The Manipura Chakra is the third chakra among the seven primary chakras. Let’s explore the basic components of Solar Plexus chakra.
Introduction
The concept of chakras is not new. It has been around for centuries, with references dating back to ancient times. The word “chakra” is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning “wheel” or “turning,” and these energy centres were first mentioned in the Vedas, which are a collection of ancient Indian texts.
The chakras were also mentioned in the Yoga Sutras, a text written by the sage Patanjali, one of the key works on yoga. Patanjali described the chakras as “energy centres” located along the spine in the Yoga Sutras.
There are seven major chakras, which are located along the spine. Each chakra is associated with a different color, and each is thought to govern certain physical, emotional, and spiritual qualities.
The third in the row is the Solar Plexus Chakra, its Sanskrit name being ‘Manipura chakra.’ It is the seat of our power. Through this chakra, we can access our inner strength and determination.
This article will explore the meaning, symbol, location, element, and color of the Solar Plexus Chakra.
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What is Solar Plexus Chakra?
The Solar Plexus Chakra is associated with the element of fire and governs our sense of personal power and will. When this chakra is balanced, we feel confident and in control of our lives. We can manifest our desires and make things happen. When it is out of balance, we may feel powerless and stuck. We may have trouble standing up for ourselves or making decisions.
The Solar Plexus Chakra is linked to the digestive system and is said to be responsible for our ability to digest food and absorb nutrients. When this chakra is in balance, we have good digestion and assimilation. When out of balance, we may have digestive problems or trouble assimilating new experiences. We can metabolize our experiences and extract the lessons and wisdom from them.
The Solar Plexus Chakra is also linked to our emotions. When it is in balance, we can healthily process our emotions. We feel confident and in control of our emotions. We can express ourselves freely without fear. When out of balance, we may have trouble controlling our emotions. We may feel like we are on an emotional roller-coaster or bottling up our emotions until they explode.
Takeaway
The Manipura Chakra is the seat of our power. Through this chakra, we can access our inner strength and determination. It is associated with our digestive health and abilities for emotional management. When balanced, we experience healthy digestion as well as balanced emotional states. When imbalanced, it can lead to feelings of powerlessness, low self-esteem, and digestive issues such as stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, or indigestion.
What is the Meaning of Manipura Chakra
The name Manipura comes from the Sanskrit words ‘mani’ meaning “gem” or “jewel,” and ‘pura’ meaning “city.” This chakra is, therefore, also known as the “city of gems.” It gives us vital energy to progress both spiritually and materially. That is why the center provides us with the strength and will to explore inner and outer gems.
The Manipura chakra is associated with the element of fire. Fire is the element of transformation; through the Manipura chakra, we can transform our lives. We can use the power of fire to purify and cleanse ourselves, create new beginnings, and bring our dreams and desires to reality.
One of the governing planets of the Manipura chakra is the Sun. The Sun is the centre of our solar system, and as such, it is associated with personal power, vitality, and mental clarity. That is why when we learn to tap into this chakra’s inner powers, we also learn to tap into our power and use it to create the reality we desire. On the other hand, when we lose touch with that inner strength, we may feel powerless, stuck, or lost.
Takeaway
The meaning of the Sanskrit name Manipura is “city of gems.” It refers to our journey to explore our uniquely gifted personal powers. This centre provides us with vital strength to create and manifest new realities and explore deeper inner spiritual strengths.
Main Characteristics of the Solar Plexus Chakra
The main characteristics are related to energy, power, and action. When this chakra is balanced, we feel confident and in control of our lives; when it is out of balance, we may feel insecure, powerless, and directionless.
Signs of a Balanced Solar Plexus Chakra:
- A sense of personal power and control
- The ability to act
- A clear sense of personal identity and purpose
- The ability to be assertive and set boundaries
- The capacity for self-discipline and self-control
- A strong sense of personal ethics and integrity
Signs of an Unbalanced Solar Plexus Chakra:
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Depression
- Anger
- Frustration
- Exhaustion
- Indecision
- Insecurity
- Lack of confidence
Physical Responsibilities of the Solar Plexus Chakra
The Manipura Chakra is responsible for a number of physical functions in the body, including:
- Maintaining a healthy digestive system: It ensures that it works properly. It does this by producing enzymes and hormones that help to break down food and absorb nutrients.
- Controlling blood sugar levels: It helps to regulate blood sugar levels in the body, keeping them within a healthy range.
- Regulating metabolism: It is responsible for regulating the body’s metabolism. It helps convert stored energy into usable energy, which the body can use for various functions.
- Supporting the immune system: It helps to support the immune system, keeping the body healthy and free from disease.
- Controlling stress levels and anxiety: It can help control stress and anxiety, keeping them healthy.
- Increasing self-confidence and self-esteem: It can help to increase self-confidence and self-esteem, making you feel good about yourself.
- Enhancing creativity and intuition: It can help to improve creativity and intuition, giving you greater insight into yourself and the world around you.
