5 ANCIENT SECRETS TO ACTIVATE MOOLADHARA OR ROOT CHAKRA CHAKRA
Introduction: According to Hindu Philosophy and Yogic tradition, Mooladhara Chakra or Root Chakra is the first of the seven primary chakras. Location-wise, Mooladhara Chakra is located at the base of the spine and is connected with grounding and stability.
Physiologically, Moola Dhar Chakra is located at the Premium, i.e., the space between the annal outlet and the genital organ. More specifically, it is located at the Coccyx region where the tailbone is located. Furthermore, it is located at the base of the spine, and it is the first of the Seven Chakras, which are the main energy centers. This Mooladhara Chakra governs our basic survival instincts, a sense of safety, and connection to the earth. A perfect example is like the roots of a tall tree anchor firmly into the ground. Mooladhara Chakra helps us to feel centered, calm, and strong within.
In this fast-paced world, people are always engaged in some jobs, maybe physically or mentally, and automatically feelings of loneliness and ungrounded arise within the self. To mitigate this loneliness, we try to find out how we can come out of this loneliness. That’s where the Moola Dhara Chakra, or Root Chakra, comes in.
Here, we will delve into the meaning of Mooladhara, signs of imbalance, and powerful ways to activate Mooladhara or Root Chakra through Asanas, Pranayama or breathwork, affirmations, and mindful living. Whether you are a new entrant to Chakra Yoga or you are looking for a grounding practice, this journey will lead you to the root where real transformation begins.
01. What is Mooladhara Chakra?
As per Shiva Samhita, a Hindu holy scripture, we get:
“Adhobhage Cha Yonistha Sthanaṁ Moolasya Sandhishu |
Chaturdalasamakirnaṁ Lohitabja Nibham Smritam ||”
Meaning of the above Sloka is “at the lower part of the body, i.e., at the perineum, the space between the annal outlet and the genital organ, the Mooladhara Chakra or Root Chakra lies”. It is remembered as a red coloured 4-petalled Lotus.
According to Shiva Samhita, this place is regarded as “Yonisthana” or the abode of the womb. It symbolizes the birthplace of the creative forces. These red colored four petals symbolize Vrittis, as are Dharma (Duty), Artha (Wealth), Kama (Desire), and Moksha (Liberation). The word Mooladhara is derived from two Sanskrit words – Moola means Root, and Adhara means Base. Mooladhara is known by different terms. According to Tantra, it is known as “Adhara, Brahma Padma, Bhumi Chakra, Chaturdala, Moola Chakra, and Moola Padma. According to Veda, it is known as “ Adhara, Brahma, Mooladhara, and Moolakanda”. According to Shiva Purana and Gheranda Samhita, it is known as “Mooladhara and Adhara”.
02. Element of Mooladhara Chakra or Root Chakra: The element (Tattva) is associated with the Earth (Prithivi). Within these four petals, a yellow-colored square structure lies, which represents the earth element (Solid, stable, and grounding). This square is surrounded by eight Mandala, and this is placed on a large Elephant with seven Trunks. This large-sized elephant is known as Airavat, which represents immense power.
03. Presiding Deities of Mooladhara Chakra or Root Chakra: The God residing over this Mooladhara Chakra or Root Chakra is Lord Brahma (the creator of the Universe). Lord Brahma has four faces and four arms, and is red in color who sitting on a Lotus. The Goddess of this Chakra is Shakti (Dakini) whose color is shining red with supreme yogic power having a beautiful face and has three eyes, four arms holding a Trishul (trident), a skulled staff, a swan and drinking vessel, seated on a red lotus with and provide purity and awakening to the practitioners.
04. Kundalini Shakti: At the bottom of the Moola Dhara Chakra, there is coiled Kundalini Shakti, which is described as a pure Serpent three and a half coiled energy encircling a smoky colored Shiva Linga. This Kundalini is the spiritual energy in latent form in most people and can be raised upward when Moola Dhara Chakra or Root Chakra is awakened.
05. Bija Mantra (Seed Mantra ): The Bija Mantra (Seed Mantra) of Moola Dhara Chakra is “LAM”. Chanting of this Mantra with concentration can activate and purify the Root Chakra.
