The Solar Plexus Chakra “The yogi shakes the universe by contemplating the Self as the Manipura chakra, which is brilliant like the rising Sun, and gazing at the tip of the nose.” the Goraksha-Praddhati
Prior to everything else, our self-assurance, self-worth, and willpower are what set us apart from the pack. The sole reason why every person has unique conduct and character is due to these factors. Is it not?
All these powers come from our subtle body and the source of our inner powers in our subtle body is Manipur/Solar Plexus Chakra.
Solar Plexus or Manipura Chakra: Energy Centre of Transformation
The third major chakra in the series of 7 chakras is Manipura Chakra- the Solar Plexus Chakra. This chakra is associated with fire, the power of transformation. The energy of this chakra allows us to transform according to the challenges of our life.
Manipura literally translates to “City of Gems” in Sanskrit, where “Mani” denotes a gem and “Pura” denotes a city. Manipura refers to a chakra and denotes a bright or lustrous gem. According to yogic terminology, this chakra is the wellspring of our confidence and self-esteem, and the gem within us represents our willpower and sense of self-worth. This chakra can be balanced to bring out your actual self.
This chakra is located in the navel region just above the belly and below the breastbone. This is located at the center of our body.
Manipura chakra is the junction of Prana and Apana Vayu. This is the core of our personality and ego.
Additionally, the Solar Plexus Chakra is sometimes known as the Navel Chakra. In the verse that follows, the Srimad Bhagavatam also refers to the Manipura Chakra as the Navel Chakra.
कृत्वा समानावनिलौ जितासना सोदानमुत्थात्य च नाभिचक्रतः।
Then she (kundalini) carried the life air upwards and placed it in the position of equilibrium near the Nabhi Chakra/ Navel Chakra [Manipura Chakra.] (S.B. 4.4.25)
Manipura Chakra in Detail
To know Solar Plexus Chakra in detail, you need to draw your attention to the following points.
- Location.
- Color significance.
- Symbol.
- The energy frequency and seed mantra.
- Associated element.
Location of Manipura Chakra
The Manipura Chakra corresponds to the solar plexus and is situated in the Naval area (just above the navel).
The precise location of this chakra is a source of much uncertainty. Although many claims it is precisely at the solar plexus, others claim it is precisely at the navel. However, Guru Gorakhnatha describes Manipura’s location in Goraksha Sataka.
The chakra present in the Navel region is called Manipura.
Ramkrishna Paramhansa and Swami Vivekananda both asserted that the gross body or physical body is devoid of chakras. They too belong to the subtle body and can only be seen when the Sushumna Nadi is opened.
Organs associated with the solar plexus chakra
The pancreas, digestive system organs, and outer adrenal glands are all connected to the Manipura Chakra because of its placement at the base of the abdomen. These glands release hormones that aid in food digestion and energy conversion.
Color Significance
Yellow is the hue connected to the Manipura Chakra.
The color yellow represents clarity and enlightenment. Energy is represented by this color. Yellow is regarded as the color of the sun and is associated with brilliance.
Here, the color yellow represents realizing one’s actual self. Accordingly, the Solar Plexus Chakra radiates bright energy to demonstrate one’s tenacity of purpose and self-assurance.
Symbol of Solar Plexus Chakra
A golden, ten-petal lotus with a downward-facing triangle in the center symbolizes the Manipura Chakra.
1. The number of petals (10 petals). 10 petals represent 10 pranas within us. These petals are connected to 5 pranas and 5 Upa-pranas [efn_note] what are pranas and up-prana https://www.yogaindailylife.org/system/en/the-spiritual-background/prana [/efn_note].
2. The Downward-Facing Triangle. The downward-facing triangle signifies the energy of the lower three chakras is being gathered and spread toward the higher chakras.
3. Symbolized Animal. Ram (the riding animal of the God of fire) is the animal symbol of this chakra.
4. Deities Connected. Deities connected to this symbol are Shiva and Shakti Lakini (wife of lord shiva).
The energy frequency and seed mantra
Bijaakshara or Seed Mantra: RAM
Frequency: 384 Hz
Associated Element with Manipura Chakra
Out of 5 elements that lie within us, the element associated with the Manipura Chakra is Fire/Agni which is formed as heat in the solar plexus. Therefore we also call it the Fire center of the body.
The following behavioral traits are linked to the Manipura Chakra.
- Control over thoughts and emotions.
- Willpower and self-discipline.
- Confidence and self-esteem.
- Power to transform thoughts into ideas.
Balanced Solar Plexus (Manipura) Chakra
When the Solar Plexus Chakra is in harmony, one develops self-assurance and resolve. We develop self-restraint and discipline. It is similar to controlling our own bodies. A balanced Manipura chakra has the qualities listed below.
- Inner empowerment—As the source of our abilities, the Manipura Chakra provides us with control over our thoughts, emotions, and mood swings. A positive attitude and upbeat frame of view consequently emerge.
- Calm Mind: The Solar Plexus Chakra gives us mental flexibility by controlling our thoughts and emotions. We become relaxed and adaptable. We also don’t lose our temper easily, and we approach every challenge calmly.
