Muladhara

Muladhara (Sanskrit: मूलाधार, Mūlādhāra), meaning "root place" is the first of the main seven chakras according to Hinduism. It may be represented as red, although its root square form is usually colored yellow. That 'lotus' of muladhara chakra has four petals, metaphorically referring to the four vritties that find expression in this chakra: dharma (psycho-spiritual longing), artha (psychic longing), kama (physical longing) and moksha (longing for spiritual liberation).

Muladhara chakra is the metaphysical seat of Lord Ganesha within the subtle bodies of man.

Description

Muladhara is said to be located at the base of the spine in the vicinity of the coccygeal plexus beneath the sacrum .

According to Hinduism within this chakra resides/sleeps the kundalini shakti, the great spiritual potential, waiting to be aroused and brought back up to the source from which it originated, Brahman. It is also believed that Muladhar is a subtle abode of the Hindu God, Ganapati. And in the highest revered prayer for Ganapati, the Ganapati Atharvashirsha, it is mentioned that 'one who worships Lord Ganapati would easily grasp the concept and realize Brahman.

Muladhara is the base from which the three main psychic channels or nadis emerge: the Ida, Pingala and Sushumna .

Symbolism

It is associated with the following:

Deities: Ganesha, Indra, Brahma and Dakini
Element: Earth
Colour and shape: yellow square on a Red lotus
Animal: An Elephant with seven trunks.

Body Parts: Anus, Nose, Hamstrings, Calves, Feet

Practices

In kundalini yoga, there are various yogic practices held to incite the energy in Muladhara including: asanas (such as Garudasana, Shashankasana and Siddhasana); specific pranayama and importantly the practice of mula bandha which is endemic to appropriate bodymind discipline.

Alternative names

Tantra: Adhara, Brahma Padma, Bhumi Chakra, Chaturdala, Chatuhpatra, Muladhara, Mooladhara, Mula Chakra, Mula Padma
Vedas (late Upanishads): Adhara, Brahma, Muladhara, Mulakanda
Puranic: Adhara, Muladhara

References

Judith, Anodea (1996). Eastern Body Western Mind: Psychology and the Chakra System as a Path to the Self. Berkeley, CA, USA: Celestial Arts. ISBN 0-89087-815-3