In yogic wisdom, the journey of self-realisation begins at the base, the Mūlādhāra Chakra. The word itself comes from two Sanskrit roots: Mūla (root) and Ādhāra (support or foundation). Just as no tree can stand tall without strong roots, no human can rise into higher states of awareness without first stabilising this chakra.
As the Shat-Chakra-Nirūpaṇa beautifully says:
“Mūlādhāraṃ pradhānaṃ hi sarvaśaktisthalaṃ smṛtam”
(“The Mūlādhāra is the chief, remembered as the seat of all Shakti.”)
The Essence of Mūlādhāra
This chakra lies at the base of the spine, near the perineum. It is represented by a red, four-petaled lotus, symbolising energy, life-force, and grounding. The element associated is Prithvi (Earth)—solid, unshakable, dependable.
When balanced, this chakra gives us:
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A sense of safety and security
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Strong physical health
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Financial and emotional stability
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The feeling of being “at home” within ourselves
When imbalanced, we may feel anxious, fearful, restless, or disconnected from our body and surroundings.
The Bīja Mantra – “LAM” (लं)
Sound is one of the most direct ways to activate a chakra. The sacred seed syllable for the Root Chakra is LAM.
Chanting “LAM” with awareness sends vibrations to the base of the spine, dissolving fear and awakening stability.
“LAM iti bījaṃ japed dhīmān, mūle shaktiḥ prasīdati.”
(“The wise one who chants LAM at the root pleases the Shakti dwelling there.”)
Yogic Practices for Rooting
Yoga sees the body as the temple where prāṇa (life force) flows. To strengthen the Mūlādhāra, practice grounding āsanas that connect the body to the earth:
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Vīrabhadrāsana (Warrior Pose) – builds strength and confidence
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Malāsana (Garland Pose) – opens hips and releases stored fear
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Tādāsana (Mountain Pose) – teaches stability and rooted presence
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Setu Bandhāsana (Bridge Pose) – balances energy at the base
While holding each pose, imagine drawing nourishment from the Earth itself.
Daily Grounding Rituals
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Earthing (Bhūmi Sparśa) – walk barefoot on grass or soil. Let the Earth element recharge your body.
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Morning Stability Practice – sit in stillness, place your palms on the floor, and repeat silently: “I am safe. I am grounded.”
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Colour Therapy – wear red, eat root vegetables like beetroot or carrot, surround yourself with earthy tones.
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Prāṇāyāma – slow, deep breathing. Inhale to the base of the spine, exhale, imagining fear dissolving into the ground.
Self-Reflection (Swādhyāya)
To know whether your Mūlādhāra is balanced, reflect on these questions:
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Do I feel safe in my body and home?
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Do I constantly worry about money or survival?
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Do I trust life to support me?
Honest answers will reveal where healing is needed.
A Sage’s Reminder
In yogic philosophy, the serpent energy Kuṇḍalinī Śakti rests coiled at the Mūlādhāra. Unless the root is steady, this energy cannot rise through higher chakras. That is why masters always emphasised: first strengthen the roots, then seek the sky.
As one ancient line puts it:
“Yat mūle tishthati shaktiḥ, tatraiva jīvanaṃ pratiṣṭhitam.”
(“Where Shakti resides at the root, there itself life finds its foundation.”)
The Mūlādhāra is not just about survival—it is about trusting existence itself. When you honour it through yoga, mantra, and grounding rituals, you feel anchored, safe, and free to rise towards higher consciousness.
Start small: sit in stillness, breathe deeply, chant “LAM,” and feel the Earth beneath you. That alone is the beginning of true healing.