Summary of Shiva Samhita’s view on Mooladhara Chakra (Root Chakra)
| Attributes | Description |
| Location | Base of the Spine (Perineum) |
| Symbol | Red Lotus with 4 petals |
| Element | Prithivi (Earth) |
| Geometry | Yellow Square |
| Presiding Deity | Brahma |
| Animal Symbol | Large Elephant (Airavat) |
| Shakti | Dakini |
| Bij Mantra (Seed Mantra) | LAM |
| Energy | Coiled Serpent below the Lotus encircling the Shiva Linga |
06. What are the common causes of imbalance in Mooladhara Chakra (Root Chakra):
Imbalance in Mooladhara Chakra (Root Chakra) is caused by various factors that disturb the smooth energy flow and affect the feeling of stability and security of an individual.
i.Childhood Events: During childhood, if a child passes through turmoil or lives in a dangerous environment, he has to bear a long-lasting effect on the Mooladhara Chakra or Root Chakra since these childhood events adversely affect and mold the child’s security and core beliefs.
ii. Traumatic experiences: When a person feels their fundamental needs are in jeopardy, such a situation can obstruct the Chakra and compel them to feel unstable and insecure.
iii. Disconnection from Nature: The most common sign of an imbalanced Mooladhara Chakra (Root Chakra) is a feeling of being disconnected from nature. In this modern tech-heavy lifestyle, the person loses his touch with the natural world and this disconnection leads a feeling of:
- Restless or Scattered
- Numb (with no feeling)
Mooladhara Chakra is deeply connected with the Earth Element and stimulates the physical connection through movement, stillness, breath, and nature. When we forget these basic needs, this Chakra becomes weak and leads to feelings of instability and anxiety.
iv. Chronic Stress: Upsetting the equilibrium of Mooladhara Chakra (Root Chakra) is caused by continuous anxiety and worry of financial hardship, employment insecurity or insecure living circumstances.
v. Sedentary Lifestyle: Since the Mooladhara Chakra or Root Chakra is the main source of energy within the body, a sedentary lifestyle seriously disturbs the balance of this Vital Chakra.
The Sedentary lifestyle limits bodily movement, which reduces the circulation and energy flow in the lower part of the body, especially around the spine, legs, hips, and pelvic floor, where the Mooladhara or Root Chakra is placed. Lack of movement causes the energy movement to be blocked, stagnant, inactive or underactive.
vi. How does it affect?
- Feelings of physical weakness, tiredness, or unmotivated
- Feelings of insecurity, anxiety, or fear of change
- Feelings of disconnection from the body, poor concentration, and lack of purpose
- Leads to chronic health issues like lower back pain, hips, and affects the digestive system.
For restoring the balance in the Mooladhara or Root Chakra, it is essential to get moving, reconnect with nature, and re-establish a healthy rhythm. The best way of reactivating the Mooladhara or Root Chakra is to start gentle yoga, mindful breathing, or PRANAYAMA, standing and sitting more often.
vii. Physical ailment: Physical ailments like back pain, lower back pain, hip pain can have a direct effect on Mooladhara or Root Chakra’s energy flow.
7. How to Activate Mooladhara or Root Chakra:
This question is the most important part for those who really want to activate Mooladhara or Root Chakra for attaining self-realization. Until and unless Mooladhara is activated, no tangible result will be achieved. I want to share my experience, how I started this journey.
During my early period after initiation in Kriya Yoga, I heard the power of Kundalini Awakening, which is not possible without the Almighty’s Blessings and activating Mooladhara or Root Chakra, from my revered GURUJI. Initially, he did not disclose this secret technique to me. But I was very much interested in knowing the details about this secret technique. Only he advised me to practice MAHAMUDRA extensively, if possible, twice a day. Then I started searching various books.
One day, I found a book “GHERANDA SAMHITA” which describes how to awaken Mooladhara Chakra, since my purpose was to learn how to awaken Mooladhara Chakra. I informed my Guruji about this precious book; instead, he advised me only to concentrate on Mantra Chanting, practicing Mahamudra, Pranayama with Khechari Mudra, Sheetali Pranayama, Yoni Mudra, and Dhyana (Meditation). These were the initial tasks in the first phase of Kriya Yoga. All these can not be practically written in this Article. Instead, for my readers, I want to advise them to start Mahamudra.
