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Root Chakra Mantra
A root chakra mantra is one of the most direct ways to work with vital energy in the body. This vital energy is critical for the health of the physical organs associated with the root chakra as well as the body as a whole. A root chakra mantra is a wonderful daily practice. Start your day with 5 to 10 minutes of chakra mantras!
Root Chakra Seed Syllable
A simple root chakra mantra involves using the bija or beej seed syllable. The bija seed syllables are fundamental sounds that connect to each of the seven chakras. The seed syllable for the root chakra mantra is LAM (pronounced “luhm”).
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Easy and Effective Root Chakra Mantra
A simple and effective formula for chakra mantras is the sound OM followed by the chakra seed syllable, and ending with the word “Namaha” and then a repetition of the seed syllable. Thus, a simple mantra for the root chakra would be “OM LAM Namaha LAM.”
Meaning of OM in the Root Chakra Mantra
Typically, mantras begin with the sound OM. The Sanskrit word OM is familiar to most people. OM is the sound of the universe, the sound from which all other sounds are formed. OM serves to focus the mind at the beginning of a mantra.
Action of the Word OM
OM is said to draw the energy from the bottom of the spine to the top of the head. The energy of OM is one of expansion and ascension. In terms of healing, OM brings prana into the subconscious mind. OM is the sound of the sun and sheds light on addictive tendencies and negative emotions, bringing them to light for healing and transmutation.
Symbolic Meaning of OM
OM represents past, present and future. OM is a seed or building block of creation. OM is the mantra of assent, much like saying “amen” at the end of a prayer. In addition, when used at the beginning of a mantra, OM affirms the intention of the mantra.
Decoding the Seed Syllable LAM
After chanting the word OM, the root chakra mantra contains the seed syllable or bija for this fundamental chakra. The seed syllables originated in Tantric Hinduism or Esoteric Buddhism. Seed syllables are ancient, mystic sounds that capture the essence of a particular principle, often personified as a deity or buddha. The seed syllables do not have a specific translation, but are believed to contain great spiritual power.
The Energy of the “L” Consonant
The word LAM can be broken down into three letters or three sounds. The “L” sound is related to water energy. This brings about a stabilizing and holding effect, sometimes viewed as holding back negativity sent by others. In other words, this is a protective sound in the root chakra mantra. The sound “L” is a semi-vowel, meaning that it can be held longer than a consonant (such as B, T or D) but not as long as a vowel (A, E, I, O, U).
Central Vowel: Short “A”
The “a” in the word LAM is a short vowel pronounced “uh.” This vowel sound is directly connected to the root chakra. It is the most basic sound created when air passes over the vocal chords. This is a grounding sound that is present in the seed syllables for the first five chakras: LAM (root chakra), VAM (sacral chakra), RAM (solar plexus chakra), YAM (heart chakra) and HAM (throat chakra). This sound is especially important in a root chakra mantra.
Meaning of the Consonant “M”
The “M” at the end of the word LAM is the transformative energy of the universe and exists in the realm of thoughts and feelings. The sound “M” is a nearly universal sound associated with the feminine and the concept of motherhood ion languages around the world: mater, mama, mommy, matre, ma’am, moeder, ma, meme, majko, matka, mor, mere, maman, mutter, etc.
Putting It Altogether: LAM
When “LAM” is taken as a whole, the sound is closer to the earth element rather than the water element. This is appropriate for a root chakra mantra. The action of LAM is density, inertia, and formation in the physical realm. In the Ayurvedic system, the energy of LAM is kapha. Kapha is one of the three fundamental patterns created by a unique combination of the five natural elements (fire, air, water, earth, ether). Kapha governs stability and structure.
Meaning of “Namaha”
Finally, the root chakra mantra closes with the word “Namaha.” This word is usually translated as “I bow,” “I give reverence” or “I honor.” In addition, the root “namah” is also present in the word “namaste,” which is used to end many yoga classes and indicates reverence for the Light that resides in each person. The word “Namaha” also encapsulates the syllable “ma,” bringing in the energy of the Divine Mother into the root chakra mantra.
Root Chakra Mantra Meaning
This mantra can be translated as, “I give honor to the energy of the root chakra.” This is a simple but powerful mantra that should be approached with caution. The chakra seed syllables are very powerful. This is the reason that some experts suggest starting with five minutes or less a day when practicing chants that use the chakra seed syllables.
Other Approaches
Other approaches to using a root chakra mantra would include singing or speaking affirmations for the root chakra, singing chants to the deities associated with the root chakra, or the practice of sacred toning with vowels sounds. We’ll look at these options below.
