7 Chakras of human body

The 7 Chakras of the Human Body: A Comprehensive Guide

The word चक्र (cakra) in Sanskrit means a wheel or disc, symbolizing the circular flow of energy within the human body. According to Vedic and Yogic traditions, there are seven primary chakras that govern various aspects of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Activating these chakras can lead to enlightenment (सहस्ररुद्र योग - Sahasrara Yoga) or the understanding of the ultimate reality (ब्रह्मन् - Brahman).

Chakras in Human Body

There are 114 chakras in the human body, with only 7 being predominant and fundamental. These seven primary chakras are known as मूलाधार (Muladhara), सिद्धी (Siddhi), विशुद्धि (Visuddhi), आज्ञा (Ajna), ह्रींकरण (Hrīmkarana), वायुधान (Vāyudhāna), and सहस्ररुद्र (Sahasrara). Among these, the 7 chakras are triangular in shape, not circular as commonly depicted. The Muladhara is considered the root or basis of all other chakras.

How Do These Chakras Open?

The concept of opening chakras belongs to tantric and yogic science within Hindu mythology. According to these traditions, each chakra has a "seed sound" (मणिपुरा बजामन्त्र - Mantra) or Baja mantra, which is the symbolic representation of its energy pattern. By chanting these mantras, one resonates with the particular chakra. Crystal bowls or tuning forks are often used to aid in this process.

Why Should I Open These Chakras?

Opening and balancing the chakras can significantly impact your life by bringing harmony to your energy flow. If you feel isolated, despairing, deserted, or lacking confidence, if you struggle with emotions like fear, rage, or enthusiasm, or if you have physical illnesses, these symptoms may indicate that one or more of your chakras are either closed or overactive.

The 7 Chakras

The Root Chakra (मूलाधार - Muladhara)

• Location: Below the sacrum bone
• Endocrine System: Adrenal gland
• Color: Red

The root chakra is the foundation of all other chakras. It governs physical awareness and emotional stability, providing a sense of security and grounding. The seed sound for this chakra is "LAM".

• Balanced State: Well-balanced, sensible, stable, secure
• Underactive State: Fearful, nervous, easily unwelcome
• Overactive State: Overly materialistic, aggressive

The Sacral Chakra (सिद्धी - Siddhi)

• Location: Below the navel
• Endocrine System: Gonads
• Color: Orange

This chakra governs creativity and emotional well-being. The seed sound for this chakra is "VAM".

• Balanced State: Creative, emotionally balanced
• Underactive State: Emotional numbness, lack of creativity
• Overactive State: Overly emotional, impulsive

The Solar Plexus Chakra (विशुद्धि - Visuddhi)

• Location: Above the navel
• Endocrine System: Pancreas
• Color: Yellow

This chakra governs personal power and self-esteem. The seed sound for this chakra is "RAM".

• Balanced State: Confident, assertive, self-assured
• Underactive State: Weak-willed, indecisive
• Overactive State: Overly critical, aggressive

The Heart Chakra (आज्ञा - Ajna)

• Location: Between the eyebrows
• Endocrine System: Thymus
• Color: Green or Blue

This chakra governs love and compassion. The seed sound for this chakra is "YAM".

• Balanced State: Compassionate, loving, empathetic
• Underactive State: Selfish, unempathetic
• Overactive State: Overly emotional, manipulative

The Throat Chakra (ह्रींकरण - Hrīmkarana)

• Location: At the throat
• Endocrine System: Thyroid gland
• Color: Blue

This chakra governs communication and self-expression. The seed sound for this chakra is "HUM".

• Balanced State: Clear, articulate, expressive
• Underactive State: Inarticulate, hesitant
• Overactive State: Overly talkative, aggressive

The Third Eye Chakra (वायुधान - Vāyudhāna)

• Location: Between the eyebrows
• Endocrine System: Pineal gland
• Color: Indigo

This chakra governs intuition and wisdom. The seed sound for this chakra is "OM".

• Balanced State: Intuitive, wise, insightful
• Underactive State: Skeptical, unwise
• Overactive State: Overly trusting, gullible

The Crown Chakra (सहस्ररुद्र - Sahasrara)

• Location: Top of the head
• Endocrine System: Pituitary gland
• Color: Violet or White

This chakra governs spiritual connection and enlightenment. The seed sound for this chakra is "AHAM".

• Balanced State: Spiritually connected, enlightened
• Underactive State: Materialistic, unspiritual
• Overactive State: Overly spiritual, detached

Comparison Table: Western vs. Vedic Chakras

Practical / Modern Context

In today's fast-paced world, the concept of chakras can be applied to various aspects of daily life. For instance, if you feel overwhelmed by stress or anxiety, focusing on the heart chakra (आज्ञा - Ajna) through meditation and compassion exercises can help balance your emotions and improve your overall well-being.

Common Misconceptions

1. Misunderstanding of Color: While many sources emphasize the color associated with each chakra, there is no explicit mention in Upanishads or Vedas regarding these colors.
2. Overemphasis on Opening All Chakras: It is crucial to open the root chakra (मूलाधार - Muladhara) before opening other chakras as it provides a foundation for spiritual growth.

By understanding and balancing the 7 chakras, you can achieve a harmonious balance in your life, leading to greater physical health, emotional stability, and spiritual enlightenment.

Related Prabhukedwar Guides

• Complete Guide to Chanting Gayatri Mantra
• Kashi Vishwanath Temple & Sacred Banaras
• Meaning of Om Namah Shivaya Mantra

For more authentic Hindu temple guides, pilgrimage routes, mantras, and Vedic insights, visit Prabhukedwar.