces within oneself which culminates into “Siddhi  ” or super – natural forces . The mandala is the graphic representation of this process . It is not only theoretical but practical as an operational scheme involving a clear plan for practical realization of the process within oneself . It thus becomes an instrument ( Yantra ) . It is believed that by just looking at a mandala one’s soul is spiritually purified. Thus , a mandala represents the palace of purity a magic circle cleansed of spiritual obstacles and impurities . The square of the sacred palace is enclosed in  multiple circles of flame, vajra and lotus . These three circles forming the outer rims of the mandala symbolizes enlightenment , which  the meditating person must gain , before he or she can enter the illuminated palace . The mandala then consists of the inner square where the deity of the mandala resides .

The outer most circle or the fire circle also known as the Fire of wisdom

Consists of the purifying fire . The diamond circle or the vajra circle expresses strength and fearlessness  and finally the lotus circle expresses the open state of devotion , that is necessary to enter the palace . These three elements denotes the state of mind that the follower or the person meditating must possess before practicing the dharma .  

The name of the mandala is determined according to the deity residing in the centre of the sacred palace .