Written by Shail Rao-Rane
The Sahasrar Kamal, or the 1000-petal lotus, symbolizes the connection to cosmic energies and subtle worlds, akin to a radio transistor’s Ariel that captures and broadcasts sound. This lotus, represented as the Ariel of the brain, captures divine energies, much like an alligator attracts birds with its energy. It is analogous to the awakened Shesha serpent, attracting divine energies from various realms.
At the base of the Merudand lies the subtle Brahma Naadi, intertwined with the atoms of the black-colored Shatakona or 6-sided cone, symbolizing a strong foundation, akin to iron nails securing a roof. This black Shatakona, resembling a tortoise (Kurma), signifies the connection of life to a stable substratum, with the earth itself tied to the Shesha Naga serpent.
Kundalini, or the Divine Serpent Power, is the intertwining of the Brahma Naadi with the Kurma Shatakona, symbolized in marriage rituals through circumambulations. This represents the fundamental union in life, emphasizing the importance of Kundalini in uniting the body and Prana Energy.
Kundalini’s energy is so profound that it overwhelms the human brain. Sir John Woodruff describes it as a vault of hidden energies, safeguarded by locks (the 6 Chakras), accessible only to the worthy. Similarly, Madam Blavatsky compares Kundalini to a cosmic subtle electrical energy, more potent than physical electricity.
Nadis and Chakras have a striking resemblance to the nervous and endocrine systems. Each chakra aligns with specific endocrine glands, regulating bodily functions from reproduction to metabolism. The seven principal chakras correspond to various plexuses in the body.
Kundalini, represented as a sleeping serpent in the muladhara chakra, is the latent energy in humans. Pranayama techniques aim to awaken this energy, guiding it through the sushumna nadi, piercing the six chakras, and reaching the sahasrara chakra at the crown of the head. This process symbolizes the union of Shakti (kinetic energy) with Shiva (cosmic consciousness), leading to liberation.
Sushumna Nadi extends from the Muladhara Chakra to the Brahmarandhra, encompassing the six Chakras. Within Sushumna are finer nadis, including Vajra and Chitra, each with distinct qualities. The awakening of Kundalini passes through these nadis, symbolizing the spiritual journey from the physical to the divine realm.