Takeaway
The Manipura Chakra is mainly associated with our digestive and metabolic health. Any imbalance in this chakra can show physical symptoms such as indigestion, fatigue, and muscle weakness. We may also feel emotionally unbalanced, experiencing anxiety, fear, or insecurity.
Solar Plexus Chakra Location
The Solar Plexus Chakra or Manipura, is located near the upper abdomen. This is the area of the body where we store our power.
Through this chakra, we can access our inner strength and determination. We can set boundaries and stand up for ourselves as we access our core strengths. We can also assert ourselves without being aggressive. This area is also associated with our ability to feel confident and take control of our lives.
Takeaway
The Solar Plexus Chakra is located in the area of the stomach, just below the rib cage. It represents our sense of self-worth and confidence.
Solar Plexus Chakra Color
The color yellow traditionally represents the Manipura Chakra. This color also represents the element Fire. Fire is the energy that fuels our passion and drive. It is what gives us the strength to pursue our dreams. When we learn to tap into Manipura, we can harness the power of fire and use it to bring about our reality.
The Solar Plexus Chakra is also often depicted as a yellow sun. This is because the color yellow represents our inner strength and power. It is the color of our will and ego. When we are in touch with our solar plexus chakra, we can tap into our power and use it to achieve our goals.
Takeaway
The color yellow is associated with the Solar Plexus Chakra. This chakra is responsible for our power, sense of self-worth, and ability to feel confident and control our lives.
Solar Plexus Chakra Symbol
The Manipura Chakra is a symbol of vitality and purification. In the picture, we see ten petals representing pranas or vital forces that control our lives; an additional triangle points downward with its tip symbolizing “energy spreading” – this signifies activation for growth & development within oneself!
- Ten-Petal Lotus: The petals are signified with the syllables ḍaṁ, ḍhaṁ, ṇaṁ, taṁ, thaṁ, daṁ, dhaṁ, naṁ, paṁ and phaṁ. The petals also represent the ten mental afflictions of the mind, also known as ‘vrittis’: spiritual ignorance, greedy desires, envy, disloyalty, disgrace, fear, hatred, misconception, idiocy, and unhappiness. Manipura’s ten petals represent the ten Pranas, or life-force energies, that flow through the body. These Pranas are responsible for regulating various functions in the body, from breathing and digestion to circulation and elimination. The five Prāna Vayus are: Prāna, Apāna, Udāna, Samāna and Vyāna. The five Upa Prānas are: Nāga, Kūrma, Devadatta, Krikala and Dhananjaya.
- Seed Mantra: The seed mantra for this chakra is “RAM.” It is very important for those seeking spiritual growth and development. It is said to activate the chakra and help flow energy through the body. The mantra is also said to help improve concentration and focus. When our consciousness reaches the Manipura Chakra, we have overcome all negative aspects of Svadhishthana. The jewels within this charka include qualities such as clarity and self-confidence with an ability to make correct decisions; these we can access through the power of the seed mantra.
- Deities: Vishnu and Lakshmi are the gods that reside in Manipura Chakra. Though they have many different forms, one thing is certain: their locations within these chakras represent health or spiritual prosperity for both materialistic as well as spiritual endeavors. Lakshmi – also known as “the goddess,” is the goddess of wealth and prosperity and refers not just to materialistic things but primarily to health & spiritual well-being, which makes our life successful or happy depending on how one chooses to use them. Goddess Lakshmi here also represents the opposition of spiritual wealth, often known as ‘Māyā,’ goddess of illusion. In contrast, the gifts of Laxmi are pure contentment as she signifies the emerging spiritual energy, whereas ‘Maya’ deflects the consciousness towards the illusionary mundane materialistic attractions. Vishnu – the preserver of Earth and its creator, is personified in this legend. He rests on an infinite ocean bed with a thousand-headed snake called ‘Sheshnaga.’ The snake is holding up the Earth on this head. His minor sway causes earthquakes across various worlds, including ours. A lotus on which the creator god i.e., Brahma, is seated from Vishnu’s navel appears.
- Animal – The animal most associated with the Manipura Chakra is the Ram. The Ram is fiery and lively, representing this chakra’s energy and power. It is proud, robust, determined, intentional, and able to move forward through barriers.
The Bottomline
The Manipura Chakra is located at the solar plexus, just below the sternum. It is associated with the element of fire, the color Yellow, symbolized through the ten-petalled lotus. It governs our power, will, and purpose. It represents our drive and ambition. When our Manipura Chakra is balanced, we have the courage to take risks and go after what we want in life. We can assert ourselves. When imbalanced, we may find ourselves being passive and indecisive. We may have trouble setting boundaries or speaking up for ourselves.
If you are looking to balance or work through your Solar Plexus Chakra, there are many practices you can choose to do. For guided yogic, meditative, and balancing practices, you can access our detailed course, ‘Understanding Chakras.’