- Self-esteem: Our sense of confidence and self-worth comes from the solar plexus. As a result, it provides us the ability to act with confidence and believe in ourselves.
- Digestive Fire: The Manipura Chakra supports the production of this fire. The digestive system is kept healthy by this chakra’s state of balance.
Imbalanced in Solar plexus Chakra
- A minor imbalance in the Solar Plexus Chakra can be detrimental to our internal will and confidence. The following illnesses manifest in our bodies as a result.
- Problems in the liver and kidney.
- Difficulty in respiration.
- Nerve pain.
- Poor digestion.
- Get easily offended.
- The feeling of worthlessness.
- Dissatisfaction and restlessness.
- Anger.
- Overreactiveness.
- Judgemental.
- Unwillingness.
When the Solar Plexus Chakra is blocked, you become ungrateful, impatient, and uncooperative. You will also feel worthless and all of your goals will seem out of reach. This infuriates and offends us.
Manipura Chakra imbalances come in two different flavors. When it is first hyperactive and then when it is secondly underactive. Let’s go over each one individually.
Overactive Solar Plexus Chakra
One gets extremely aggressive and power-hungry when the Manipura Chakra is hyperactive. Additionally, one develops a bit of a bossy personality and tries to manage other people. Here are some symptoms of an overworked solar plexus.
- Getting angry over little things.
- Trying to get control over the surroundings.
- Self-centered behavior.
- Lust for power.
- Hyperactive and possessive.
- Intolerant or conservative behavior.
- Overjudgemental.
Underactive Solar Plexus Chakra
One experiences a lack of ambition and confidence when the solar plexus chakra is underactive. These symptoms of an underactive Manipura Chakra are listed.
- Losing decision-making power.
- Hesitation to speak out your concern.
- Lack of confidence and willpower.
- Bad digestion.
- Low self-esteem and self-trust.
- Weak mentality and thought process.
- Fear to take responsibility
If you experience any of the symptoms, your Solar Plexus Chakra is out of balance. What must you do to balance this chakra, one would ask.
So allow me to introduce you to the Manipura Chakra balancing procedure.
How to balance your Solar Plexus Chakra
You must incorporate the following routines into your everyday life to restore equilibrium to your Solar Plexus Chakra when it is out of balance.
Physical Activities
1. Give some time to yourself
We frequently neglect to make time for ourselves in our hectic lives. This behavior prevents you from being able to reflect on yourself. Spend some time with yourself and make an effort to understand the effects of your actions. Additionally, make an effort to focus more intently on your inner self. You’ll learn who you are and what you’re capable of as a result of this.
2. Behavioral Changes
You can’t be open with others because of your unpleasant demeanor. Try to communicate with others in a loving and compassionate way. Open up to people and seek out new experiences, without a doubt. You can open up and balance the Manipura Chakra by stepping outside of your comfort zone and attempting something new.
3. Get Some Sunlight
The Sun has a tremendously positive impact on the Solar Plexus Chakra because the fire element is its core element. So make an effort to go outside and sunbathe on sunny days. You can balance your Solar Plexus Chakra with the use of this.
Yogic Activities
Your Solar Plexus Chakra can be balanced by practicing yoga. As a result, you can practice the following yoga poses to balance this chakra.
Meditation
The chakras can be brought into balance through meditation. You must direct your consciousness to the chakra’s position when you meditate to balance the chakras. Similarly to that, you must draw your attention to the Solar Plexus Chakra in this area, which is located just above the navel. The following actions can be taken to balance this chakra through meditation.
- Place your hands on your lap and take a comfortable Asana like Padmasana or Sukhasana. Take a few deep breaths to unwind your entire body, then close your eyes.
- Draw your attention to the Manipura Chakra, which is situated directly above the navel.
- Considering that the color yellow is linked to this chakra, picture a yellow source of light rising just over your navel.
- Now inhale deeply and try to warm the area around your navel. Hold the entire procedure for 5 to 10 minutes.
- When you’re finished, carefully open your eyes and wipe your hands over your face.
- During meditation, recite the mantra RAM (Manipura Seed Mantra).
- Moreover, you can do this whole process in Kapalbhati Pranayama for better results.
Solar Plexus Chakra Affirmation
Affirmations are some encouraging words or thoughts that we repeat to ourselves in order to overcome anxiety and pessimistic thinking. The Solar Plexus Chakra can be balanced by using the following potent affirmations.
- I am strong and confident.
- I pose my own powers.
- I love myself and accept every aspect of my life.
- I am worthy of love and respect.
- I am the creator and ruler of my life.
Solar Plexus Crystals
Nature and the Earth are said to possess the same abilities as our bodies. Since crystals and stones are a component of nature and the Earth, they possess certain properties and aid in chakra balancing.
The crystals and stones Citrine, Carnelian, Topaz, Tiger Eye Stone, Malachite, Amber, and Yellow Sapphire are beneficial for balancing the Solar Plexus Chakra. The Tiger Eye Stone is the most advantageous among these.
