40 Intricate Mandala Tattoo Designs

Since mandala appears in various cultures, there is no shortage of inspiration. In quilt design, wall decor, mandala is one of the most popular textures out there. Similarly, the pattern finds its influence in tattoo art. Despite religious ties, mandala tattoo shows versatility in terms of design and expression, adapting to both men and women. Recently, there are growing number of its designs emerging in various styles, and viral in the social media.

What is mandala?

Mandala refers to the type of flower-like patterns with symmetrical petals and symbols radiating outwards. Most of them come in circular shape in flat or multi-layer design. Although it appears in many forms of flower, mandala is not a flower that grows naturally. The word mandala is from Sanskrit term that means circle. It has deep association with Hinduism and Buddhism.

Mandala is a spiritual symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism, representing the nature of the pure land, enlightened mind. As an aid to meditation, it helps practitioners concentrate their attentions. In general, the circular image makes people perceive the balance, harmony and cosmic infinity. Despite the fact that modern people may neglect its religious implications, the geometric shape remains ideal metaphor for universe, continuous life cycle, death and rebirth.

Inspirational mandala tattoo designs

When it comes to tattoo design, there is no limit how the imagery is drawn. However what the body art looks like is dependent on the style, size and placement of tattoo. If it is the sole metaphor, the mandala could appear in singular one. There are many tattoo styles to apply for presentation, such as,

  • Gray wash – black and white or grayscale
  • Dotwork – unique tattoo style featuring black dots
  • Tribal – incorporates styles or elements of Polynesian tattoos
  • Split – ink half of mandala in hands or arms symmetrically

Apart from singular design, mandala gets along with many other metaphors such as rose, anchor, skull, etc.

In terms of placement, the intricate mandala tattoos are often inked on the shoulder, back or arms. It creates mysterious imaginations for the wearers. Check out the roundup of the best pieces we have collected if you’d like to find inspiration.

Mandala Tattoo on back and shoulder-3

Mandala Tattoo-9

Mandala inspired geometric tattoo for men, a signage of eternal love to his loved one

Mandala and Skull Tattoo for Man-27

An example of mandala symbol integrated in a maritime tattoo design. The skull, anchor and mandala symbols represents balance and safe voyage in the life.

Small mandala sleeve tattoo for women

Small mandala sleeve tattoo for women

Tribal inspired mandala ink on thigh

Tribal inspired mandala ink on thigh

A beautiful mandala inspired thigh tattoo, a unique fashion statement for a girl.

Gorgeous henna tattoo with mandala ornament on the back of neck

Gorgeous henna tattoo with mandala ornament on the back of neck

Split Mandala tattoo on two arms

Split Mandala ink art on two arms

Singular Mandala on arm

Singular Mandala on arm

Black and gray split Mandala ink on feet

Black and gray split Mandala ink on feet

Ornamental Manadala with pendant on thigh

Ornamental Manadala with pendant on thigh

Mandala Watercolor Tattoo-23

watercolor mandala tattoo

Four butterflies forming symmetrical shape

Four butterflies forming symmetrical shape

Pentagram mandala in grayscale

Pentagram mandala in grayscale

Mandala lantern

Mandala lantern

Stylized mandala back tattoo

Stylized mandala ink on the back

Double mandala floral ink on forearm

Double mandala ink on forearm

Full sleeve ink with mandala outline

Full sleeve ink with mandala outline

Mandala in ethnic oriental style

Mandala in ethnic oriental style

Black and grey mandala half sleeve ink for women

Black and grey mandala half sleeve ink for women

3D mandala flower on shoulder for women

3D mandala flower on shoulder for women

Sacred geometry mandala shoulder ink

Sacred geometry mandala shoulder ink

Mandala Sleeve Tattoo for man -17

Mandala Sleeve Tattoo-1

Enchanting Indian mandala ink on arm for women

Enchanting Indian mandala ink on arm for women

Masculine half sleeve tattoo with mandala element

Masculine half sleeve ink with mandala element

Circular mandala hand tattoo for men

Circular mandala hand tattoo for men

Aesthetic beauty of the mandala tattoo on the back

Aesthetic beauty of the mandala tattoo on the back

Colored mandala shoulder tattoo for men

Colored mandala shoulder tattoo for men

Mandala Tattoo-11

Circular mandala ink in pastel style on back

Circular mandala ink in pastel style on back

Sunflower mandala dotwork on arm

Sunflower mandala dotwork on arm

Multilayered Mandala dotwork on thigh

Multilayered Mandala dotwork on thigh

Exquisite mandala with shading on back

Exquisite mandala with shading on back

Mystic Mandala forearm tattoo

Mystic Mandala forearm tattoo

alf mandala ear tattoo with pendant

Half mandala ear tattoo with pendant

Mandala thigh tattoo

stylized mandala on thigh

Circular mandala tattoo on back for women

Circular mandala on back for women

Small mandala shoulder tattoo

Mandala love on shoulder

Gray wash mandala arm tattoo in feminine style

Gray wash mandala arm tattoo in feminine style

Black and gray mandala full sleeve tattoo

Black and gray mandala full sleeve tattoo

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2 Comments

  1. These tattoos have special meanings that are mainly used by mainly the Christians. One of the main meanings of these tattoos is the wholeness. This is mainly symbolized by the circular shape of this tattoo. Other designs have special meanings from the symbols attached to them. For example, some of the tattoos could be used to represent truth and honesty. Some of these tattoos are used for religious purpose such as representation of the trinity and eternity. Flower tattoos are very common and are mainly used to mean the blossoming of life.

    The flower is mainly known for its blossoming nature and thus when used in these tattoos that mainly reflect life issues it can be used to show the blossoming of life. Mainly, these tattoos are common among those people who have spiritual beliefs that are very deep and thus meanings symbolized by these tattoos are mainly religious. However, the above are not the only symbolism of these tattoos. Someone can customize this type of tattoo to have different meaning from the one stated above.

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