7 Chakras in Yoga and Their Meaning

Chakras! This word has been ringing in the circles of yoga practitioners and spiritual seekers for years. But what do these mystical spinning wheels shown to be located in different parts of the body in diagrams and illustrations mean? They are said to be the focus points of the energies that have a great influence on your mental, spiritual and physical well-being. Each of these chakras is represented by a specific symbol and has distinct qualities and potencies. Let us learn more about the 7 chakras in yoga and their meaning to have a deeper understanding of the spiritual theories related to yoga.

What are Chakras?

The word “chakra” means “wheel” or “disk” in Sanskrit. According to tantra yoga, the main energy centres along the spine, known as the chakras, are in charge of regulating the body’s prana, or vital life force energy. Often, Chakras in Yoga are portrayed as colourful, spinning wheels of light and energy. Yogis think that they are essential to preserving harmony and balance in the body, mind, and spirit.

They are positioned in the astral body, along the spine, from the base to the crown of the head. The energy body that resides inside our physical bodies is called the astral body. There is an astral counterpart for every physical body part. It is impossible to see or touch the astral body. We are unable to view the chakras for the same reason.

Chakras in Yoga emit a certain colour and energy. Every one of them corresponds to a gland in the body. Physical, psychological, and emotional illnesses are thought to result from the blockage or malfunction of any chakra. This is because each one among chakras is associated with particular spiritual, emotional, psychological, and physical elements of life.

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What Are Chakra Symbols?

Chakara Symbols are the signs which are used to represent a particular Chakras in Yoga. It also represents the powers and influence of the chakra it is representing.

How Many Chakras Are There in The Body?

Although the “seven chakras” are the most commonly mentioned, the human body contains an infinite number of chakras. The body contains seven main chakras. All seven chakras have a certain frequency, colour, symbol, and sound connected with them. Your experiences with your physical, mental, and emotional well-being may vary depending on how blocked or healthy these energy centres are. The body’s seven primary Chakras in Yoga are as follows:

• Muladhara Chakra i.e. Root Chakra
• Svadhishthana Chakra i.e. Sacral Chakra
• Manipura Chakra i.e. Solar Plexus Chakra
• Anahata Chakra i.e. Heart Chakra
• Vishuddha Chakra i.e. Throat Chakra
• Ajna Chakra i.e. Third Eye Chakra
• Sahastrara Chakra i.e. Crown Chakra

Is There a specific Shape for a Chakra?

There are numerous beliefs surrounding the shape of the chakras. Some compare them to spinning discs, while others see them as flowers suspended from the spine. They even seem to resemble an ice cream cone to some individuals! The reason for the existence of all these many theories is that neither the eyes nor any technology can perceive the chakras. As a result, we tend to believe whatever information is commonly believed to be true.

According to the old texts, a chakra has a ball or sphere-like form. Furthermore, it is even thought that Earth is a minor chakra in the Milky Way galaxy and a major chakra in the solar system. Similarly, Chakras in Yoga in our body rotate to disperse some energy, but further information about this is still beyond human comprehension.

What Is the Size of a Chakra?

Chakras in Yoga are said to have a radius of one foot in some, but others claim that their size varies depending on the flow of energy through them. According to the scriptures, the Chakras in Yoga are very little because they are situated in the astral spinal cord, which is then located within the physical spinal cord.

7 Chakras in Yoga and Their Meaning

The idea of Chakras in Yoga has its origins in the old Hindu traditions, but it may also be found in Buddhism and has permeated other spiritual practices like yoga. The idea holds that the human body is made up of more than only bones, muscles, organs, and skin. It consists of multiple layers of energy fields enveloping the physical body. The designated subtle body, also known as the energy body, is thought to be composed of these layers. In this sense, “subtle” refers to “that which is most refined” or “that which is most delicate.”

The human body is said to have seven Chakras, which are intersections of various energy channels, according to yogic teachings. Prana, the life force, flows through these channels, or Nadis. Let us learn about the 7 chakras in yoga and their meaning in a detailed manner.

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Muladhara Chakra (Root Chakra)

The first or primary among Chakras in Yoga is the Root Chakra, also known as the Muladhara Chakra. The foundation of your energy system is the Root Chakra, which is situated at the base of your spine. It supports your physical health and existence and gives you a sense of security, belonging, and care. It also establishes your survival instinct and other instincts like sex, hunger, and sleep.

