The 1st chakra is Muladhara Chakra or Root Chakra.
Muladhara, comes from the words Mula, which means Root and
Adhara, which means Base, Foundation, Support.
So, this chakra’s role is to connect all of your energy with the Earth ( base or “mother”) which provides us energy and food.
What is Muladhara Chakra and its Description
Muladhara chakra or the root chakra is the first of the seven primary chakras in the human body. Muladhara chakra is considered the resting place of the Kundalini Shakti, the inner dormant energy, which when awakened, gives great spiritual, mental, and physical benefits. It is located at the base of the spine. The corresponding body locations are the perineum, along the first three vertebrae, at the pelvic plexus.
This chakra is often represented as a cone of energy starting at the base of the spine and going down and then slightly bent up. Its energy is based on the earth element. It’s associated with the feeling of safety and grounding. It’s at the base of the chakra system and lays the foundation for expansion in your life.
The Divinity of this Chakra is Lord Shiva in his manifestation as “Master of the Animals” – Pashupati Mahadeva – meaning that the lower qualities have been overcome.
The symbol of the root chakra is composed of a four-petaled lotus flower, often stylized as a circle with four petals with a downward-pointing triangle. The downward-pointing triangle is a symbol of spirit connecting with the matter, grounding on the earth and our earthly existence, in our bodies. It’s seen as the center of our vital life force and is the seat where kundalini stays coiled, dormant until it wakes up to distribute its energy through all the other chakras.
The other meaning indicates an upward expansion of consciousness. The downward-pointing tip of the triangle is the starting point, the seed, and the upward-moving sides of the triangle indicate the unfolding of consciousness towards human consciousness.
The animal designated to represent the Muladhara Chakra is an Elephant with seven trunks. The Elephant is a symbol of wisdom. The seven trunks symbolize the seven treasures of the earth (Saptdhatu).
The four petals signify the four fundamental psychic functions
Mind (Manas), Intellect (Buddhi), Consciousness (Chitta), and Ego (Ahamkara) – all of which originate in this Chakra.
The petals are crimson in color. On the petals are found the seed letters Vam, Sham, Shham, and Sam written in golden color. In the center or pericarp of the flower is a yellow square. The square symbolizes the Bhumi Tattva or element of earth and is surrounded by 8 spears.
Within it, in the lower part is the Dhara-Beeja or letter Lam. Inside it is the Beeja of Indra, with four arms and seated on elephant Airavata with 7 trunks. He is yellow in color and has the Vajra (Thunderbolt) in his hands. In his lap, is the Brahma, who is red in color and has four faces and four arms in which he holds a staff (Danda), Kamandalu, Japa mala of rudraksha beads, and gesture of dispelling fear.
Inside the pericarp of the flower there resides the Deity of the Muladhara Chakra called Dakini. She is red in color and has four arms
On the elephant’s back, in the center of the yellow square is a red inverted triangle. The inverted triangle symbolizes the feminine force or Shakti or Goddess. This Shakti or Goddess is Tripura. Inside the triangle is a Linga or symbol of Shiva which is smoky in color. Coiled around the Linga is the Kundalini Shakti in three and a half coils, as lustrous as lightning. The three coils represent the three Gunas of Tamas, Rajas, and Sattva. The half coil represents transcendence.
The typical color used to represent the root chakra is a rich vermilion red. This is the color used on its symbol to fill its petals. Traditionally, it is also associated with the color yellow or gold (this is the color of its element as opposed to its petals). In the spectrum of chakra colors, red symbolizes strength, and vitality, and stimulates our instinctual tendencies. The red color represents the color of Shakti. Shakti means energy, movement, awakening, and development. Red symbolizes the awakening of the sleeping consciousness
Beej Mantra For Root Chakra
The mantra for this chakra is LAM.
Root chakra Element
The element of the Muladhara chakra is Earth or Bhumi Tatva
Chakradhishthatri of Muladhara Chakra
Goddess Dakini is the presiding deity or Chakradhishthatri of Muladhara. She is depicted with 4 arms and brilliant red eyes. She shines like the luster of many suns rising at the same time. Goddess Dakini is the carrier of the revelation of the ever-pure intelligence.