More Resources
Learn more about the root chakra in the article Root Chakra Meaning. Or explore many facets of chakra mantras in Chakra Sounds & Seed Syllables.
Mantras to Root Chakra Deities
Another option for a root chakra mantra is to focus on the associated Hindu deities. Perhaps the most significant aspect of relating to a chakra god or goddess is the sense of a personal relationship. Giving devotion to a specific form of the deity can reinforce those characteristics within ourselves.
Root Chakra Mantra to Ganesha
The Hindu god Ganesha (also known as Ganesh or Ganapati) is associated with the root chakra. The feminine energy or goddess of the root chakra is known as Shakti or Kundalini. The gods Brahma, Indra, and Ganesha are associated with the root chakra. The feminine energy or goddess of the root chakra is known as Shakti or Kundalini. Ganesha Sharanam is a beloved root chakra mantra. A video of this mantra can be found at Ganesha Sharanam.
Ganesha as the Remover of Obstacles
Ganesha symbolism gives a glimpse into the stories and spiritual meaning of this well-known Hindu god. Accordingly, many of the symbols associated with Ganesha relate to his role as the remover of obstacles and the patron of new beginnings. Read the article on Ganesha Symbols.
Musical Note Names as Mantras
Solemnization is the practice of using syllables to teach pitch and sight reading. This practice aids in the recognition of the different steps of the scale. This approach originated in ancient India with a system known as sargam. Sargam is composed of seven tones called svaras or swaras.
System of Sargam
In the Indian system, the notes of the scale are paired with the following syllables: SA, RE, GA, MA, PA, DHA, NI, SA. Thus, the chakras and musical notes in this system would be: SA (root), RE (sacral), GA (solar plexus), MA (heart), PA (throat chakra), DHA (third eye chakra) and NI (crown chakra).
Attributes of the Sound SA
The sound “SA” for the root chakra is said to arise from the cry of a peacock. This sound is also associated with the planet Mercury as a planetary mantra. The note SA can be used to create a root chakra mantra. Singing this sound in different rhythms and at different speeds is a very simple root chakra mantra.
Meaning of the Root Chakra Sound
The full note name for the root chakra is “shadja.” The name means “the one that gives birth to six.” This is referring to the first note in the classical Indian scale. The other six notes are derived from this fundamental note. “Shad” means “six” and “ja” means “to generate or give birth.”
For more information, read Chakras and Musical Notes.
Healing Mantras for Root Chakra Organs
The root chakra governs the lower part of the body, including the legs, hips, lower back and lower spine. These areas of the body establish balance and stability. The root chakra also governs the organs of elimination including the colon and bladder. These are the organs and systems that provide a strong foundation for physical health and a platform for our presence in the world. Each related organ has its own root chakra mantra.
Role of the Root Chakra
The root chakra is the place where we process and transform energy, thoughts, and experiences related to security, safety, and personal and ancestral history. The root chakra is connected to the earth and helps with grounding in your environment. As a result, root chakra mantras emphasize the provision of basic needs such as food, shelter and community.
Root Chakra Mantra for Organs of the Body
The following are root chakra mantras for associated organs and systems:
RIGHT LEG: Om Tam Namah Daksina Padamule
LEFT LEG: Om Tam Namah Vama Padamule
RIGHT KNEE: Om Tham Namah Daksina Januni
LEFT KNEE: Om Tham Namah Vama Januni
NAVEL: Om Bham Namah Nabhau
BELLY: Om Mam Namah Udare
MUSCLES: Om LAM Mamsatmane Namah Kakudi
BONES: Om Sam Asthyatmane Namah Hryayadi Daksahastantam
Summary of Root Chakra Mantra Sounds
Bija Seed Syllable: LAM
Eastern Scale (Sargam): SA
Vowel Sound: UH
Musical Instrument: Drums
Sound Frequency: 432HZ
Hindu Deities: Ganesha, Kundalini, Brahma, Indra
More Chakra Resources
ROOT CHAKRA MANTRA ARTICLE SUMMARY
This article on finding a root chakra mantra includes a simple Vedic mantras using the Sanskrit seed syllable LAM. A video demonstrating the mantra “OM LAM Namaha LAM” is given. Other topics include detailed explanations of the sounds of the root chakra as well as mantras to the Hindu deities associated with each chakra.
Author Kathleen Karlsen
Kathleen Karlsen is a musician, artist, writer and speaker. She is the author of two books (Flower Symbols and Vocal Medicine) and over 200 articles. Kathleen, her husband Andrew, and their five children live in Bozeman, Montana. More about Kathleen Karlsen.