What is Mahamudra? The great sage Gheranda says:
Paamumoolam Vaamagulphe Sampeedya Dridayatnatah;
Yaamapaadam Praasaaryaatha Karopaattapadaangulih.
Kantha Sankochanam Kritvaa Bhruvormadhyam Nireekashyet;
Poorakairvaayum Sampooryaa Mahamudraa Nigadyate.
Valitam Palitam Chaiva Jaraa Mrityum Nivaarayet;
Kshyakaasam Udaavartapleehaajeernajvaram Tathaa;
Naashayetsarvorogaamshcha Mahaamudraaprasaadhanaat.
The meaning is:
“Placing the heel of the left foot firmly against the perineum,
Stretch the right leg forward and hold the toes with both hands.”
“Contract the throat (perform Jalandhara Bandha) and focus the gaze at the space between the eyebrows (Bhrumadhya Drishti). Fill the lungs completely with air (inhale deeply) — this posture is known as Maha Mudra.”
“The regular practice of Maha Mudra destroys aging, greying of hair, and even death itself. It cures diseases like tuberculosis, chronic cough, constipation, enlargement of the spleen, indigestion, and fever.”
The process of Activation:
“The procedure for performing Maha Mudra is to sit straight on the floor with the left leg stretched and the right leg to be kept bent so that the heel can be pressed at the perineum. Then the practitioner should bend forward to hold the toe tightly without keeping the knee bent, and then raise the head slightly and focus the gaze on the eyebrow center, perform Pranayama with awareness on Mooladhara or Root Chakra of the energy center.
In the same way, the right leg is stretched and the left leg is kept bent so that the Perineum is pressed. Then both legs are stretched and hold the toes of both legs with two hands tightly and try to bend forward so that your forehead touches the knees and chant Mantra LAM as much as you can. Then sit on the Lotus Posture and start Pranayama. This is one complete set. This is to be practiced five to ten sets regularly, if possible, twice a day.
If this is performed properly with the help of your well-trained Yoga Guru, you can awaken your Mooladhara Chakra after a certain period of continuous practice. There is another stage for achieving the Kundalini Awakening, or Mooladhara Chakra activation program is to learn KHECHARI MUDRA. This should not be performed without proper knowledge. Since my point of discussion was how to activate Mooladhara Chakra, I am not going to discuss Khechari Mudra.
8. Benefits of Mooladhara Chakra Activation:
Several benefits can be achieved after activating the Mooladhara or Root Chakra. Activating this Chakra is like laying a strong foundation of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Just like a tree needs to be anchored strongly in the ground, likewise, the practitioner needs a balanced root to feel centered, safe, and supported in life.
The key benefits are:
- A deep sense of safety and security
- Increased vitality and stability
- Improved focus and mental clarity
- Emotional resilience
- Better connection to the physical body
- Self-discipline and healthy boundaries
- Foundation of Spiritual Growth
- Reduced anxiety and sense of fear
- Stronger connection to Earth and nature
- Balanced life decisions and stability
9. Precautions to be taken while practicing Mooladhara Chakra Activation:
While practicing, certain precautions are needed and these is to be strictly practiced according to your Yoga Guru’s advice. Every week, this is to be rectified by your Yoga Guru; otherwise, you can follow the following steps:
- Don’t practice forcefully
- Practice on an empty stomach
- Avoid during illness or fatigue
- For women practitioners, avoid practice during pregnancy or menstruation
- By being careful during practicing Kumbhaka (breath retention)
- Not recommended for certain health conditions:
- High Blood Pressure
- Hernia
- Heart problems
- Spinal injuries
- Recent surgeries, if any
- Practice in a calm and safe environment
10. What are the feelings when Mooladhara Chakra is awakened?
There are a number of unique symptoms that arise when Mooladhara or Root Chakra is awakened. The practitioners should not be afraid. It is advised that the practitioner should consult with his Yoga Guru. The symptoms are described in a nutshell:
When the practitioner practices as per his Yoga Guru’s advice, at a certain point in time, he will feel a sudden spurt of energy in his body. He may feel:
- Excessive hot or cold
- Tingling or buzzing in the feet, legs or perineum area
- A profound sense of groundedness, sometimes perceived as heaviness in the legs or pelvis
- A gentle rhythmic pulse at the base of the spines
- Feelings of thousands of Ants are moving upward and downward through the spines
- Hearing the sounds of Conches from a far-flung place
- Hearing the sounds of Mantra Chanting in the deep night
- Sometimes the practitioners can see their Ancestors moving around them during sleep
- During the practice of KHECHARI MUDRA with Pranayama, the practitioner may go deeper in his meditation for 2-3 hrs.