Sense Organ connected with Muladhara Chakra
In tantra, Muladhara Chakra is related to the nasal cavity and the sense of smell.
Root chakra Color
The root Chakra color is red.
The organs controlled by this chakra are the reproductive organs, immune system, and the large intestine.
Stone: Hematite
When it develops: 1-7 years old
Muladhara Chakra
| Location | At the base of the spine Perineum in males, Near cervix in female |
| Petals | 4 |
| Color | Crimson/Red |
| Element | Earth |
| Sense | Sense of smell Nasal Cavity |
| Beej Mantra | Lam |
| Chakradhishthatri Devi | Dakini |
| Animal associated | Airavat Elephant with 7 trunks |
Muladhara chakra ( Root Chakra )Properties
The first chakra has the following properties or characteristics:
- Security, safety
- Survival
- Basic needs (food, sleep, shelter, self-preservation, etc.)
- Physicality, physical identity, and aspects of self
- Grounding
- Support and foundation for living our lives
Its improper functioning can lead to negative qualities like
- laziness
- Inertia
- Self-centeredness and
- Domination by one’s physical desires.
Although the functioning of all the chakras is important, some believe that the Muladhara chakra is the most important for health and overall wellbeing. It is believed that the actions and memories of the last life are stored in this region.
It forms the borderline between human and animal consciousness. It is also the foundation of every individual’s future and the initiation of personality development. Vitality, vigor, and growth are the characteristics imparted in humans by this chakra.
How to know blocked or imbalanced Root( Muladhara) Chakra
Imbalanced or Blocked Root Chakra has the following characteristics
- Excessive negativity and negative thoughts– making everything suddenly feel uncertain.
- Feel threatened, panicked, or anxious
- Decrease concentration
- Eating disorders
- Greed
- Illusion
- Excessive feelings of insecurity, living in survival mode constantly
- Laziness, self-centeredness
- Domination by one’s physical desires
For a person who has an imbalance in the first chakra, it might be hard to feel safe in the world and everything looks like a potential risk. The desire for security dominates. A blocked root chakra may turn into behavior ruled mainly by fear.
Physical issues potentially caused by blocked Root Chakra include lower back problems, hip problems, prostate problems, obesity, arthritis, varicose veins, anorexia, low energy levels, and cold extremities. The person may have poor bone structure and a weak physical structure
How to Activate Muladhara Chakra?
- The best way to activate a chakra is to develop sattva tattva in yourself by doing
MANANA – To think about, reflect
SANKALPA – To have the right intentions, to make positive resolutions
VIKALPA – To remove doubts and discard false ideas
ATMA CHINTANA – To be conscious of the Divine Self (Atma)at all times.
2. Regular chanting the Beeja Mantra of the chakra. The Beeja Mantra of Muladhara Chakra is Lam. Chanting this seed mantra activates the Muladhara chakra. To get a quick and more beneficial chant Beeja Mantra at a specific time for a specific duration regularly.
3. Nasikagra Dhristi or Nose tip gazing. Since the Muladhara Chakra is connected to the sense of smell, hence this technique is used to activate the root plexus.
4. Mula Bandha (Perineal Lock or the Root Lock) can also be used to activate this chakra.
- Meditate focusing on the location of the chakra, the base of the spine. Visualize a lotus at this point while meditating.
- Deep breathing exercises, anulom-vilom, and pranayama also help to activate the Muladhara chakra
- Regular practice of specific yogasana to activate muladhara chakra like
Padmasana,
Malasana,
- To activate or balance root chakra engage more in grounding and earth-related activities like gardening, cooking healthy, connecting with nature, etc.
- Reiki, healing stones have also been used to balance Chakras, reduce stress and enhance health.
The root chakra delivers life energy to all the other major and minor chakras. When balanced a person is healthy and experiences overall well-being. He or she gets physically active and becomes confident.
The root chakra provides the foundation on which we build our life. It supports us in growing and feeling safe in exploring all the aspects of life. It is related to our feeling of safety and security, whether it’s physical or regarding our bodily needs or metaphorical regarding housing and financial safety. On the whole, the first chakra is related to the idea of survival and safety.
People with blocks in this chakra experience insecurity in every sphere of life. Activating this root center is required for releasing the instinctive energy as well as to awaken the Kundalini Shakti.