Mandala tattoos are beautiful and intricate, no doubt. But they also are so much more than a pretty design. Though the Sanskrit word literally translates to "circle," mandalas are a symbol of the universe. They have a long history in Hinduism and Buddhism; their complex and symmetrical designs have many traditional uses, from being a spiritual guidance tool to being a mode of meditation. And because of their inherent symbolism and religious ties, many people find that they make for great tattoo inspiration -- of course, it also doesn't hurt that they're stunning. Really, when you think about it, a mandala tattoo has the somewhat unique potential to be both visually striking and personally meaningful.
So, on the market for a beautiful mandala design to inspire your next tattoo? Read on for some of our favorite options, from ornate lotus mandala tattoos to minimalistic geometric interpretations of the traditional mandala design.
Don't you love the placement of this mandala tattoo? Perched right on top of the shoulder, it incorporates a lovely floral motif -- including some beautiful half blown roses and a tiny falling petal.
This mandala design is so minute and meticulously inked, and it has an interesting meaning behind it, too. In Buddhism, the lotus -- a beautiful flower that grows directly out of the mud -- traditionally symbolizes enlightenment, spiritual awakening and purity.
Why not combine two major tattoo trends and get a watercolor mandala tattoo? The colorful blues of the watercolor art offset the mathematical symmetry of the mandala perfectly. We're calling this a double win.