The practitioner can feel all or some of the above. He should not be afraid and should not disclose his feelings to anyone except his Yoga Guru. Your Yoga Guru will explain in detail. These are my personal advice to my readers.
11. Conclusion: Don’t think Mooladhara Chakra or Root Chakra is just a point in your body – it is a Gate Keeper of your Spiritual Life. You should note that it is the place where your huge energy is stored, coiled and waiting, not for force but for your awareness, devotion, and self-discipline. It is you only who can open the door of your huge energy source through your dedicated practice to reclaim your right to exist fully and fearlessly.
But my advice is not to HURRY. Just as a tree can not bear fruit without deep roots, you too can not rise without grounding. Don’t seek power before you gain stillness. Don’t rush to awaken quickly before you find balance. It will automatically be achieved after your prolonged, dedicated practice. Nourish it with Breath, Anchor with truth, and feed it with Presence. One day you will know, “You are not just on this Earth, but you are a part of it”.
Om Shanti. Om Tat Sat.
FAQ:
01. Question: How long does it take to activate Mooladhara Chakra or Root Chakra?
Ans: There is no time frame to activate this Chakra. This is fully dependent upon the practitioner’s dedication. Full activation and integration can take months or even years, fully depending upon the practitioner’s dedication, commitment and spiritual growth.
02. Question: Can I activate Mooladhara Chakra without Yoga?
Ans: It is a herculean task to activate Mooladhara Chakra without Yoga. But, in certain circumstances, it is possible.
During Meditation :
- During meditation, the practitioner should focus on Mooladhara or Root Chakra.
- Try to concentrate your mind on visualizing red colored with four petals Lotus at the base of the spine.
- Perform Pranayama or breathing technique with KHECHARI MUDRA.
- Chant the LAM mantra.
- Perform YONI MUDRA.
All these will help you to achieve your goal.
3. Question: What happens when Mooladhara Chakra or Root Chakra is activated?
Ans: There are significant changes happening within the body and mind. You will feel grounded and connected to the earth, and experience a feeling of safety and security. Generally, the feelings are:
- Increased energy flow
- Feeling grounded
- The feeling of the body becomes light
- A strange sensation of upward and downward movement of insects within the Spine.
- Hearing of conch sound from a faraway place
4. Question: Is it necessary to activate the Chakras in order?
Ans: In the traditional Yogic system, it is highly recommended to activate the Chakras in order starting from Mooladhara Chakra or Root Chakra to Sahasrara Chakra or Crown Chakra. This upward journey path is known as the Sushumna Nadi Path, and it directs the natural flow of stored energy for spiritual awakening from physical grounding to higher consciousness.
5. Question: Are there any signs that the Chakra is blocked or overactive?
Ans: There are multiple signs of a Chakra blocked, overactive, or underactive. This blockade creates imbalances which affect the body, mind, and emotions.
Signs of a blocked or underactive Chakra:
- Feelings of anxiety, fear or insecurity
- Lack of motivation
- Feeling of laziness
- Difficulty in concentration
- Feeling of low self-esteem
- Low energy or fatigue
- Poor circulation
- A feeling of cold
- Constipation or digestive disorder
- Lower back pain or stiffness
- Weak immunity
Signs of Overactivity:
- Signs of aggression, anger, or irritability
- Obsession with control
- Restlessness or hyperactivity
- Material attachment
- Excessive eating or addiction to routine
6. Question: What Colour is associated with Mooladhara Chakra or Root Chakra?
Ans: Generally, the color of Mooladhara Chakra is red. But why is it red? Since the red color is associated with Vitality, Strength, Survival, and Grounding. The red color also indicates the energetic life force that keeps us rooted in our physical body.
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