Yoga Postures Aiding Root Chakra

Yoga postures that develop stability and grounding via the legs, such as Mountain poses, Warrior poses, and Balancing poses, are capable of helping to balance the first Chakra. Through the four corners of your feet, they allow you to connect to the earth’s energy and transfer it upward, nourishing your entire body.

Powers and Influence of Root Chakra

It is also the area of our anxieties and avoidances. Furthermore, Kundalini Shakti, our strong latent potential, is found in Muladhara. We start bringing the dormant power within us to life through yoga and meditation. Asanas that assist us in focusing on this centre include deep lunges, squats, Chair poses, hip-openers, and warrior stances.

It is connected to the large intestine, bladder, kidneys, and spine. Bowel diseases, depression, immune system problems, addictions, and allergies are among the frequent symptoms of an imbalanced root chakra. When this chakra is out of balance, an individual may experience emotions such as insecurity, scarcity, worry, and fear of change.

Meaning of Symbol of Root Chakra

A square, a triangle pointing downward, and a lotus flower with four petals make up the Root Chakra sign. Each component is supposed to stand for one of the four facets of the human mind, which come together to constitute the foundation of human consciousness.

The four petals of the root chakra lotus represent the four facets of awareness, while the root chakra represents the origin of human consciousness. Ahamkara is the ego, Manas is the mind, Buddhi is the intellect, and Chitta is consciousness.

The number four reappears as the square, symbolizing fundamental life energy, stability as well as rigidity. The root chakra is supposed to be a solid foundation on which the chakras next to it can rest.

The inverted triangle is the elemental sign for the earth and serves as a reminder of the Muladhara or root chakra which is related to grounding energy.

What is Ganesh Mudra?

Ganesha Mudra is a powerful mudra that balances the Root Chakra because it provides anchoring and connecting energy. Hindu god Ganesha is also known as the one who removes obstacles. Because it urges you to remove any obstructions on your trip through the Chakras, this mudra is ideal for starting a Chakra yoga practice because it clears the way for a powerful connection to your essence.

Place your left hand in front of your heart, palm facing front, to do the Ganesha Mudra. Place the right hand in front of you and join your two fingers together. When you inhale, pull in and tighten the clasp; when you exhale, relax the grip. While you continue to do this mudra, consider the difficulties in your life and the things that prevent you from experiencing stability, connection, and grounding on a physical as well as an emotional level. Get rid of anything that isn’t helping you anymore.

Svadhishthana Chakra (Sacral Chakra)

The Sacral Chakra, also known as Svadhishthana, or pelvic chakra is located directly below the navel and is linked to the water element, emotional identity, and components of self-gratification. It serves as your creative nucleus for feelings, pleasure, and self-expression. It controls your joy of life, reproduction, and your desires and pleasures.

Powers and Influence of Sacral Chakra

Joy, passion, creativity, and emotional well-being are all associated by yogis with a balanced Svadhishthana. On the other hand, an imbalance could result in emotional instability or creative challenges. Physical symptoms could include bladder issues and lower back pain. In addition, you might develop attachment disorders, insatiable appetites, and even addictions. As a result, you can experience emotional and sexual frustration and lose the desire to pursue your passion. We can readily connect with people and find joy in life when the second Chakra is in balance.

Some may even get spinal discomfort, impotence, uterine and testicular disorders, and menstruation problems. Regarding the emotional experience, you can feel irritated, jealous, or communicate poorly.

Yoga Poses to Aid of Sacral Chakra

In terms of Chakra yoga, postures that twist, like the Reclined Triangle pose, encourage the abdominal organs to promote circulation in the pelvic region. Aside from that, squats and hip-opening poses like Twisted Monkey, Malasana, Lizard, and Reclined Bound Angle Pose assist you in focusing your awareness on this point.

Svadhishthana Chakra Symbol Meaning

The six petals of the sacral chakra lotus represent the attributes of rage, jealousy, cruelty, hatred, pride, and desire that must be conquered to cleanse svadhisthana. The cyclical nature of birth, death, and rebirth is represented by the circles. The lunar cycle represents disorder, perpetual transformation, and perpetual motion.

Yoni Mudra

Yoni Mudra, which is created by joining the thumbs and index fingers of both hands, is an ideal way to establish a connection with the second Chakra. It is meant to feed your creative spirit. Consider what you want to produce in your life or areas where you feel stuck while you perform this mudra.

