Throat Chakra Deities
by Kathleen Karlsen, Author of Vocal Medicine
The throat chakra is connected to creativity and self-expression as well as the actions of speaking, chanting, and singing. Mantras are an ideal tool for supporting the thyroid and related organs. One of the central Hindu gods associated with the throat chakra is Sadashiva. Other deities for the throat chakra are the Hindu god Ishvara and the goddess Saraswati.
Sadashiva: Throat Chakra God
Sadashiva is the highest form of Shiva, the Hindu god of dissolution. He is somewhat akin to the Holy Spirit in the Western tradition. Shiva expresses freedom, liberation and joy. There are many forms of Shiva as well as many consorts. Learn more about Shiva and hear Shiva Mantras.
SADASHIVA MANTRA: Namo Sadashiva Shambo, Hey Shiva Shankara Shambo; Bhagavan Deva, Shiva Shambo, Sadashiva Deva Shiva Shambo
Five Faces of Sadshiva
Sadashiva is often depicted with five faces representing five emanations of God or the four directions plus upward movement. Other sources view Sadashiva’s five faces as symbolizing the forces of the universe: creation, preservation, destruction, obscuration and grace.
Additional Sadshiva Symbols
Sadashiva wears a tiger skin indicating his victory over animal instincts. The snake around his neck represents the endless cycle of birth and death. The trishula held in one hand is a three-in-one symbol representing the divine as a trinity.
Ishvara: Hindu Lord of the Throat Chakra
Ishvara is sometimes viewed as the embodiment of the Higher Self rather than a particular deity. In other schools of Hinduism, Ishvara is equivalent to Shiva. In other movements, Ishvara is synonymous with Brahma.
Meaning of Ishvara’s Name
The name “Ishvara” means “ruler of blessings” or “chief suitor.” In Buddhism, Ishvara is associated with Avalokitesvara, a bodhisattva that originated in a male form but is sometimes referred to as female (Isvari). This is a variation of Kuan Yin, also associated with the heart chakra.
Saraswati: Throat Chakra Goddess
Saraswati is the Hindu goddess of wisdom, music and the arts. Her name means “the flowing one.” Her mantras often contain the seed syllable AIM, a feminine counterpart to the sound of OM. The bija syllable AIM is purported to strengthen the voice, clear the senses and open the lungs.
The Gift of Recitation
In ancient times, the ability to recite poetry and memorize Vedic scriptures was a highly honored skill. Saraswati is credited with granting this gift to her devotees. She is appropriately the goddess for the throat chakra since she governs speech, singing, and music.
Names of Saraswati
Goddesses often have multiple names reflecting all of their qualities and powers. Many have a thousand names! Saraswati is known by several lovely names including Saraswati Mata: Mother of Water and Lakes; Bharadi Mata: Mother of Wisdom and Science; and Bilvani Mata: Mother of the Woods. Learn more about Saraswati in the article Saraswati Mantra: Goddess of Music & Wisdom.
SARASWATI MANTRA: Om Aim Saraswati Mahadevi Saraswati
More Chakra Resources
Chakras and Musical Notes: Chakras and musical notes have been paired in a number of ways. Learn about both Western and Eastern systems.
Chakra Names: Chakra names reveal the roles of the chakras in the body on psychological, spiritual and emotional levels. Includes explanations of English and Sanskrit chakra names.
Chakra Flowers: Chakra flowers offer unique symbolic meaning for each of the seven major chakras. Flowers are among the oldest spiritual symbols, revealing the meaning of each chakra.
Kathleen Karlsen is an author, musician, artist, and composer. She has written three books (The Color-Music Connection, Flower Symbols, and Vocal Medicine) and over 200 articles. Her YouTube channel features over 600 videos. Kathleen and her family live in Bozeman, Montana, USA.
Throat Chakra Deities Article Summary
This article covers the throat chakra deities in the Hindu tradition. Pairing together the functions of the chakras and the personifications of the chakra energies helps to clarify the purpose of particular chakras. Each of the seven major energy centers are associated with one or more of the chakra gods and goddesses in the Hindu pantheon.