Root Chakra Symbol – Meaning, Tattoos and Downloads
Explore the Root Chakra Symbol's sacred geometry, traditional variations, and cultural significance. Find tattoo meanings, mantras, yantras, and printable resources for your spiritual practice.
Explore the Meaning and Significance of Chakra Symbols: Discover the unique symbols for each chakra, their historical origins, and how they influence energy healing. Learn how to use these symbols to enhance your spiritual practice and balance your energy centers.
Chakra symbols are graphical representations of the seven primary energy centers in the human body.
Each symbol is more than just an image - it embodies the spiritual, emotional, and physical characteristics of its respective chakra.
Understanding chakra symbols is essential for anyone looking to balance and align their energy fields.
These sacred symbols feature specific geometric shapes, colors, and Sanskrit characters that convey deeper spiritual meanings.
In this guide, we will explore the 7 chakra symbols in detail, explaining their meanings, associated colors, and how they are used in spiritual practices like meditation and energy healing. By grasping the significance of these symbols, you can deepen your spiritual journey and enhance your overall well-being.
| Chakra | Symbol | Description | Color | Element | Animal Symbol | Bija (Seed Syllable) | Petal Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Root (Muladhara) | Square with 4 petals | Red | Earth | Elephant | लं (Lam) | वं (Vam), शं (Sham), षं (Sham), सं (Sam) | |
| Sacral (Svadhisthana) | Crescent moon with 6 petals | Orange | Water | Crocodile | वं (Vam) | बं (Bam), भं (Bham), मं (Mam), यं (Yam), रं (Ram), लं (Lam) | |
| Solar Plexus (Manipura) | Downward-pointing triangle with 10 petals | Yellow | Fire | Ram | रं (Ram) | डं (Dam), ढं (Dham), णं (Nam), तं (Tam), थं (Tham), दं (Dam), धं (Dham), नं (Nam), पं (Pam), फं (Pham) | |
| Heart (Anahata) | Six-pointed star with 12 petals | Green | Air | Deer/Antelope | यं (Yam) | कं (Kam), खं (Kham), गं (Gam), घं (Gham), ङं (Ngam), चं (Cham), छं (Chham), जं (Jam), झं (Jham), ञं (Nyam), टं (Tam), ठं (Tham) | |
| Throat (Vishuddha) | Circle with 16 petals | Blue | Ether | White Elephant | हं (Ham) | अं (Am), आं (Ām), इं (Im), ईं (Īm), उं (Um), ऊं (Ūm), ऋं (Rim), ॠं (Rīm), लृं (Lrim), ऌं (Lṝm), एं (Em), ऐं (Aim), ओं (Om), औं (Aum), अः (Ah) | |
| Third Eye (Ajna) | Two petals with inverted triangle | Indigo | Light | Swan | ॐ (Om) | क्षं (Ksham), हं (Ham) | |
| Crown (Sahasrara) | Thousand-petaled lotus | Violet/White | Cosmic energy | None (Beyond form) | None (Beyond sound) | All Sanskrit syllables in thousand-fold repetition (representing cosmic consciousness) |
The meanings of 7 chakra symbols are distinctive and complex - with each one corresponding to a different energy center in the body.These symbols are rich in spiritual meaning and reflect the unique qualities of each chakra, from grounding and stability to enlightenment and spiritual connection.
The colors associated with chakra symbols are not random - they correspond to the vibrational frequency of each chakra.
From red for the Root Chakra to violet for the Crown Chakra, these colors play a key role in chakra healing and visualization practices. Each color amplifies the energy and qualities of its respective chakra, helping you connect with and activate these energy centers more effectively.
Each symbol incorporates sacred geometry, colors, and Sanskrit characters (bija) that hold deep symbolic meaning.
For example, the square in the Root Chakra symbol represents stability, while the lotus petals in the Crown Chakra symbol signify enlightenment.
As we dive into each of the chakra symbols, you will learn how to recognize their shapes, meanings, and how they affect your mind, body, and spirit.
The Root Chakra symbol is represented by a red-colored four-petaled lotus flower or mandala. In the middle of the symbol, there are two geometric shapes:
Within the triangle, called the Mooladhar, is a spiral illustrating kundalini energy, a ‘sleeping serpent.’ This energy potential, once awakened, climbs up through all the chakras and connects with the universal energy via the Crown Chakra.
The Root Chakra symbol often includes the syllable लं (lam), which is the seed mantra of the Root Chakra. When vocalized during meditation, this mantra strengthens the energy of the Root Chakra. Additionally, the four petals contain the four Sanskrit syllables वं (vaṃ), शं (śaṃ), षं (ṣaṃ), and सं (saṃ).
The animal aspect of the Root Chakra symbol is an elephant, often depicted with seven trunks, representing each of the seven chakras.
Deities commonly associated with the Root Chakra are Indra and Ganesha.
The Sacral Chakra symbol is represented by an orange lotus flower or mandala with six petals.
In the center is the symbol of a crescent moon, which represents the element of water.