Manipura Chakra (Solar Plexus Chakra)

Manipura, also known as the Solar Plexus Chakra, is the centre of one’s strength and confidence when it comes to Chakras in Yoga.

Powers and Influences of Solar Plexus Chakra

It controls our perception of our own identity, worth, and self-esteem. Physically speaking, the Solar Plexus controls your digestion, vision, and movement. It is likewise connected to the element of fire, with the same transforming and heat-producing properties, and is thought to be the pranic centre of the body. Diabetes, liver issues, or digestive issues are examples of physical manifestations of a solar plexus chakra imbalance. Emotionally, a person may experience sadness, low self-esteem, rage, and perfectionism.

Meaning of Solar Plexus Chakra Symbol

A triangle pointing downward enclosed in a lotus flower with ten petals represents the Solar Plexus Chakra. A lotus flower with ten petals serves as the emblem for the Solar Plexus Chakra, signifying the ten pranas, or life force, that pass through this energy centre. There are five pranas and five upa pranas in our system. Each petal stands for a distinct attribute related to this centre, including self-control, motivation, assertiveness, self-transformation, and willpower. The lotus flower itself represents our inner strength and personal power emerging and blossoming.

The lotus flower’s inverted triangle represents the link between the material and spiritual worlds. It stands for the harmony between our worldly existence and our higher self. This image serves as a helpful reminder to stay rooted in our higher purpose and find stability while navigating life’s challenges.

Asanas that Aid in Balancing Solar Plexus Chakra

Since this Chakra is associated with the abdomen, yoga practices that target and develop this area are ideal for igniting the fire within and clearing energetic blockages and imbalances. These include all the poses that strengthen the abdomen, such Boat pose, as well as asanas that twist. Of course, there’s no greater exercise than Sun Salutations to get your body heat up.

You can open your Solar Plexus Chakra by doing the Bhastrika Pranayama. The exhalation is highlighted in this breathing exercise. You breathe in via your nose and out through your mouth with a strong, forceful exhale. Place your hands at the level of your ribs and make fists with your feet hip-width apart. Draw your arms back toward your ribcage on the exhale and extend them out in front of you on the inhale. This is an effective workout that focuses all of your energy on your belly.

Kali Mudra

The energy of your third chakra can be accessed through the Kali Mudra, which is created by extending and pressing your index fingers together while keeping all of your other fingers interlaced. Your strength and vitality will be ignited by this, starting from the base of your feet and ending with your index fingers.

Anahata Chakra (Heart Chakra)

Anahata Chakra is in the chest and serves as a centre for love, human connection as well as emotional well-being. It acts as a bridge connecting the upper and lower chakras and hence harmonises energies that are entirely different from each other. According to Himalayan Tantric tradition, the heart chakra is the most potent centre of all, the actual “seat of the soul.”

The Powers and Influences of Heart Chakra

It establishes your tactile sensitivity and makes it possible for you to form relationships and experience generosity, compassion, and respect. You can grow spiritually and be able to offer and accept love when your Heart Chakra is in a state of balance. It gives you the ability to form close relationships and feel love for both yourself and other people. It’s how you open the door to receiving love in your life. An imbalance in this chakra can lead to emotions of rage and emotional numbness as well as a loss of interpersonal connection.

The vagus nerve, circulation, heart, and lungs are all directly impacted by this chakra. Anxiety, melancholy, scoliosis, heart problems, circulation problems, nervous breakdowns, and sadness are among the conditions that are more likely to occur when an imbalance exists in this Chakra.

Asanas to Aid Balance of Heart Chakra

Anhata Chakra can be opened up and its energetic centres brought to life using heart and chest opening yoga movements. These include forceful postures like Wild Thing (Camatkarasana) and Eagle stance (Garudasana), as well as backbends like Cobra pose (Bhujangasana) and Camel pose (Ustrasana). Work with heart-centred meditation, heartfelt prayer, and pranayama to open up the heart chakra. Additionally, backbends will aid in opening the heart’s energetic centres.

Breath of Joy

One effective breathing technique to open your Anahata Chakra is the Breath of Joy. Place your feet hip-width apart to begin standing, then focus on your natural breathing pattern. As your heart centre is all about love and compassion, bring all of your intents and thoughts there. Usually, we’re just giving and giving, but the true purpose of this exercise is to help you care for your own needs and heart.

