Shamanism and Tantra in the Himalayas ॐ नमः शिवा

Bindu Madhav Temple, Varanasi, India Kevin Standage wrote: Situated high above Panchganaga Ghat in the shadow of Alamgiri Mosque, Bindu Madhav Temple is housed in a simple inconspicuous and rather nondescript building that one could easily mistake for any other dwelling in the twisting serpentine lanes of Varanasi.

273 Garbhagriha and Mandapa carvings on the wall of Panchakroshi temple in Varanasi Lost History wrote : Panchakroshi temple in Varanasi, a relatively less known temple, has 273 inscribed niches on the walls of Garbhagriha and Mandapa.

Sahasrara Chakra /Crown Centre

The Sahasrara Chakra is located on the top of the head. It is also known as the “Thousand-Petalled Lotus”, “Brahmarandhra” (the door to God) or the “Centre of a Million Rays” because it radiates like the Sun. No other light comes close to the brilliance of the Sun. In the same way, the energy and radiation of all other Chakras pale in the radiance of the Sahasrara Chakra.

Sahasrara = thousand, infinite

Bindu Chakra /Moon Centre

The Bindu Chakra is situated beneath the whirl of hair at the tip of the head. In the picture of the Bindu is a Lotus with twenty-three petals. Its symbol is the moon, which supports the growing of vegetation. Lord Krishna said: “Becoming the nectarine moon I nourish all plants” (Bhagavad Gita XV/13). Its Divinity is Lord Shiva, who is always portrayed with the crescent moon in his hair. The Mantra is SHIVOHAM. This Chakra is colourless and transparent.

Bindu = point, drop

Agya Chakra /Eyebrow Centre

The Agya Chakra is situated in the middle of the forehead, between the eyebrows. For this reason it is also known as the “third eye”. The Agya Chakra is the centre of clarity and wisdom. It forms the boundary between human and Divine consciousness. It is the meeting point of the three principle Nadis, Ida (Moon Nadi), Pingala (Sun Nadi) and Sushumna (Central Nadi). When the energy of these three Nadis unites here and rises further, we attain Samadhi, Supreme Consciousness. Its Mantra is OM.

Agya = command, knowledge

Vishuddhi Chakra  /Throat Centre

The Vishuddhi Chakra is situated in the throat. Its Mantra is HAM. The colour of Vishuddhi is purple. In this Chakra our consciousness reaches the fifth level. The corresponding element is Akasha (space). “We may also find this translated as “Ether”, which suggests this space should be filled with energy. The Vishuddhi Chakra is the starting point of Udana Prana. It is a function of this Prana to purify the body of toxic substances while breathing. The name of the Chakra is derived from this particular function. Purification not only occurs on the physical level, but also on the level of the psyche and mind. All problems and unpleasant experiences that we have “swallowed” and suppressed during the course of our life, continue to exist in the subconscious mind until they are faced and resolved with wisdom.

visha = impurity, poison | suddhi = purify

Anahata Chakra  /Heart Centre

The Anahata Chakra is situated in the centre of the chest, close to the heart. Its Mantra is YAM. The colour of Anahata Chakra is light blue, the colour of the sky. The corresponding element is Air. Air represents freedom and expansion. This means that in this Chakra our consciousness can expand into infinity.

Anahata nada = eternal sound the sound OM

Manipura Chakra /Navel Centre

The Manipura Chakra is situated behind the navel. Its Mantra is RAM. When our consciousness has reached the Manipura Chakra we have overcome the negative aspects of Svadhishthana. The Manipura Chakra contains many precious jewels such as the qualities of clarity, self-confidence, bliss, self-assurance, knowledge, wisdom and the ability to make correct decisions.

mani = jewel | pura = place, city

Svadhishthana Chakra /Lower Abdominal Centre

The Svadhishthana Chakra is situated at the lower end of the Sacrum. Its Mantra is VAM. The Svadhishthana Chakra marks the second level of our development. The evolution of consciousness towards pure, human consciousness begins in the Svadhishthana Chakra. It is the seat of the subconscious mind where all life experiences and impressions since the beginning of our existence in the womb are stored. The Muladhara Chakra is the storehouse of our Karmas, however these are activated in Svadhishthana Chakra.

sva = Self | shthana = place

Muladhara Chakra /Root Centre 

The Muladhara Chakra is situated at the base of the coccyx, it is the first of the human Chakras. Its corresponding Mantra is LAM. The Muladhara Chakra forms the border between animal and human consciousness. It is linked to the unconscious mind, where our actions and experience from past lives are stored. Therefore according to Karmic Law, this Chakra contains the course of our future destiny. This Chakra is also the foundation for the development of our personality.

mula = root | adhara = base, foundation