This symbol is also connected to the Hindu mythical creatures Makara and Varuna.
Within the Sacral Chakra symbol, the syllable वं (vaṃ) is often depicted as it is the seed mantra of the Sacral Chakra. The six surrounding petals are associated with the syllables बं (ban), भं (bhaṃ), मं (maṃ), यं (yaṃ), रं (raṃ), and लं (laṃ).
Animals linked with the Sacral Chakra include sea creatures and water animals, most often fish and crocodiles.
On a material level, this chakra is connected with blood and other bodily fluids, symbolizing the movement and stillness aspects of the water element.
Deities associated with the Sacral Chakra include Vishnu and Rakini. Vishnu is one of the highest gods in Hinduism, known as the ‘preserver,’ while Rakini, also referred to as Chakini, is a goddess who accumulates power through tantric practices.
The Solar Plexus Chakra symbol is depicted as a ten-petaled lotus flower or mandala.
The central geometric symbol is a downward-pointing triangle, representing the energy of the fire element.
Deities connected to this symbol include Rudra and Shakti Lakini.
The syllable रं (ram) is the seed mantra of the Solar Plexus Chakra. Repeating this mantra during meditation strengthens the energy of this chakra.
The Sanskrit syllables of the ten petals are ḍaṁ, ḍhaṁ, ṇaṁ, taṁ, thaṁ, daṁ, dhaṁ, naṁ, paṁ, and phaṁ. The animal symbol of this chakra is a ram, representing the fiery and powerful energy of the Solar Plexus Chakra.
The Heart Chakra symbol is depicted by a six-pointed star inside a twelve-petaled lotus flower or rosette.
The six-pointed star is composed of two overlapping triangles, forming a symbol known as Shatkona, which represents the union of male and female energy.
The Hindu deity associated with the Heart Chakra is Vayu, a four-armed god often depicted riding an antelope, the animal symbol of the Heart Chakra.
The Shatkona represents the union of Shiva and Shakti, or Purusha (supreme being) and Prakriti (mother nature).
When these two energies are in harmony, energy flows through the Heart Chakra, allowing one to perceive the world with love and compassion.
The syllable यं (yam) is the seed mantra of the Heart Chakra.
The twelve petals of the Heart Chakra contain the syllables kam, kham, gam, gham, ngam, cham, chham, jam, jham, nyam, tam, and tham.
The Throat Chakra symbol is depicted as a downward-pointing triangle inside a circle, which represents the element of aether.
Surrounding this central symbol is a sixteen-petaled rosette.
Sometimes a crescent moon is included, symbolizing cosmic sound and purity, two key aspects of the Throat Chakra.
The deity associated with the Throat Chakra is Ambara, a four-armed deity with white skin, often depicted sitting on a white elephant. The elephant symbolizes the animal spirit of the Throat Chakra.
The seed mantra of the Throat Chakra is हं (haṃ), and the mantras of the sixteen petals are अ (a), आ (ā), इ (i), ई (ī), उ (u), ऊ (ū), ऋ (ṛ), ॠ (ṝ), ऌ (ḷ), ॡ (ḹ), ए (e), ऐ (ai), ओ (o), औ (au), अः (ḥ), and अं (ṃ).
The function of the Throat Chakra is to purify energy, thought, and expression. When balanced, it allows for clear communication and expression of truth.
The Third Eye Chakra symbol is represented by a circle containing a downward-pointing triangle and two petals on either side.
These petals represent the two nadis (energy channels), Ida and Pingala, which meet at the brow chakra.
From here, energy flows upwards to the Crown Chakra through the Sushumna channel.
The two petals represent the syllables हं (haṃ) and क्षं (kṣaṃ), representing Shiva and Shakti. When their energies unite in the triangle, wisdom is formed, and the sound of ॐ (Aum), the sound of the universe, is created.
The seed mantra of the Third Eye Chakra is ‘Aum.’ Hakini Shakti, a six-faced deity, is often depicted within the Third Eye Chakra symbol.
The Third Eye Chakra, or Ajna, translates to ‘command’ or ‘perceive’ and is associated with telepathic perception and energy transmission.
The Crown Chakra symbol is represented as a lotus flower with a thousand petals.
The inner circle of the symbol often represents the void, symbolizing ultimate realization.
Sometimes, the inner circle contains a triangle pointing upwards or downwards.
The thousand petals of the lotus symbolize the magnificent experience of kundalini energy rising to the Crown Chakra.
This energy can feel like a lotus flower opening atop the head, accompanied by a flow of pure white energy entering the body through the top of the head.
The Crown Chakra has little association with material aspects, as it represents transcendence beyond physical existence. Its function is to connect a person to higher dimensions and frequencies, where time, space, and material substance no longer matter.
The use of chakra symbols dates back to ancient Hindu and Vedic traditions, where they were first identified as representations of the body's energy centers. Originally part of a spiritual and meditative system, these symbols have evolved over centuries but still retain their sacred meanings and importance in modern-day practices.
