Sanskrit Root Chakra Names

Muladhara Chakra, Root Chakra or Base Chakra

The lowest chakra in the body has several chakra names: root chakra, base chakra and Muladhara Chakra. The root chakra is at the base of the spine. The root or base chakra establishes your connection to the earth and to the “roots” embedded in your ancestral history.

The root chakra is the place of the Divine Mother or the feminine energy. This energy, known as the kundalini in the East, rises to meet the masculine energy of the crown chakra. Another English term for this chakra is the “base chakra.” The base chakra is the foundation upon which the other chakras rest, similar to the foundation of a house. In terms of Sanskrit chakra names, Muladhara is a combination of “mula” meaning “root” and “adhara” meaning “base or support.”

The Hindu symbol for the base chakra includes a square as a stable geometric form. This solid base represents the four directions, four seasons and the earth element. The symbol of the root chakra also includes a lotus flower with four petals. The four petals of the base chakra are generally viewed as mind, intellect, consciousness and ego.

The root chakra can also be seen as connected with your personal and ancestral history. These are the roots that can either bind you to the earth in a negative sense or give you a strong base and presence in the world. Find more about the root chakra in our other Chakra Resources.

This chakra is associated with establishing connection and survival:

• Connection to your physical body
• Connection to the earth
• Connection to the environment
• Survival instincts for food and shelter
• Safety, comfort and belonging

Related Article: Root Chakra Meaning

Sanskrit Sacral Chakra Names

Svadhisthana, Sacral Chakra, or Seat of the Soul Chakra

The second chakra has three different chakra names: the sacral chakra, the seat of the soul chakra and the Svadhisthana Chakra. In terms of the Sanskrit names of chakras, Svadhisthana means “one’s own abode.” The sacral chakra is focused on relationships. This includes one’s relationship with oneself.

The organs associated with the sacral chakra are the reproductive organs, the kidneys and the bladder. The sacral chakra is said to house the unconscious. This is sometimes symbolized as the ocean. The sacral chakra is also the seat of creation, called the seat of the soul.

The sacral chakra represents the spiritual potential that goes beyond the survival instincts of the root chakra. The sacral chakra is the realm of communication, exchange and finances. In addition to being the center of reproductive ability, the sacral chakra is also the seat of artistic creation.

Two of the deities associated with the sacral chakra are the goddess Parvati and the god Vishnu (an incarnation of Krishna). Parvati is the Hindu goddess of fertility, love and devotion as well as divine strength and power. She is the gentle and nurturing aspect of the goddess energy and the consort of Shiva. Learn more about Chakras and Deities. 

Related Article: Sacral Chakra Meaning

Sanskrit Solar Plexus Chakra Names

Manipura or Navel Chakra

The third chakra names are the solar plexus chakra or the Manipura Chakra. In terms of Sanskrit names of chakras, the name Manipura translates as the “city of jewels.” “Mani” means “gem” while “pura” means “city.” When purified, this is the chakra of inner peace. In English, other chakra names include the navel chakra. The solar plexus chakra is located at the naval, center of intuition (a gut feeling). This is the chakra where we get a gut feeling about people, places and events.

Mastery of the solar plexus chakra is largely the mastery of emotions. This often leads to success in life on many levels. Thus, the solar plexus chakra is associated with wealth and abundance. This is also the place of transformation: food is digested here as well as less tangible ideas.

The solar plexus chakra is connected to both service and desires.  The solar plexus is symbolized as a ten-petaled lotus that resembles a sun. The fire of the sun is similar to the physical energy needed to digest and transform food. Each petal corresponds to a specific Sanskrit letter and the overcoming of a negative tendency. Learn more at Chakra Symbols. Find more about the solar plexus chakra in our other Chakra Resources.

Related Articles: Solar Plexus Chakra Meaning; Chakra Symbols

Sanskrit Heart Chakra Names

Anahata or Threefold Flame

The chakra names for the fourth chakra are the heart chakra and the Anahata Chakra. The heart chakra is the focus of love and devotion. The heart expresses charity, compassion, and kindness. In addition, the heart is a focus for beauty and culture. The heart brings the awareness of community and compassion for others. The Sanskrit name “Anahata” means “unhurt, unstruck, unbeaten, pure or clean.”