Three inhalations and one forceful exhale make up this pranayama. Every time you breathe in, you move your arms: initially, you move them in front of you, then, you move them to the sides, and finally, you raise them. Allow your arms and upper body to sink and bend over your knees as you exhale, using your mouth if you’d like to.

Meaning of the Heart Chakra Sign

The twelve lotus petals of the heart chakra stand for the twelve heavenly attributes that are connected to the heart: empathy, compassion, unity, forgiveness, kindness, serenity, bliss, love, harmony, and purity. Two triangles, an upward-facing triangle and a downward-facing triangle, are used to symbolize the hexagram. The two triangles stand for the blending of the feminine and masculine energies to form a six-pointed star. It also symbolizes the harmony of yin and yang, or energy that is directed upward and downward.

Padma Mudra

The Padma Mudra, also known as the Lotus Mudra, is used to align your heart chakra. The Lotus is the ideal hand gesture to open your fourth chakra because it is all about love and compassion. It’s ideal to practice while seated on your heels. Spread all ten fingers and bring the palms of your hands together in front of your heart. As the other fingers stretch apart like a lotus flower’s petals, keep your thumbs, pinky fingers, and the base of your hands in contact. When you close your eyes and use your Ujjayi breath to tune into yourself, bring your thumbs exactly to the middle of your heart. Let rid of any unkind ideas and forgive yourself to cultivate compassion and love for your existence.

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Vishuddha Chakra (Throat Chakra)

The Vishuddha (Throat Chakra) is the energy source for communication, self-expression, and honesty.

Powers and Influence of Throat Chakra

It controls speech, hearing, and voice. The Vishuddhi Chakra is said to control your metabolism through your endocrine glands. Your creative expression honest speech and communication with others are supported by the Throat Chakra. Therefore, it might have a big impact on your creativity as well as your courage to stand up in public and tell the truth.

Energy blockages in this chakra can hinder genuine expression, cause issues with communication, and make it difficult to take in any form of food. You might even encounter issues with your throat, nose, and ears in addition to a creative block. Conversely, when the Vishuddhi Chakra is in balance, you feel comfortable expressing your creativity and the positive qualities of who you are. It is connected to the vagus nerve, pharynx, larynx, and lungs.

Breathing problems, sore throats, and asthma may occur when this chakra is unbalanced. If you have a blocked throat chakra, you may frequently suffer acute introversion, shyness, paranoia, or repressed emotions.

Asanas to Aid Balance of Throat Chakra

You can balance and purify the Throat Chakra by doing yoga positions that target the throat, such as Shoulder stand (Salamba Sarvangasana), Bridge pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana), Plow stance (Halasana), and Fish pose (Matsyasana).

Meaning of Throat Chakra Symbol

The sixteen-petalled lotus blossom that encircles an inverted triangle with a circle inside is the emblem of the Throat Chakra. The sixteen Sanskrit vowels correspond to the sixteen petals of the throat chakra. The light and easily pronounced vowels represent the airy nature of communication. This is the reason why communication is impacted by a blocked throat chakra. The inverted triangle is a direct representation of our higher self and a conduit to our consciousness and soul body. The full moon is represented by the sign for the throat chakra, which is a circle inside a triangle. A cleansed mind is represented by this.

Gyana Mudra

The Gyana Mudra helps facilitate your connection to the Fifth Chakra. It is the mudra of interior wisdom. Practice it with your hands on your knees, palms facing up, while seated cross-legged. Release the other fingers and bring the thumb and index finger of both hands together. Simply pay attention to your breath and notice any thoughts, feelings, or other occurrences that come to mind while you simply observe. Breathe steadily and evenly as you scan your body from the tips of your toes to the top of your head. Aim for the same length in each inhalation and exhale. It would even be a good idea to count to five with each breath in and out.

Ajna Chakra (Third Eye Chakra)

The Third Eye, also known as the Ajna Chakra, is the energy centre linked to purpose, spiritual awareness, intuition, and foresight. It is the point of convergence of the mind and body as well as the meeting point of the Ida and Pingala nadis, two significant energetic streams in the body. It is physically related to growth, development, and the pituitary gland. We experience increased intuition, inner understanding, and a sense that we are much more than just a physical body when relaxed consciousness flows here.