While the chakra system was initially developed within Hinduism, the concepts and symbols have been adapted across various spiritual and healing disciplines. Today, chakra symbols are used in yoga, meditation, reiki, and energy healing to promote spiritual alignment and personal transformation.
Understanding the history of chakra symbols provides valuable insight into their enduring power and significance, allowing you to appreciate their role in your spiritual journey.
Each chakra symbol includes a unique Sanskrit character, which represents the seed sound or bija mantra associated with that chakra. These characters, written in the sacred language of Sanskrit, hold a profound spiritual significance.
Reciting the Sanskrit bija mantras during meditation helps activate and balance the chakras, aligning your energy with the universe.
The incorporation of Sanskrit in chakra symbols connects us to ancient Hindu traditions, where these symbols were used for spiritual guidance. Learning the Sanskrit meanings of chakra symbols deepens your understanding of their roles in spiritual practice and energy healing.
| Chakra | Bija Symbol | Sanskrit | Transliteration | Pronunciation | Vibrational Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Root (Muladhara) | लं Laṃ (Lahm) | Lam | Vibrates with a deep, grounding "L" sound targeting the base of spine | Survival, stability, security, grounding, physical identity | |
| Sacral (Svadhisthana) | वं Vaṃ (Vahm) | Vam | Voiced with a flowing "V" sound targeting the lower abdomen | Creativity, sexuality, pleasure, emotions, relationships | |
| Solar Plexus (Manipura) | रं Raṃ (Rahm) | Ram | Rolled "R" sound creating energy at the solar plexus | Personal power, will, confidence, transformation, metabolism | |
| Heart (Anahata) | यं Yaṃ (Yahm) | Yam | Soft "Y" sound opening the heart center | Love, compassion, healing, balance, connection | |
| Throat (Vishuddha) | हं Haṃ (Hahm) | Ham | Breathy "H" sound resonating at the throat | Communication, expression, truth, creativity, sound | |
| Third Eye (Ajna) | ॐ Oṃ (Aum) | Om / Aum | Resonant "AUM" vibration centering at the forehead | Intuition, perception, imagination, clarity, wisdom | |
| Crown (Sahasrara) | ॥ Silence (Silent sound) | Silent Om | Transcending sound into pure silent consciousness | Consciousness, enlightenment, spiritual connection, transcendence |
Chakra symbols are powerful tools for enhancing your meditation and energy healing practices. By focusing on specific chakra symbols during meditation, you can direct energy flow to the corresponding energy center, facilitating balance and harmony. These symbols serve as visual guides, helping you align your mind, body, and spirit.
Many practitioners use chakra symbols in combination with mantras, crystals, or essential oils to amplify their healing effects. Whether you're working on healing a blocked chakra or simply enhancing your energy flow, incorporating chakra symbols into your routine can help you achieve spiritual growth and emotional well-being.
Chakra symbol products are popular for enhancing mindfulness and promoting energy balance. These items offer both aesthetic and spiritual benefits, helping individuals align their energy and improve well-being.
Creating environments that support chakra balance can enhance wellbeing in homes and workspaces.
Creating outdoor spaces aligned with chakra energies is gaining popularity in landscape design:
Art therapists use chakra colors and symbols as prompts for self-exploration:
Many people use chakra symbols as meaningful talismans in various forms:
Permanent or temporary tattoos of chakra symbols serve as reminders of personal commitments to growth and balance. Popular choices include:
Wearing symbols corresponding to chakras you're working with can serve as both reminder and support:
In our screen-centered world, digital chakra symbols can provide consistent visual reinforcement:
Ready to experience the transformative power of chakra symbols in your daily life? This three-week program introduces one symbol every three days, allowing you to build a comprehensive practice gradually:
After completing this introduction, consider these options for ongoing chakra symbol work:
Remember that chakra symbol work is not a quick fix but a lifelong exploration. Be patient with yourself and celebrate subtle shifts in awareness and wellbeing as they emerge.
The seven chakra symbols represent more than just ancient esoteric knowledge—they offer a practical map for navigating the territory of human experience in all its dimensions. From our basic needs for safety and survival to our highest aspirations for wisdom and unity, these powerful symbols provide access points to understanding and harmonizing our multifaceted nature.
In a world increasingly dominated by intellectual knowledge and technological advancement, chakra symbols remind us of the importance of embodied wisdom—understanding that emerges not just from thinking about life but from fully experiencing it through all aspects of our being. When we work with these symbols consciously, we activate a knowing that transcends mere information, tapping into the direct experience of our energetic nature.
Whether you approach chakra symbols from a spiritual perspective, a psychological framework, or simply as practical tools for wellbeing, their capacity to bridge inner and outer experience offers valuable support for living with greater awareness, balance, and purpose. As you continue to explore and work with these symbols, may they reveal their wisdom to you in ever-deepening ways, illuminating your unique path toward wholeness.
The journey of a thousand petals begins with a single square—may your exploration of chakra symbols bring you home to the magnificent totality of who you truly are.