The heart chakra is believed to house an inner chakra or chamber where the spark of life resides. In the Western tradition, this is known as the three fold flame or the inner chamber of the heart. In the East, this is sometimes called Brahma’s Cave.

The physical organs associated with the heart chakra are the heart itself, the circulatory system and the lungs. The heart chakra is symbolized by a twelve-petaled lotus with interlocking triangles in the center.

Related Articles: Heart Chakra Meaning; Chakra Symbols

Sanskrit Throat Chakra Names

Vishuddha or Power Chakra

The fifth chakra is the throat chakra or the Vishuddha chakra. In regards to Sanskrit names of chakras, Vishuddha means “especially pure.” The throat chakra is connected to creativity and self-expression as well as the actions of speaking, chanting and singing. The throat and thyroid are where emotions, intentions, praise and criticism are expressed.

The throat chakra is the place where energy is qualified through sound for blessing or bane with every word spoken. Thus, the throat is the place of greatest vulnerability and greatest strength. The throat chakra and thyroid are also connected to creative expression.

The throat chakra is depicted as having sixteen petals. In the center is a triangle pointing downward and a white circle representing akashi or ether. This chakra is associated with the neck, the esophagus, the teeth, the mouth and the ears.

The thyroid gland plays a major role in metabolism, growth and vital body functions such as heart rate and body temperature. Chanting is an ideal tool for supporting the health of the thyroid gland since the vibrations of chanting and singing pass directly through the thyroid.

Related Articles: Throat Chakra Meaning; Chakra Symbols

Sanskrit Third Eye Chakra Names

Ajna or Psychic Chakra

The sixth chakra is called the third eye in English, the seat of spiritual vision. The third eye is associated with perception, intuition and insight. The Sanskrit name for this chakra is the Ajna Chakra, which means to “command” or “perceive” or “authority.” The third eye, usually associated with clairvoyant abilities, can be developed with yoga, meditation and the practice of chanting.

The vibrations of chanting and singing are felt in the skull and can be consciously directed to the third eye and pineal gland. Other physical organs associated with the third eye are the eyes, the ears and the pituitary gland.

The third eye chakra is the door to prophetic vision, psychic intuition and seeing the future. This sacred spot is sometimes marked in the East on the forehead by the red dot known as the bindi. The third eye is symbolized as a transparent lotus flower with two white petals representing the ida and pingala (mystical spiritual channels). The ida and pingala are sometimes associated with the pineal and pituitary glands. 

Related Articles: Third Eye Chakra Meaning; Chakra Symbols

Sanskrit Crown Chakra Names

Sahasrara or the Thousand-Petal Lotus

The seventh chakra is the crown chakra, the seat of enlightenment, known in Sanskrit as the Sahasrara chakra. “Sahasrara” means “thousand-petaled.” In English, the crown chakra is a reference to the top of the head. The crown chakra is related to god-consciousness (samadhi) and the transforming powers of the divine. 

On the physical level, the crown chakra is related to the nervous system and the brain. Some people who believe that human hair is an extension of the nervous system. Hair has cultural significance around the world. Shaving one’s head can be a sign of renunciation or a sign of accepting the authority of another over your life. 

Related Articles: Crown Chakra Meaning; Chakra Symbols

Chakras as Keys to Health and Happiness

Although most sources describe seven major chakras, there may be many more energy centers in the body. For example, some systems include eight chakras. These systems add a sub-chakra for the heart. This is called the secret chamber of the heart or the cave of the heart.

Other systems include twelve chakras. This includes the seven major chakras plus chakras in the hands, feet and side. Detailed systems that relate the chakras to acupuncture meridians may include one hundred forty-four chakras or more.

All life experiences are stored in one or more chakra. Clearing the chakras of negativity is a process that can be accomplished in many ways. Tools include meditation, affirmations, mantras, yoga, dietary practices, and self-examination.