Powers and Influence of Third Eye Chakra

It gives you the ability to think, reflect on yourself, and get inner advice about your life’s course. It serves as the mind’s seat and command centre as well as the link between the body and mind. Consequently, it holds immense spiritual significance as it is said to merge the two primary pranic energies in the body, allowing the mind to become open to inner peace, divine sight, and intuition. You remain imprisoned in the domain of the senses and the consciousness of everyday reality if you don’t integrate.

Ajna Chakra misalignment can confuse as well as manifest physically as headaches, migraines, and dizziness. It could also make it harder for you to follow and believe in your instincts. When it comes to emotions, an out-of-alignment third-eye chakra might lead to feelings of fury, indifference, chronic stress, or anxiety. It controls our left eye, nose, ears, and lower and left brain. When in balance, the Third Eye Chakra strengthens intuition, encourages mental clarity, and increases psychic powers.

Asanas to Aid the Balance of Third Eye Chakra

In addition to restorative poses like Child’s pose (Balasana) and Cat & Cow, yoga practices that help realign the Third-Eye Chakra include the Dolphin pose (Ardha Pincha Mayurasana). This stimulates the Third Eye by increasing circulation to the face and brain.

Meaning of the Symbol of Third Eye Chakra

An inverted triangle lying in a circle between two lotus petals is the symbol for the Third Eye Chakra. The third eye chakra’s two petals represent the idea of duality between God and the Self. The triangle that is reversed symbolizes your relationship to the divine and actual enlightenment.

Hakini Mudra

Hakini Mudra is ideal for your Third-Eye Chakra, which is about concentration and focus. In front of your heart, bring the tips of your thumbs and all of your other fingers together. Shut your eyes, sense the equilibrium between your left and right hemispheres of the body and brain, and connect with your inner wisdom. You can use the Pranayama alternate nostril breathing technique (Nadi Shodhana) to balance the right and left sides of your brain to heal and purify this centre. This assists you in feeling aligned and bringing everything in toward the centre.

Sahastrara Chakra (Crown Chakra)

Our connection to universal or divine consciousness and spiritual well-being are attributed to the Sahasrara or Crown Chakra. It is regarded as the origin of all Chakras and the entryway to pure consciousness. It differs from the other Chakras in that it is not an energy intersection, but rather an opening due to its position as the highest energy center.

Powers and Influence of Crown Chakra

The Sahasrara Chakra connects you to the boundless and infinite and is the hub of inspiration, devotion, and faith. When this Chakra among Chakras in Yoga is out of balance, you could experience generalized negativity and a sense of disconnection from your Higher Self, your body, the outside world, and spiritual trust. You can feel calm and peaceful and have a positive outlook on life when you bring your Crown Chakra back into balance.

The crown is positioned on top of the head and is thought to be where our intuition resides. It invites us to reflect on our connections to all other living things on the planet and strengthens our bonds with one another. It is connected to our right eye, right brain, and higher brain. One may experience despair, insomnia, or headaches when they are out of balance. An emotional dysbalance associated with the crown chakra may manifest as conceit, haughtiness, delusions, or depression.

Asanas Aiding Balancing of Crown Chakra

As far as Chakra yoga goes, positions like Half Lotus, Headstand (Sirsasana), and Balancing Butterfly are excellent for rebalancing the Crown Chakra since they encourage balance, tranquillity, and concentration.

Meaning of Symbol of Crown Chakra

The thousand lotus petals encircling an inverted triangle are the representation of the Crown Chakra symbol. The relationship with the divine is symbolized by the thousand petals. Our oneness with the universe and other living things is also represented here. The lotus blossom represents the longevity and prosperity of these essential relationships. The full moon is symbolized by the circle. An expression of openness and an awakening of the conscious mind.

Crown Mudra

The Crown Mudra is a way to access your consciousness. Spread the other fingers out to the sides and bring the thumbs and index finger together. Raise that with one hand about above your head while maintaining a relaxed posture. From the base of your spine to the top of your head, sense the energy that you have developed. Hold this mudra while you work through all seven chakras.

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The Chakra system or Chakras in Yoga describes the entire human body, including the physical, mental, and emotional bodies. The actual application of this approach, known as chakra yoga, aims to improve health, foster self-awareness, and lead to spiritual understanding. It is supposed to remove any barriers to self-realization by guiding awareness to higher states of consciousness and balancing any physical, emotional, or mental imbalances you may be experiencing in your body.