Mandara is the Buddhist diagram, which was decorated as the principal image. That image was needed to pray in esoteric Buddhism. Images of Buddha and its followers are put systematically on the diagram. The Mandara symbolizes mental world of Buddha.

The most interesting Mandara that Rinnoji Temple stores, is Hokuto Mandara. It literally means Mandara of Big Dipper. The principal image is surrounded by images of 9 stars, twelve signs of the zodiac, and Big Dipper. In addition to that, you will find an image of human in the Big Dipper.

Mandara consists of two sections such as Kongo-kai section and Taizou-kai section. The Taizou-kai section expresses the Dainichi-nyorai through the aspect of reason, while the Kongo-kai section expresses Dainichi-nyorai through the aspect of wisdom. Both Mandaras represent universal view of esoteric Buddhism.